BuzzSugar

First Episode of Heroes Season Three Screened at Comic-Con

BuzzSugar — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:15:03 PDT

And I got to see it! The Comic-Con started off with executive producer Jeph Loeb profusely thanking all the loyal fans and all the Comic-Con attendees from a couple years ago for getting the word out about Heroes. The whole cast came onstage, followed by Tim Kring whose wrist was handcuffed to a metal briefcase, which he referred to as "a big giant thank you to all of you." The cheering was deafening (I should add that there were some die-hard fans who had camped out overnight to be first in the convention center for this panel; the crowd was enthusiastic, to put it mildly) as Kring pulled out a DVD which he said contained the whole first episode of the next season.

And I don't think I was too influenced by all the intense excitement generated by thousands of Heroes fans when I say that I was really impressed with the season premiere. The writing is just better, the pacing is exciting without being way too much stuff at a time, and there aren't like, 64 new heroes. I was sometimes frustrated with the last season, for various reasons, and this episode totally wiped the slate clean. In fact, I have a newly bolstered respect for Heroes. I really think they'll deliver an awesome season, if the premiere is any indication.

I won't reveal anything specific about the plot but if you want a tiny taste of what we got to see this morning,

The episode is way funnier than I remember the show being, though it hasn't totally devolved into camp. There's also a ton of horror movie moments that are both gruesome and satisfying.
We find out who shot Nathan pretty early on.
Mohinder makes a groundbreaking scientific discovery that changes everything in his life. He mentions Molly briefly (just to explain where she is), but his story right now is mostly intertwined with Maya's (you know, black eyes when angry, etc.).
Hiro is feeling a little lost at the beginning, like he is a man without a quest. He grapples with the issue of what his destiny is now. Soon, however, his becomes one of the most exciting stories of them all. We also meet a new hero through his story.
Several characters that were presumed gone for good make reappearances, of some sort.
One of the characters has a major spiritual awakening.
Old characters (yeah - plural!) who didn't have powers now do.
There's a new twist on the "save the cheerleader, save the world" mantra.

It was awesome. It was like a spectator sport, but the sport was just watching Heroes. There was even wild cheering for Mr. Muggles, which made me happy. Suffice to say, I look forward to September.

Elaena's Fairy-Tale Princess and the Pea Pajama Party

Lisa Horten — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:32:26 PDT

While scoping out this incredibly imaginative and whimsical little girl's birthday party based upon the story The Princess and the Pea, "budget" is the last word that comes to mind. But crafty mom Beca, who blogs and sells her printable papers at My Paper Lily, says that she did it all on her own - right down to sewing pillows and sleep masks for the little guests.

Click through and enjoy the whimsy and fun of Elaena's supersweet second birthday celebration!

Source: My Paper Lily

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:14:27 PDT

You're loving your yoga class from Half Moon to Pigeon Pose, but as soon as you get to Shoulderstand, you're less than psyched. Although a basic - challenging, but basic - pose, Shoulderstand can put you at risk of strain and injury when done incorrectly. Turn this pose into your favorite by checking out these common complaints and ways to remedy them.

"I Can't Breathe"
If you're well endowed or carry extra weight in your belly, then gravity causes added pressure on the lungs and throat, making it tough to take in a deep breath. A supportive bra and fitted top can help, but if you still have trouble breathing, then changing how you do the pose will make a huge improvement. Instead of stacking your pelvis and feet directly over your shoulders, hinge at your hips slightly, pressing them away from your face so your feet extend slightly behind your head.

Still can't breathe? Try the Legs Up the Wall variation; rest your lower back on your mat or, to give your hips a little lift, rest your lower back on a folded-up blanket or flat bolster.

Continue reading to learn how to alleviate neck pain and feelings of imbalance while in Shoulderstand.

Video: Idol Phillip Phillips - "Did I Think I Was Going to Win? No!"

Karli Bulnes — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:15:34 PDT

After being crowned season 11's American Idol, Phillip Phillips showed off his humble side backstage, saying he didn't think he was going to win. Runner-up Jessica Sanchez, however, predicted she'd come in second. Hear from both contestants in PopSugar Rush.

A First Ladylike Grilled Chicken Salad With Herb Vinaigrette

Nancy Einhart — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:33:23 PDT

Michelle Obama exudes elegance, so it's no surprise that her recipe for chicken salad with herb vinaigrette is simple and sophisticated too. In honor of the First Lady's first cookbook, American Grown, coming out on May 29, I whipped up this easy and healthy dinner salad.

This salad celebrates Summer greens, herbs, and grilling season, though if you don't have a grill, the chicken is just as delicious if you cook it in a broiler, like I did. The grill-laden marinade and sherry vinaigrette complement each other for a fresh flavor that requires little adornments. To marinate the chicken, just mix up the lemon zest, herbs, and enough olive oil to coat. I only marinated mine for about 20 minutes and that was plenty to create a flavorful, golden browned breast.

I also served the chicken a second night atop a salad with fresh corn and avocado, and it was still a standout. Considering how extraordinary fast and easy this recipe was, I'll definitely be making it again. Get the recipe now.

