Latest news with #Ravenclaw


Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
25 Brilliant People Caught Doing Incredibly Dumb Things
Without sounding cocky, I'd like to classify myself as a "smart person." Wouldn't we all? But as any fellow Ravenclaw can attest, being book-smart often comes with lapses in logic when it comes to street-smarts. And today, people are vocalizing those lapses. Recently on Reddit, user dexicoma asked: "What's the stupidest thing the most intelligent person in your life believes?" and people replied with some truly mind-blowing (and hilarious) responses. Here's what people said: "Programmer up at work will argue to his death that dinosaurs don't and never did exist." "That he can only have boys because only his left testicle functions properly. I suppose it could be the right; I can't remember which one — I just know he thinks it's because one testicle produces boys and the other girls." "My brother of all people believes that people that have AB blood type have either alien blood or blood from the people of Atlantis mixed with their ancestors. And if you have a positive blood type, you're 'pure.'" "My sister has two college degrees and believes in the Hollow Earth Theory." "My dad, who has two master's degrees and could've become a professor, believes that cows have horns because they need them to communicate with the cosmos." "The smartest person I know genuinely believes they can function on three hours of sleep and just coffee, like they're some kind of enlightened goblin." "My wife speaks three languages and has two master's degrees, in finance and business administration. She believes basketball makes you taller and has no idea about survivor bias, even when it's explained to her." "I had a professor in the hard sciences that I did research with for years. One day, we were talking about something being installed in the building for 5G infrastructure, and I think I asked her a question about conspiracy theorists who were afraid of 5G. To my surprise, she told me that they (her, her husband, and their two kids) didn't have Wi-Fi at their house because the jury was still out about the effect of Wi-Fi frequencies on people, and they didn't want to subject their kids to that." "I haven't spoken to them in years, but I played Dungeons and Dragons with a guy who was pretty close to graduating as a neurosurgeon. Listening to him rant about how masculine men only pee while standing was interesting." "My wife is the smartest person I know, but she is constantly worrying about what I call mom-case scenarios. For example, she told me not to let our child walk down a street that was bordered by a wrought iron fence. Why? Because he might get impaled on the spear like points on top of the fence." "A wonderful, kind person I know majored in physics at a big university and firmly believes the earth is 4,000 years old. Says it's a matter of faith and belief. He's so nice, I've never bugged him about it." And similarly: "I work with a PhD who believes the Earth is only 6,000 years old. Her PhD is in astrophysics." "My aunt has a doctorate in psychology, studied biology, owns a psychological books publishing company, used to work as a psychologist. She tells me wind turbines are powered externally just to keep turning, because they don't generate any power themselves." "My uncle is an IT technician and computer expert, but also thinks pineapples grow on palm trees." "My dad has a background in economics and an advanced degree. He believes that Kamala Harris having a five-year economic plan was 'the definition of communism.' Not that her plan was The very act of having a plan that lasted longer than one term in presidential office was communism." "I have an acquaintance that thinks Channing Tatum is her online boyfriend." "I had a roommate in college who was a straight-A student and taking a master's in physics. He thought the moon landing was fake." "Okay. So when I'm relaxing at home I'm usually wearing a hoodie and shorts. Comfortable. Normal. Right? Well, my extremely brilliant and rational partner finds this combination so illogical that he can't not comment on it every time. He likes to point at me and say stuff like: 'You forgot part of the outfit.' Or: 'Cold arms, hot knees?' My love. My darling. It's literally normal. I don't know what your problem is." "God, but not like in a 'there might be an omnipotent being in some capacity' way, but in a 'well, if I didn't believe there was a God, what is stopping me from going around and doing terrible things to people?' way. I just stared at him confused for awhile, and couldn't believe he was serious." "My wife, a PhD, doesn't understand that thunder and lightning are part of the same phenomena." "My wife is a very smart woman. I love her dearly. She does not understand many things related to whales. She reluctantly accepts that they are mammals because they breathe air and don't lay eggs, but that took some effort. She refuses to believe that dolphins are a type of whale. When I explained that they are more closely related to hippos than they are sharks, I think her brain exploded. "Got a lift from a friend because it was raining and I didn't want to ride my motorbike. Noticed the windscreen kept fogging up and my friend would wipe it clear with a rag every few minutes. I asked why she doesn't use the de-mister, and she said because it only blows hot air. I told her to keep it running because it'll warm the window and stop condensation forming — that's how it worked. She tried it, and the window was crystal clear in a few minutes." "Was arguing with a friend of mine in college — someone I thought was one of the brightest people I'd ever met. He gave me an example to back up his argument, and I realized he was in error and told him, 'That's just not true.' He said, 'Yes, it is. I saw it on TV.' My respect level dropped significantly at that point." "My entire family is convinced that the cat litter boxes in schools rumour is true." "My mom is high up in her profession and has multiple degrees. She says tilapia aren't fish because they don't have bones. Refuses to say what animal they could be instead..." What's the stupidest thing you've seen a smart person do? Tell us in the comments below, or use this form to stay anonymous!


