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‘I Was Afraid of This Song’: H.E.R. on Her Big New Ballad

By Brian Hiatt

Brian Hiatt

To mix sports metaphors, H.E.R. ’s new song “The Journey,” which will soundtrack ESPN’s broadcasts of the NBA Finals, is a big swing — an old-school, hyper-melodic, live-instrument-driven ballad. And for H.E.R., who sees a gap between the energy of her live shows and her recorded output to date, it’s the kind of song she’s had in her all along. She tells Rolling Stone about recording “The Journey,” explains how it reflects a rough year for her (which includes an ongoing legal battle with the record label she signed to at age 14), and offers a preview of what’s next — from her next album to her role in the upcoming film of The Color Purple musical (in which she will use her real name, Gabriella Wilson.)

And the world’s never heard that song you made with her back then? Yeah, no, the world’s never heard it. It was a song we did a long time ago. I need to hear it again! I don’t think I’ve heard it since then. It’s so funny how it’s a full circle moment for me working with her.

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So I texted her at that time, and she was like, “That’s crazy that you texted me, because I just put the pen down. I’ve been working on this song that I think would be amazing for you.” I went to her studio in January, and she played me the song. I was almost in tears, because the lyrics are so on-point with everything that I’ve been through lately. It felt like a meant-to-be moment. It was very much like God, very much divine timing. We both felt it in the room. Right then and there, I was playing the chords and doing my own things to it. I changed some of the things and made it a “me” song. I got very emotional when I was recording it, very much in tears.

It’s really a showcase for your voice. There was a big note at the end of the song. It was one take, which is pretty crazy. This is a song where people really get to hear my vocals. They’ve never heard me sing like this on a record. So I’m really, really excited for people to hear it and to experience what they would hear live from me, on record.

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When you talk about what you’ve been through in the past year, what did that mean emotionally? I had a coming-of-age moment. There’s a time in the music industry before anybody cares or knows who you are, you’re just doing it because you love it. Then it turns into more. There’s so much you don’t know, so much you’re learning about yourself. I was focused on the gratitude, being happy to be here, being on autopilot.

Now I’ve learned how to be intentional about what I want out of my career, what it means to be a leader and director of my own destiny.  Everyone around you is not always pure in their intent, not always on the same page as you. It’s important to look out for yourself, believe in yourself, balance that with what’s the right thing versus what you feel. Opinions come in, success comes, everybody has their thoughts on what it should be. 

I asked myself: What are you doing this for? My ‘whys’ are changing. I’m not the same person I was at 18. I had to make a lot of tough, tough, tough, tough decisions. I had to believe in myself. I had never felt so lost. I had never felt so uncertain. And that was a really hard thing for me.  Now I’m happier, lighter, more proud of the person I’m becoming. I’m in a good place, and on top of that, I’m taking my own advice, being comfortable with vulnerability. I’m living by “What’s bad for the heart is good for the art.” I’ve been trying to live by that, go with how I feel, let the music speak, and bring people into my world.

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You’ve had a reggae album in your back pocket for a while. What’s the status on that one? I don’t really know when I want to release it. It’s one of those things. I have this great body of music, and as a creative, there are so many projects I want to do. It’s just a matter of when. Those songs are definitely in the chamber. We’ll see when it feels right. I’ve been super-organic about it, but the music exists. 

And are you still shooting the film musical of The Color Purple ? It’s done! It’s out in December, and I’m so excited for people to see it. I got to see a little bit of it, and I’m so excited. Like, it’s so beautiful. The experience I had was amazing. The cast is insane. And Blitz [Bazawule] is an amazing director. Everything about it is really exciting to me. And yeah, it’s my acting debut, so I can’t wait for people to see me on a big screen.

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H.E.R. Releases Her New Single “The Journey”

H.E.R. is back, releasing her new single, “The Journey.” You may have heard the single as it has been featured throughout the ESPN coverage of the NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel.

ESPN has incorporated “The Journey” into a number of in-game production components, including segments with H.E.R. Through the song lyrics, the vignettes, and other production aspects depict the various routes taken by each of the 16 teams in the NBA Playoffs.

