Dune: Prophecy — Everything You Need to Know

Welcome back to What's Popular Now!

Another week, another edition of What's Popular Now! Get ready for a weekly deep dive into the world of pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle essentials.

TRENDING THIS WEEK

In the Spotlight: Must-Read This Week

Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson in a Controversial Showdown

In a fight that drew massive attention, Jake Paul defeated 58-year-old Mike Tyson by unanimous decision at AT&T Stadium. Despite the hype, fans expressed disappointment as Tyson appeared exhausted and struggled to keep up with the younger Paul. The event, streamed on Netflix, broke records but faced backlash due to technical issues and an underwhelming performance, leaving many fans unimpressed.

Dune: Prophecy — Everything You Need to Know
The prequel series dives into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, following the Harkonnen sisters as they shape humanity's future. With Emily Watson and Olivia Williams leading the cast, the show blends stunning visuals and deep storytelling, inspired by Sisterhood of Dune. It premieres November 17, 2024, on HBO and Max in the U.S., and November 18 on Sky Atlantic in the U.K. [Read More]

UFC 309: Jon Jones Dominates Miocic

Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title with a third-round TKO victory over Stipe Miocic, landing a spinning back kick to the liver followed by punches. Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler by unanimous decision in the co-main event, while Jim Miller secured a quick submission win over Damon Jackson.

POP CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Music

• Charli xcx performs ‘360’ with a purse on SNL.

• Katy Perry adds three shows to her Lifetimes Tour in Mexico after the first three sold out.

• Taylor Swift unveils the physical cover for ‘The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.’

  

Entertainment

• Elizabeth Olsen says that “Marvel films help keep theaters able to pay the rent” which allows for more small films to make their way to the big screen

  “I think streaming is sometimes the only option for small films to be seen, I just don’t have an interest in making something with the intention of knowing it’s for streaming”

• The Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight peaked at 65M concurrent viewers on Netflix. One of the most watched events of 2024.

• ‘THE WILD ROBOT’ has passed $300M worldwide.

  

  Gif by thewildrobotmovie on Giphy

Sports

• ESPN and ABC will have the rights to air ‘INSIDE THE NBA’ from next season.

  

  Giphy

• Colin Cowherd says LeBron James ‘easily’ has the best resumé in the history of basketball

  “Michael Jordan was more like Seinfeld. Nine great years, highly impactful, still discussed today. LeBron’s become Law & Order. We’re on Year 35, I watched an episode two days ago, it still crushes. I know Michael played 15 seasons and many of them were great, but he was a shell of himself at the end. LeBron’s in Year 22, on any possession, best player on the floor.”

Gaming

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is coming November 20!

• The 10 highest-selling video game consoles 🎮

QUICK QUIZ

Which TV show holds the record for the most Emmy wins in history?
A) Game of Thrones
B) The Simpsons
C) Breaking Bad
D) Saturday Night Live

(Scroll down for the answer!)

LIFESTYLE

Conversation Starters to Connect Better with People

We’ve all been there—standing in a room full of people, unsure how to approach someone or what to say. Starting a conversation can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can become easy and enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you confidently navigate conversations, from the very first "hello" to keeping the flow going.

Step 1: Start with a Friendly Greeting

Every conversation begins with breaking the ice. Start simple and warm:

• “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. How’s it going?”

• “Hey, I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m [Your Name].”

• “Hi! How are you finding [event/place]? It’s my first time here.”

Why it works: This sets a friendly tone and opens the door for a response without overwhelming the other person.

Step 2: Find Common Ground

Once the greetings are out of the way, focus on something you share, like the setting or situation:

• “This event is really cool—what brought you here?”

• “Isn’t [food, music, or speaker] amazing? What do you think?”

Why it works: These questions feel natural and make the other person comfortable, as they’re about something you’re both experiencing.

Step 3: Ask Open-Ended Questions

Move beyond small talk with questions that allow the other person to share their interests and experiences:

• “What’s been keeping you busy or excited lately?”

• “What’s a trip or project you’re looking forward to?”

• “What’s something fun you’ve done recently?”

Why it works: Open-ended questions lead to richer conversations and show genuine curiosity about the other person.

Step 4: Use Active Listening and Build On Their Answers

When they respond, show interest by actively listening. This isn’t just about nodding—it’s about engaging with what they say:

• “Oh, that’s so cool—how did you get into that?”

• “Wow, I’ve always wanted to try that! What’s it like?”

• “That sounds amazing! Tell me more about how that happened.”

Why it works: People love feeling heard. When you respond thoughtfully, it turns a conversation into a connection.

Step 5: Keep It Light and Fun

If things start to feel too serious or stagnant, throw in a fun or quirky question:

• “If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?”

• “What’s the most random or funny thing that happened to you recently?”

• “If you could instantly learn a skill, what would it be?”

Why it works: Light questions keep the mood casual and enjoyable, which makes people more comfortable sharing.

Step 6: Wrap It Up Gracefully (If Needed)

Not every conversation needs to last forever. If it’s time to move on, exit politely:

• “It’s been so great chatting with you! I’m going to grab a drink/check out [other part of the event], but let’s catch up again later.”

• “I loved hearing about [what they shared]. Thanks for chatting—have a great time!”

Why it works: A friendly exit ensures you leave a positive impression and keeps the connection open for the future.

Pro Tips for Better Conversations

• Be Present: Put away distractions like your phone and focus on the person you’re talking to.

• Smile and Use Open Body Language: A warm, welcoming demeanor invites others to open up.

• Be Genuine: People can sense when you’re truly interested, so ask questions you actually care about.

Conversations are about connection, not perfection. With these steps, you’ll not only break the ice but also create moments of real connection. The next time you’re in a social setting, remember: a smile, a friendly greeting, and a little curiosity can take you a long way!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Love is the one thing that transcends time and space."
— Interstellar (2014)

This profound line from Interstellar reminds us of the enduring and boundless power of love—an emotion that defies logic, science, and even the limits of the universe. A perfect reflection of how deeply connected we all are, no matter the distance.