India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Harry Potter x MINISO Pop-Up Store Now Open at Mall of India, Noida
Attention, all Wizards and Muggles! The wait is over—the exclusive Harry Potter x MINISO Pop-Up Store is now open at Mall of India, Noida! Explore a world of magic at Miniso's Harry Potter pop-up store, where a wide selection of officially licensed Harry Potter products is available. From enchanting stationery and spellbinding plush toys to house-themed accessories and collectibles, this pop-up store is a dream come true for every Harry Potter fan. Whether you're a brave Gryffindor, a wise Ravenclaw, a loyal Hufflepuff, or an ambitious Slytherin, you'll find something to showcase your House pride!The store is inspired by elements as seen in the Harry Potter films. As you step in, you'll be greeted by decor inspired by the corridors of Hogwarts, complete with floating candles and spellbinding visuals. Every corner of the store offers a magical experience, making it the perfect setting for capturing memorable photos. You can even pose next to life-size replicas of famous props from the films!Event details-Harry Potter X Miniso Pop-up storeDate: May 25th- June 29thTimings: 11 AM - 11 PMBeyond the visual experience, the Harry Potter x MINISO Pop-Up Store offers an extensive range of exclusive Harry Potter merchandise that will delight every fan. Browse through intricately designed wands, stylish Hogwarts house-themed bags, and adorable plushies of your favorite magical creatures. If you're a collector, you won't want to miss the limited-edition items that are only available at this those looking to add a touch of Hogwarts to their daily life, the store features an exciting selection of home and lifestyle products. From cozy Gryffindor blankets to intricately designed Ravenclaw notebooks, every item lets you carry a piece of Harry Potter's world with you wherever you go. Whether you're buying for yourself or picking up a gift for a fellow Harry Potter fan, there's something for elevate the magical experience, the pop-up store also features Harry Potter clothing products celebrating each Hogwarts house! Fans can explore house-inspired apparel and discover photo-worthy corners designed with stunning wizarding world this pop-up experience is only available for a limited time! Gather your fellow witches and wizards and make your way to Mall of India, Noida, before the magic disappears. Don't forget to share your magical moments on social media using #HarryPotterXMINISO #MINISOINDIA #MagicalWondersAwait and join the spellbinding adventure today! Explore the magical world—only at the Harry Potter x MINISO Pop-Up Store!About the Harry Potter franchise From the moment eleven-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history.J.K. Rowling's best-selling Harry Potter novels have been brought to life in an ever-evolving, interconnected universe that is loved by millions of fans worldwide. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films and three epic Fantastic Beasts films bring the spellbinding action to life on screen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child mesmerises on stage, and state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games allow players to experience the wizarding world like never before. Fans can proudly showcase their passion through innovative consumer products, and thrill at spectacular location-based experiences - including five theme park lands at Universal Studios locations around the expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts offerings includes ground-breaking touring experiences and events, each developed to celebrate special moments and locations that fans cherish, as well as the Platform 9 34 retail shops and iconic flagship store - Harry Potter New York. Wizards, Witches, and Muggles alike can also discover something new as they explore behind-the-scenes secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry a new HBO Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books on the way, this extended world continues to provide the community with fresh and exciting ways to interact. For its global fans, and for generations to come, it invites everyone in to find the magic for themselves. About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer ProductsWarner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery's Revenue & Strategy division, extends the company's powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home dcor, and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.' film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the The material and information contained are for advertorial purposes only. India Today holds no responsibility for the content written on the website as a basis for making any business, legal, or any other decision. Any reliance placed on such material is at your own risk. advertisement


Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Universal's Epic Universe park is finally open – the queue was my favourite part