The heartfelt and exquisite ballad is H.E.R.’s first solo record to be released since the Grammy Award-winning album Back Of My Mind in 2021. As H.E.R. moves into the next phase of her career, including the release of new music and her most recent work in cinema and television, Diane Warren’s song “The Journey” also reflects H.E.R.

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H.E.R. Releases Encouraging Song ‘The Journey’

It was written by the legendary diane warren..

RCA Records

H.E.R. is back. The Grammy-winning and Oscar-winning musician has officially released “The Journey,” written by the legendary Diane Warren .

As empowering and thoughtful as her previous releases, “The Journey” allows H.E.R.’s titanic vocals to soar effortlessly over the cinematic,  uplighting backdrop of piano, drums and electronic guitar.

H.E.R. uses this perseverance anthem to remind listeners not to go off course but stick to the plan, with a flood of possibilities awaiting.

She sings in the chorus: “It’s the journey / It’s the getting there to where you’re going to / Going through hell but still you’re gonna make it through / It’s the fire that they can’t put out inside / It’s a hell of a ride.”

“The Journey” was first announced in April as part of ESPN’s storytelling for the 2023 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Pixel. Since then, it’s been featured in various ESPN in-game production elements.

Tim Corrigan, ESPN’s vice president of production, said, “The NBA regular season is one long journey, and taken you get the NBA Playoffs, which is a journey of its own. All 16 teams have their own paths to accomplishing their goal of an NBA Championship. And, as the song says, ‘it’s a hell of a ride.’ We are honored that H.E.R. chose to team up with ESPN to help introduce this song to the world. It’s another great example of what we can do at the intersection of sports and music.”

H.E.R. added, “As an NBA fan, I’m so grateful to be part of this year’s ‘Journey’ to the NBA Finals.”

Two other songs from H.E.R. are slated to soundtrack this year’s NBA Playoffs, including DJ Khaled’s collaboration “ We Going Crazy ” from his 2021 KHALED KHALED album and “Glory,” an unreleased song.

Before “The Journey,” H.E.R. hasn’t released new music since last year’s “ Dance To The Music ” from the Minions: The Rise of Gru compilation. She also contributed to NxWorries’ 2022 return single “ Where I Go .”

H.E.R.’s debut album, Back of My Mind , arrived in June 2021. The Grammy-nominated album included a streak of hits, “Damage” (which peaked at No. 1 on urban and R&B radio ) and “ Come Through ” featuring Chris Brown. The latter landed an RIAA certification , as did its Herb Alpert-sampled predecessor .

Back of My Mind wound up getting certified gold less than three months after its release and earned a spot on Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2021 list .

In a recent interview with Zane Lowe of Apple Music, H.E.R. confirmed that her next album is in the works and she is taking her time with it. “You going to get it when you get it,” she said. “I’m in the studio. And this is the thing is I’ve been forced to pay attention to these deadlines and all these. I don’t care about this stuff anymore. I just want to make music. And when I feel like it’s ready, it’s going to be ready and you’ll get it.”

Beyond music, H.E.R. is making rounds in the acting field. After appearing as the first Black Filipina Belle in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast , H.E.R. will portray Squeak in The Color Purple musical film, set to debut on Christmas Day.

Directed by Blitz Bazawule, The Color Purple will include appearances by Fantasia (Celie), Danielle Brooks (Sofia), Halle Bailey (young Nettie), Corey Hawkins (Harpo), Ciara (adult Nettie) and more. 

Up next for H.E.R. is a headlining show on June 15 at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. The event, presented by Sapphire, is exclusive to Chase cardholders only. Ticket and more information is available at ticketmaster.com . 

Listen to H.E.R.’s new song “The Journey” below.

Antwane Folk

Antwane joined Rated R&B in January 2013 after graduating from the University of South Carolina. He is the assistant editor. His niche is seasoned R&B acts, along with radio stats on urban and R&B formats.

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H.e.r. previews new single, talks brief hiatus.

