Unboxing the original Xbox in 2001

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

"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" Premieres December 3 on Disney+

The Star Wars universe expands with "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," set to debut on Disney+ on December 3, 2024. This live-action series, created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, follows four children who make a mysterious discovery on their home planet, leading them into a vast and perilous galaxy. Their journey introduces them to Jod Na Nawood, portrayed by Jude Law. Set in the same timeline as "The Mandalorian," the series offers a fresh perspective on the post-"Return of the Jedi" era. Don't miss the two-episode premiere exclusively on Disney+.

2024 MAMA Awards: Celebrating K-Pop Excellence

The 2024 MAMA Awards, held from November 21 to 23, expanded globally with ceremonies in Los Angeles and Osaka. Aespa led with six awards, including Song of the Year for "Supernova," while SEVENTEEN secured five awards, notably Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for "SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN." The event's theme, "Big Blur: What is Real?", explored the merging boundaries between music, culture, and technology. Highlights included G-Dragon's return after nine years and a collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars. For those who missed it, performances are available on Mnet's official YouTube channel.

POP CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Music

• ‘GNX’ by Kendrick Lamar has now reached #1 on Apple Music in 100+ countries.

• ‘Midnights’ by Taylor Swift becomes the fastest female album to surpass 10 BILLION streams in Spotify history.

• The Weeknd becomes the first artist in Spotify history to have 21 songs surpass 1 BILLION streams.

Entertainment

• 25 years ago today, ‘TOY STORY 2’ released in theaters.

  

  Gif by maudit on Giphy

• ‘WICKED’ has already passed $100M worldwide.

  

  Gif by WickedMovie on Giphy

• ‘GLADIATOR 2’ debuts with a B on CinemaScore

Sports

• Robert Lewandowski scores his 20th goal in all competitions… in just 18 games.

  15 goals in 14 La Liga games.

  

  Gif by uefa on Giphy

• The official poster for the Men’s Survivor Series WarGames 2024 match.

  

Gaming

• First teaser for the ‘WARHAMMER 40,000’ episode of the video game anthology series ‘SECRET LEVEL’

  Releasing December 10 on Prime Video

• Unboxing the original Xbox in 2001

QUICK QUIZ

What was the first movie ever released by Pixar?
A) Finding Nemo
B) Toy Story
C) Monsters, Inc.
D) A Bug’s Life

(Scroll down for the answer!)

LIFESTYLE

How to Beat Procrastination in 5 Simple Steps

We’ve all been there—staring at a task that feels impossible to start. Procrastination can be a tough habit to break, but these five simple steps can help you take back control:

1. Break It Down
   Big tasks can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, manageable steps. Start with something easy, like gathering materials or writing a rough outline. Small wins build momentum!

2. Set a Timer
   Use the Pomodoro technique: work for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. Knowing there’s a break ahead makes starting easier and keeps your focus sharp.

3. Eliminate Distractions
   Identify what pulls you away—social media, TV, or even clutter—and remove it. Try apps like Focus Keeper or simply put your phone on silent and out of reach.

4. Reward Yourself
   Motivate yourself with small rewards after completing milestones. Finished that tough email? Treat yourself to a coffee break or 10 minutes of scrolling guilt-free.

5. Remember Your ‘Why’
   Remind yourself of the bigger goal. Whether it’s career growth, personal development, or just ticking off your to-do list, staying connected to the purpose behind the task can be a game-changer.

Start small, stay consistent, and watch your productivity soar! What’s one task you’re tackling today? Let us know! 💪

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Opportunities don't happen. You create them."
– Chris Grosser

Why it Matters:
This quote is a powerful reminder that success is rarely handed to us on a silver platter. It’s about taking initiative, putting in the work, and shaping our own paths. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal growth, the best opportunities are the ones you build for yourself.