'This is kind of a big deal,' read the cryptic tweet from Universal Studios. It was 2019, and alongside an image with the words, 'something special is coming', the post sent the internet into a frenzy. Could it really, maybe, possibly be true that a new theme park was coming to Orlando, for the first time in 25 years? Now, more than five years and a staggering £7 billion later, Universal's Epic Universe has finally opened its doors. But Metro had a golden ticket. Weeks before the grand opening, I became one of the first people on the planet to get a look inside the park. After 10 hours of adventuring in 33 ° C Floridian heat, let me take you on a wild ride through magical worlds of wizardry, fire-breathing dragons — and the best rollercoaster I've ever been on. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Arriving at Epic, the excitement was palpable. A chorus of 'have an epic day!' was cheered, and staff members told me they had completed a 10-day training course to learn all there is to know about the park the world has waited for. But could it really be as 'epic' as everyone was promising? Epic Universe has a cosmic theme, and that's most obvious in Celestial Park, the main hub which is officially being referred to as 'the connecting world between worlds'. It's where the 'portals' to the four other worlds branch off from. The park is beautiful — all greens, teals and stars — with the turquoise dome of Constellation Carousel in the centre. There are ponds and lakes aplenty, with fountains that dance to music, similar to those in front of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The main attraction here, though, is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch ride where two coasters effectively race each other at speeds of up to 62.6mph. At night, the carriages of Stardust Racers are illuminated, but not the track itself, which makes them look like comets shooting across the night sky. This rollercoaster has to be one of the best I've ever been on. The stand-out feature was the 'celestial spin' which sees the two racing coasters face and twist around each other – for the rider, it makes for an exhilarating high, where you feel you're about to hurtle into each other (spoiler, you don't). I got off the ride with my hair wound around my face, legs shaking and fizzing with adrenaline. I loved every second of it. I've been to the Harry Potter Studios tour in London a handful of times. A millennial HP fan through and through (I'm a Ravenclaw), I cried at the sight of the 1:24 scale Hogwarts model. And, I've also been to Universal Studios, escaping Gringotts and taking a stroll through Hogsmede. But Epic's offering was something else entirely – it genuinely blew my mind. You arrive in 1920s Wizarding Paris, where Newt Scamander has just published Fantastic Beasts. The French capital is buzzing. The attention to detail here is extraordinary, from a cauldron store and an opticians to a giant Butterbeer cart. It seems as if the Parisian street goes on forever; it even has a cathedral dome in the distance. But the pièce de résistance of not just this world, but the entire park itself, has to be Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry ride. The fun begins the minute you join the queue. Entering Paris' Metrofloo, part of the floo network (of course), we go forward in time to 1998, just after the battle of Hogwarts, when the evil Dolores Umbridge is standing trial for her crimes against the wizarding community. There's a massive Ministry of Magic atrium that made me gasp the moment I saw it. If you've seen the small slice of the set in Leavesden, this is on an entirely different scale, and yes, I did shed a tear. Then, you walk into Umbridge's office, where you meet her house elf Higgeldy. For HP fans, this is a big deal, as Higgeldy is a brand new character, made exclusively for the park. Sassy Higgeldy is thrilled to see the back of her cruel mistress, and can even be spotted sporting some of her iconic pink shoes. A Universal rep tells me they expect the queue for this ride to be eight hours. EIGHT HOURS. It's a good thing, then, that they've made the entire queue such a feast for the eyes that I genuinely think it will keep guests enthralled while they shuffle along for the equivalent of a working day. It might just have been my favourite part of the entire day. As for the ride itself, Potterheads will know the lifts in the ministry don't just go up and down, but sideways, forwards and backwards, too. You take your place in the elevator as you're shunted around the building, while a jaw-dropping display that shows Umbridge break her shackles and attempt to use a repaired time turner to go back to the glory days of he-who-must-not-be-named unfolds before you. There are LED screens, amazing displays and actors who could have been animatronics – I really couldn't tell. And as for Dolores? Eighteen years after the last Harry Potter book, we finally get an answer to what happened to her – she was, of course, found guilty, and sent to Azkaban. There's also a show, Le Cirque Arcanus, where an evil ringmaster steals Newt Scamander's briefcase and attempts to use his creatures in a circus. The standouts here are undoubtedly the fantastical creatures, which seem genuinely lifelike and far too giant to have made their way onto a stage. Nothing can quite prepare you for the sensory overload as you ascend the escalator to Nintendo World and into Mushroom World. It's as though you've found yourself in the middle of a Super Mario game – it's all bold colours, bouncy music, mushrooms, question blocks and gold coins. An assault on the senses, no doubt, but you can't help but love it. There's Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, the same ride you'll find in Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan, which is a real-life version of the famous game involving a virtual reality headset. Frankly, I had no idea what I was doing, but it was fun all the same. You can also visit Donkey Kong Country – the second of its kind, with the other in Japan – and ride Mine Cart Madness, a family coaster with riders on the search for the golden banana. But don't be fooled by its cutesy look: as you hurtle around a 'broken' track you'll be chucked around and thrown down steep drops. It turned out to be one of my favourite rides in the park. You can also wear a power-up band – a type of bracelet that lets you hit the various blocks and play as you wonder around. Nintendo World was like some kind of Technicolor acid trip, but had the happiest energy in the park. Gear change and we're into the Isle of Berk, a Viking-sized village set during the golden age of harmony between