"It's been a long time coming," teased the 25-year-old.

By Mya Abraham

Mya Abraham

R&B Reporter

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H.E.R. is making her way back to music .

“I have a surprise for you all,” teased the singer on Instagram Live this Wednesday (April 12). While in the studio without her typical shield in the form of sunglasses, the 25-year-old began the six-minute interaction by discussing her hiatus .

After admittedly being “incognegro,” H.E.R spoke on her new single. “It’s been a long time coming,” she expressed. “I went through a lot last year. It was a tough year, can’t even lie. I’ve been making the best music I’ve made, I think ever. Nah, I’m not gonna say that. I’ve been making really good music, really honest music.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by H.E.R. (@hermusicofficial)

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The Bay Area native’s last single debuted in October 2022, which was her collaboration with NxWorries (Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge) on “ Where I Go ,” the duo’s first release in six years. Otherwise, Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson has keep herself busy on the acting side with her roles as Belle in Beauty And The Beast Live and Squeak in the musical remake of The Color Purple . She also spent most of last year on the road with Coldplay.

Listen to the preview of her new single, set to be available for pre-save very soon, above.

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New H.E.R. Music Featured on ESPN During 2023 NBA Playoffs

ESPN's 2023 NBA Playoffs coverage will feature "The Journey," a new, unreleased song by H.E.R. and songwriter Diane Warren.

By Ashley Iasimone

Ashley Iasimone

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H.E.R. is teaming up with ESPN during the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

“The Journey,” a new, unreleased song by H.E.R. and songwriter Diane Warren, will be featured within various in-game ESPN production elements throughout the channel’s NBA Playoffs coverage, starting Saturday (April 15).

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“The NBA regular season is one long journey, and then you get to the NBA Playoffs, which is a journey of its own,” ESPN vp, production Tim Corrigan said. “All 16 teams have their own paths to accomplishing their goal of an NBA Championship. And, as the song says, ‘it’s a hell of a ride.’ We are honored that H.E.R chose to team up with ESPN to help introduce this song to the world. It’s another great example of what we can do at the intersection of sports and music.”

No official debut date for the song has been announced, but “The Journey” is set to be released “soon” by RCA Records.

Though they are now collaborators, H.E.R. and Warren competed in the Oscar race for best original song two years ago. H.E.R.’s “Fight for You” from  Judas and the Black Messiah  (which she co-wrote with Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas), won the award, beating Warren’s “Io Sì (Seen)” from  The Life Ahead  (which she co-wrote with Laura Pausini).

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H.E.R. Links Up With The NBA For New Single "The Journey"

The songstress has returned.

If you are a fan of H.E.R., well, you have incredible taste in music . Overall, H.E.R. has developed some amazing music over the years. She is a very talented singer, and her r&b stylings have always dazzled . Additionally, she is an amazing guitar player. So much so that Fender gave the artist her very own Fender Stratocaster. This is an honor bestowed on few, which just goes to show just how essential she is as an artist.

When you think about H.E.R., seldom do you probably think about the NBA. Well, you can change that line of thinking, immediately. It was revealed today that the artist has been working with ESPN and NBA. Diane Warren penned the song, whose message resonates with this moment in basketball, as the NBA commemorates the playoffs and how hard it is to win it all. That is especially true when you think about how the Conference Finals are currently underway. Although, it is important to note that the song was independent of the league. In the end, the league just heard it and loved it. Below, you can find this new track called "The Journey."

H.E.R. Comes Through With A Ballad

Although this song is being used by the NBA, it doesn't have your typical barrage of basketball references. Overall, this makes for a much more enjoyable listening experience. However, that is not to say the song doesn't match the spirit of the playoffs. As you will hear, there is a ton of passion radiating through H.E.R.'s voice. Many of the players in these playoffs can resonate with the lyrics, and we're sure the track will be a welcome addition to ESPN broadcasts.

Overall, this is another great track from H.E.R. Hopefully, she blesses us with more songs, very soon. Perhaps a new album is in order? Let us know your thoughts on this track, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.