6 Beach Workouts For a Sunny Memorial Day Weekend

Leta Shy — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:52:50 PDT

Hopefully this weekend will involve some fun in the sun, but that doesn't have to be limited to sipping a frozen cocktail on a deck chair. To get you inspired for an outdoor sweat session, we've rounded up some fun fitness routines for the beach - check off your daily workout for the day while enjoying the sun!

Fit and fast: Got 12 minutes? Do this simple CrossFit circuit workout as hard as you can. Bonus: after the intense session, all you have to do is take a dip in the sea!
Leg up: Want to tone legs and thighs? This leg workout from a FitSugar reader helps save your knees from too many squats - and you can do the moves while laying out in the sun.
On the ball: If you happen to have an exercise ball handy, this Kerri Walsh-approved full-body workout will get you in pro-athlete shape.

More beach workouts to inspire you after the break!

American Idol: Who Deserves to Win Season 11?

Maggie Pehanick — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:37:12 PDT

It's been a long trek, American Idol watchers. Months after the initial search began, we've finally made it to finals week. If I feel this exhausted, then I can't imagine how finalists Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips feel, especially after the three performances they each had to rock before the last round of voting. As Jennifer Lopez noted tonight, our final two could not be more different. Jessica is a pint-sized ballad singer with a mean vocal range, but Phillip has an insane ability to take songs and turn them into his own wonderful Phillip Phillips brand.

Jessica started out the night with Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing," winning the judges' endorsement for the first round against Phillip's classic "Stand by Me." They were a little more split after the second round, when Jessica covered Celine Dion's "The Prayer" and Phillip did a little Billy Joel with "Movin' Out." Come the last round, Phillip scored the only standing ovation of the night after his rendition of "Home," and he deserved it. The marching band and soft vocals showed off Phillip's true artistry, and Jessica's unremarkable "Change Nothing" didn't stand a chance.

What about you? Who continually impressed you this season? And who deserves to be crowned tomorrow night?

Photo courtesy of Fox

Barre Workouts are Expensive! Try This At-Home Alternative Instead

Self — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:23:06 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Barre classes may make you easy on the eyes, but at $20 or more a pop, they're definitely not easy on the wallet. Rather than take a second job to pay for our latest fitness addiction, we turned to Beverly Hill-based Cardio Barre instructor Stacey Bosworth to get the inside scoop on scoring a long, lean dancer's body in your living room. "This at-home workout is effective because it targets the whole lower body. Cardio Barre is amazing because it is a no-impact workout that allows you to lengthen and strengthen your muscles while burning fat. It will also help increase your flexibility and strength," says Bosworth.

Celebrity devotees, including Dakota Fanning, Neve Campbell, and Heather Morris, can all attest to the fact that Cardio Barre has given them "a lifted tush and leaner, dancer-like legs!" Incorporate these three moves into your regular routine three times a week for maximum results.

Butt Blaster
Come down to the floor on both forearms with your knees bent. Your left hip is directly over your left knee. Your right leg is bent to a 90-degree angle with your foot flexed. Extend your right leg toward the ceiling as if you were pushing the ceiling away from you (see photo above). Bring your right leg down past your left hip and then back up toward the ceiling, keeping your leg parallel to the floor with your kneecap pointing toward the ground and your foot flexed. You are doing a full range of motion, trying to imagine extending your leg all the way through the ceiling.

Keep reading for more barre moves you can do at home!

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer on Modern Dating and the '90s

Annie Scudder — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:00:50 PDT

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer are gearing up for the June 5 season-two premiere of Franklin & Bash on TNT. The guys hold a special place in our '90s girl hearts, so when we got a chance to chat with them, we had to get their straightforward dating advice. And, of course, we brought up the '90s. How could we resist while talking to Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris and Clueless's Travis Birkenstock? Read more to find out what we learned.

Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria Christens Baby Estelle

Tara Block — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:25:00 PDT

Queen Elizabeth II isn't the only female monarch in Europe celebrating milestones this year. Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria and her husband of two years - her former personal trainer Daniel Westling - welcomed a baby girl in February, and today she and the rest of the Swedish royal family attended baby Princess Estelle's christening at the royal chapel in Stockholm.

Princess Estelle is second in line to the Swedish throne after her mother, thanks to the succession law that was changed in 1980 to allow the eldest heir to inherit the throne, even if the firstborn is a woman. Currently, Princess Victoria is the world's only female heir apparent, but if Prince William and Kate Middleton have a daughter, she may follow in Princess Victoria's footsteps. The UK's rules of royal inheritance are in the process of changing to allow firstborn girls to reign even if they have younger brothers. All 16 Commonwealth realms must come together to put the law into action - and until they do, Will and Kate's firstborn, if it's a girl, may or may not be in line for the throne. Some speculate that the uncertainty is the reason Will and Kate have been postponing having children, something that traditionally happens right after the marriage.

While we wait to find out how female royalty will fare in the UK, check out more photos of Sweden's little Princess Estelle during her christening ceremony now!