Vikings and dragons. This had a more rustic feel, with a lake and colourful wooden structures. Hiccup's Wing Gliders ride tells the story of Viking Hiccup's new wing gliders – a flying machine and Hiccup's latest invention which would make dragons surplus to requirement. The ride is fast, but doable for first-timers and kids who are eager to try out a 'big ride'. Again, this was a stand-out for can also try Fyre Drill, a water ride-cum-game where you help Vikings put out fires using water pistols attached to boats – if you get your fellow riders wet, that's simply collateral damage. I thought this one was going to be a bit naff, but it was good fun – especially if guests on the other boats decide to take aim. But perhaps the more impressive attraction is the Untrainable Dragon show, set on the Isle of Berk's newly opened hatchery. The theatre is akin to some of the smaller venues you'd find in the West End – and the production value is even greater. There's stunning sets, live music, dragons that seem impossibly life-like and a set piece I won't spoil, though I will reveal it left die-hard How To Train Your Dragon fans in tears. Dark and sordid, this world harks back to Universal's rich horror history. During the Great Depression, the company was kept afloat by horror films such as a Frankenstein, Wolfman and Dracula, thanks to their relatively cheap production costs. The world's main attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, sits within a spooky gothic mansion. As you enter into the dark world, you learn that Victoria Frankenstein, the famous doctor's great-great-granddaughter, is on a mission to capture all the monsters of Darkmore village in the catacombs beneath her home. As the original film tells us, Dracula has been dead or missing since 1931… but has he? Turns out Victoria's got him and she's saying she's tamed him, inviting guests to see her crowning achievement. I don't need to tell you that Dracula isn't behaving himself down there. The anticipation is intense as you walk through the house to the ride, but if you want to be jump-out-of-your-skin scared, this isn't necessarily the ride for you. That being said, it is a sight to behold. From Dracula and the Mummy to a creature of the Black Lagoon and Wolfman, the animatronics are impressive as creatures fly, snarl and jump out at you from every angle. The rollercoaster in this land, Curse of the Werewolf, is a swing and free-spinning coaster – think waltzers on the tracks. It was hilarious to be sat face to face with your mates, watching them pull all manner of faces as they're hurtled around, but the ride was a little too short for me, and was perhaps the most lacklustre in terms of theme. Stardust Racers Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry Hiccup's Wing Gliders Mine Cart Madness Curse of the Werewolf Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Fyre Drill Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge Exhausted but with my cup overflowing, I realised that something strange happens to you after a full day at Epic. As we left the park at golden hour, music thumped around us like the ending credits to a film. At first, I wasn't sure if was in my head or not. Delirious and sweaty, a man suddenly stopped in front of me, carrying a plush mushroom, bought from Nintendo World. More Trending 'Look how cute!' he exclaimed. 'Give him a boop.' Before I knew it, I was giving this toy a tap on the head, with accompanying sound effects. That pretty much sums up the vibe of Epic. Everyone has committed to the bit 100%, and their enthusiasm is infectious. But with 10/10 rollercoasters, jaw-dropping technological creations, and extraordinary attention to detail, it's not hard to see why. It's a day I'll never forget. Universal Holidays – British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 5-star Universal Helios Grand Hotel, from £1449pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 January – 31 January 2026 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, one checked bag at 23kg per person and accommodation. Book by 9 June 2025. Alternatively, Universal Holidays – British Airways Holidays also offers seven nights, at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova Resort, from £829pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 January – 31 January 2026 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, one checked bag at 23kg per person and accommodation. Book by 9 June 2025. For reservations click here. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Games Inbox: Would you buy a PlayStation that was a PC? MORE: Man named Michael Myers charged with murder in West Virginia MORE: Mario Kart World was originally designed for Switch 1 reveals Nintendo


New York Times
06-05-2025
- New York Times
Street Style Look of the Week: Hogwarts Fashion
Visiting a place you've never been can be a bewitching experience. That seemed to be the case for Hanna Broś when we met in London on a Sunday in March: She was excitedly taking in the sights with friends on what she said was her first trip to the city. They were on their way to King's Cross train station to find a location made famous by the 'Harry Potter' books: Platform 9 ¾. The scarf, skirt and round wire-frame glasses that Ms. Broś, 21, was wearing brought to mind the look of students at Hogwarts, the fictional school for witches and wizards. (She identifies as a Ravenclaw, she said.) In fact, Ms. Broś is a medical student in Krakow, Poland. 'I want to be a doctor,' she said. 'It's just been a dream my whole life.'


Fox News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
The Quiz #386 - Battle Of The Brains
Do you have the wisdom of a Ravenclaw, the bravery of a Gryffindor, or the cunning of a Slytherin? Let's find out with The Quiz. Play. Share. Listen with FOX News Headlines 24/7 Anchor, CJ Papa.