Quotable Lyrics:

All the times you thought you'd never make it through Felt just like the world just turned it's back on you Didn't stop you All the times you could've give in and you'd given up Times you didn't know if you were strong enough Still you got through

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Marblehead mother is an open book about her sobriety.

Author Laura McKowen hopes telling the story of her recovery journey will help others

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Laura McKowen has been sober for more than a decade, but her difficult journey to recovery took years and an escalating series of crises caused by her alcohol use.

After her first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, the Marblehead mom spent a year working on her sobriety before she was finally able to stop drinking for good. McKowen’s first book We Are The Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life hit store shelves in early 2020. She gained a significant following on social media and soon launched her own online sobriety support community The Luckiest Club . In 2023, McKowen released her second book Push Off from Here: 9 Essential Truths to Get You Through Life . She’s now working on a third book and is encouraged by the notable change in the social stigma that surrounds sobriety.

If you think you may suffer from substance use disorder or want to explore your relationship with substances, here are a few places to start:

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

Call or text 833-773-2445 24/7, including holidays. The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line can connect people directly to clinical help, when and where they need it. It’s free and confidential and no health insurance is required.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorder

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The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions, their families, and their caregivers by working to ensure that all people impacted by a mental health condition receive the support they need when they need it.

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• Explore small Japanese Town: Immerse yourself in the detailed settings of a Japanese town.
• Side Quests: Uncover hidden stories and secrets through engaging side quests that weave into the main narrative.
• Dual Endings: Your choices determine the outcome of the story, leading to either a grim or hopeful conclusion.
• Gameplay: Although the main storyline can be completed in about 10 minutes, the intricate side stories and multiple endings encourage multiple playthroughs.
• Adventure Horror Genre: A horror adventure game that blends spine-tingling suspense with the thrill of exploration

System Requirements

• OS *: Windows 7 (SP1+), Windows 10 and Windows 11
• Processor: Intel/AMD X64 architecture with SSE2 instruction set support
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050 or AMD equivalent
• DirectX: Version 10
• Storage: 1 GB available space
• OS: Windows 11
• Processor: intel i7 5700k
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1080 or AMD equivalent
• DirectX: Version 12

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‘Young Sheldon’: Raegaen Revord Reflects on Her Journey as Missy Cooper in New Set Images

"This show has changed my life."

The Big Picture

• Emotional goodbyes as Young Sheldon wraps filming on its final season after captivating audiences for seven years.
• Raegan Revord fondly reminisces on her time playing Missy, expressing gratitude for the cast, crew, and producers.
• While Missy won't be part of the spinoff, Georgie and Mandy will continue the Cooper family legacy in a new show.

Six more episodes and it is curtains for Young Sheldon . After seven seasons and over 100 episodes, we say goodbye to the Coopers of Medford, Texas. The fan-favorite comedy series has wrapped filming on its final season recently, and the emotional goodbyes have begun to roll in . The show premiered in September 2017 as a prequel to the iconic show, The Big Bang Theory , and focused on the childhood of Sheldon Cooper. This meant a very young cast would take the lead, as Iain Armitage , only eight at the time took on the role of Sheldon. Raegan Revord, who plays Sheldon's twin sister, Missy , came aboard the show aged nine. Now, aged 16 and seven years down the line, the young actress looks back on what has been a thrilling ride with a bittersweet ending.

The Coopers of East Texas have become a family we have all come to love over the years onscreen. While the show could very easily have continued, the already established timeline from the flagship series means CBS have to conclude at this stage . Taking to her Instagram account , Revord shares a series of images looking back at her seven-year stint playing Missy on Young Sheldon . The photos included some old images from very early on in the show and more recent photos as the show comes to an end.

Attached is a caption from Revord emphasizing how much she has grown in the time period, and how grateful she is for the experience. The caption reads: " They say it takes a village to raise a child and I think I’ve had the most incredible village thanks to our cast, guest cast, crew, and producers . Thank you for making this a fun, safe, and loving place for a kid to grow up. This character, these people, and this show has changed my life ever. Thank you for the most amazing childhood and memories. (and thank you for loving me during my baby shark phase)."

Will Missy Return?

While Young Sheldon might be coming to an end, there is already a beaten pathway for the return of some members of the Cooper family with the announcement of the Georgie (Montana Jordan) and Mandy (Emily Osment) spinoff . The show is set to feature how Georgie and Mandy handle the pressures of raising a family while chasing their separate careers . While Missy is arguably the best character of Young Sheldon in earlier seasons, there has been a shift in recent years with the build up of her older brother, Georgie. Currently, Missy will not be a part of the upcoming spinoff , as the actress revealed she has not been invited to partake in the project.

The final episode of Young Sheldon airs on May 16. Past seasons are streaming now on Paramount+ in the U.S. See the images above.

Young Sheldon

This television series is a prequel to a popular sitcom, focusing on the childhood of a gifted young boy in East Texas. Navigating school and family life with a unique intellect far beyond his years, it humorously explores his early endeavors to be understood by his conventional family and classmates.

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‘A bit surreal’: First female ‘Cup Keeper’ talks about her trailblazing journey with hockey’s grail

Cup Keeper Miragh Bitove is photographed with the Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Thursday, April 11, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Cup Keeper Miragh Bitove is photographed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Thursday, April 11, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

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TORONTO (AP) — Miragh Bitove vividly remembers her first time seeing the Stanley Cup.

She was a teenager. A cousin was visiting from out of town. Her dad suggested they head to the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto and take a look. When the pair hit the top step of the staircase leading to the sport’s silver chalice, Bitove was in awe.

“Nothing like it,” she recalled. “There’s a glow.”

An art history and museum management major, Bitove went on to work as a Hall of Fame intern in 2003 before parlaying that into a job as an archivist at the venue.

Years later, she is the first woman in the role of Cup overseer on its annual celebration tour.

Bitove, her white gloves on whenever she might touch the trophy, hit the road with colleagues last summer, crisscrossing North America as the Vegas Golden Knights basked in the glory of their victory.

“We see a bit of everything,” Bitove told the Canadian Press. “From wedding-sized parties right down to potlucks in grandma’s garage. It’s great watching people’s natural reactions. Incredibly special.”

What’s also special is Bitove blazing a trail handling the Cup in a sport that has been dominated by men for the better part of a century. The mother of three — two boys and a girl — said she doesn’t want special treatment.

“A bit surreal,” Bitove said of being the first woman in the job. “That part doesn’t really enter into my train of thought. When you go out on these trips, you get some sad faces in the house. I’ve always said, ‘I want to go out there and travel so that other girls can see me working in hockey.’”

Bitove has also turned some heads on those long days.

“If I’m in my (Hall of Fame) blazer it’s, ‘Oh, I didn’t know they made that blazer for women,’” said the Toronto native. “And that’s great ... I’m glad to be out there and have people see it.”

Phil Pritchard — the Hall of Fame’s vice president and the “Keeper of the Cup” — remembers when Bitove first arrived in the building.

“She had all the interest, all the background, everything that we’re looking for,” he said. “When you get someone like that, you don’t want to lose them.”

Bitove also has the game in her blood. While never a hockey player herself, the family tree includes great uncle Ted Kennedy, who won the Cup five times with the Toronto Maple Leafs between 1945 and 1951.

“Hockey was sort of in my periphery,” she said. “In my grandmother’s house was a giant portrait of my uncle Ted in game action — black and white, beautiful photo. I walked (into the Hall of Fame) actually looking for information on my uncle Ted. It organically sprouted from there.”

Bitove and her colleagues are tasked with taking care of the Cup every moment it’s on the road. The team atmosphere and camaraderie is crucial, especially on those long stretches away from home.

“She fits the perfect mold for the Hockey Hall of Fame,” Pritchard said. “If that falls under the arc of being the first woman on the road with the Cup, so be it.”

When she isn’t getting hundreds of pictures taken alongside the Cup in small towns and big cities, Bitove works with other artifacts to tell the game’s story.

“Every new item that comes into the museum comes through my desk, so I’m writing the history of hockey,” she explained. “Fifty years from now people can go back and see what the Hockey Hall of Fame had to say.”

Bitove has spoken to her 7-year-old daughter — the only girl on the little one’s co-ed hockey team — about what mom is up to.

“I always tell her, ‘You’ve got to double down, work hard and prove that you belong,’” said Bitove, who’s equally proud to have her boys, ages nine and 11, witness a woman in this role. “When I go on the road ... I’m doing it so other people can see me working in hockey.”

The Hockey Hall of Fame used to parade the Cup a short distance back to the museum from Toronto’s Union Station at the conclusion of every summer tour. Back in 2003, that event happened to fall on Bitove’s first day as an intern.

“Phil Pritchard goes, ‘Oh, just hold on. I’ll be right back. I have to do this parade,’” she said. “I looked out the window of our offices and I saw him parading down with the Stanley Cup. I thought, ‘Where am I? This is crazy.’”

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

Ways Korra's Journey as the Avatar Was Harder Than Aang's

Avatar Aang grew to become a beloved and revolutionary Avatar in Avatar: The Last Airbender . He not only stopped the Fire Lord from taking over the world but also supported instilling many policies that would help the nations become more copacetic. He also ensured that he was not the last Airbender and passed his knowledge and culture onto his youngest son. Aang left some big shoes to fill after handling so much in his comparatively short lifetime.

Yet, his successor, Avatar Korra, arguably had a much more difficult time as the Avatar. Korra's journey is portrayed in the Avatar sequel, The Legend of Korra . Korra is very different from Aang, both in temperament and in the path she takes as the Avatar. Korra handles things that Aang couldn't have dreamed of when he was alive. Korra may have more adult support and guidance than Aang ever did, but she has to contend with much heavier tasks than Avatar Aang.

Avatar: 10 Most Terrifying Last Airbender & Korra Bending Powers, Ranked

Korra deals with advanced technology, set years after avatar aang technology plays a bigger role.

Aang grew up and reawakened in a time before there was modern technology. Although he had been asleep for one hundred years, things stayed relatively unchanged in terms of technological advancements. That is not the case with Korra.

Korra not only has to contend with evildoers hijacking radios to spread their messages, and car chases, but she also has to worry about giant mechanical suits and other instruments of destruction. Korra manages to take things in stride , but the modernity of Republic City takes her by surprise at first. She also has to become more adaptable than Aang as technology continues to thrive during her time as Avatar.

The Government Controls The Avatar's Movements

Korra's time is way more political, a complete timeline of the legend of korra.

Aang ran into trouble a few times with political leaders and tribal heads. His greatest threat was the de facto king of the Fire Nation. However, Aang never had to truly face much bureaucracy except when he was in the Earth Kingdom. The same can't be said for Korra. Not only is Republic City heavily regulated, but Korra is embroiled in politics as well.

She becomes a spokesperson for others' campaign interests and is easily manipulated to help in shameless promotion. Korra has a lot more restrictions as the Avatar as well, since her power isn't as exalted in her time as Aang's was in his. Korra's authority becomes secondary in The Legend of Korra , whereas Aang is the ultimate authority in Avatar: The Last Airbender .

Korra Experiences More Relationship Drama

Korra finds herself stuck in a love triangle.

As a twelve-year-old, Aang was only beginning to have complicated feelings and friendships with his peers. Particularly, fans see him struggle with his blossoming feelings for Katara throughout the series. Yet, everything seems to work out in the finale, as the show ends with the two sharing a kiss. Korra, however, is solidly in her teen years and grapples with much more complicated relationships.

Korra becomes part of a love triangle between herself and two brothers, Mako and Bolin , only to date them both and end up with Mako. Then Mako meets someone else (a girl named Asami Sato) and breaks things off with Korra. Then, Korra loses her memory and forgets that she and Mako broke up, and she eventually ends up romantically involved with Asami by the end. Korra dealing with so much relationship drama on top of all her other duties as the Avatar puts a lot more stress on her than Aang had as the Avatar.

Korra Has To Go Against Her Family

Avatar was the last airbender.

Aang, unfortunately, lost his entire culture during a Fire Nation raid when he was caught in a storm. When he wakes years later, he realizes he is the only one of his nationality left in the world. Aang's journey as the last Airbender is certainly difficult. Aang losing his family is devastating, but some would argue that having to bring about a family member's downfall is more difficult.

Korra has to stand up to several of her family members during fights. Korra not only confronts her father when he's against opening the spirit portals, but she later has to fight her Uncle Unalaq when he becomes the Dark Avatar. Korra has to make the difficult decision to go against people she loves to do what she believes is right.

Korra Receives Tenuous Support From Friends

Aang never had to oppose his friends, avatar: the legend of korra - all known avatars ranked by power.

Not only does Korra have to fight her family, but she often opposes her friends as well. Aang could always rely on Katara, Sokka, Toph, Suki, and eventually Zuko when he needed help. Unfortunately, Korra isn't as lucky. The tenuous romantic relationships in her circle, accompanied by different ideals and jobs, often separate Korra from her friends.

Mako becomes a police officer and opposes Korra's methods of dealing with villains. Meanwhile, Bolin aligns himself with Varrick and eventually Kuvira - two highly untrustworthy people. Even Asami's attachment to her villainous father causes problems for Korra. The friend group finds common ground in the end, but Korra doesn't have the luxury of her friends always having her back like Aang did in his story.

Public Opinion Matters More In Korra's Time

Korra is monitored by many & every choice she makes matters.

When Aang reawakens from an iceberg, he discovers that he's been asleep for one hundred years. Therefore, when people realize he's still alive, they are either elated that he's returned, or are furious that he left in the first place. Generally, people are excited that he's alive, though. Yet, with Korra, public opinion about her work as the Avatar is ever-changing and fragile.

Korra's every move as the Avatar is carefully monitored and watched by her fans, enemies, and politicians. One wrong move makes or breaks Korra's support system. Korra has to be extremely mindful of her public image so as not to ruin any foundation of support she might have. Even appearing tired could send the people of Republic City into a tizzy, as it might make them lose trust in Korra's ability to be the Avatar.

Korra Has More Trouble With Spirits

Korra's time as the avatar deals with the spirit world converging with the living.

• The name "Korra" was inspired by a dog the creators met.
• They initially couldn't agree on a name.

Aang dealt with his fair share of Spirit shenanigans in Avatar: The Last Airbender . However, Korra has to make the impossible decision to open the Spirit World to everyone, or to keep it a special ability for the Avatar. Eventually, Korra chooses to open the gates and see what happens. Unfortunately for Korra, this causes many more problems as both Spirits and humans are displaced by the convergence.

Korra has to manage the people of both worlds and find peaceful solutions so that everyone can live happily and harmoniously in a united world. No one is sure that her decision was a good idea, but the difficulty of making such a big decision, along with the execution, makes Korra's Avatar-hood much more complicated than Aang's.

Korra Has To Live Up To Aang's Reputation

Aang set a very high standard for the avatar.

• Aang and Korra are complete opposites.
• Korra has mastered three bending styles, but can't comprehend Airbending.
• Aang was an Airbending master but struggled to learn the other three styles.

At only twelve years old. Aang not only traveled the world helping people and learning to bend different elements but also defeated the Fire Lord. He eventually went on to found Republic City with his friends' help and became one of the most beloved Avatars of all time. Therefore, when he passed on, people were all too eager to compare the next Avatar to Aang. Korra is very different than Aang .

She is a lot more bull-headed, and her answer to violence is usually more violence. Aang was raised as a monk and was taught to be peaceful, but Korra is the opposite. Aang accomplished so much as the Avatar, that Korra's contributions can sometimes look insignificant when compared to Aang's. Every person is different, and everyone accomplishes different things in their lifetimes, but that doesn't stop the people of Korra's time from comparing her to her predecessor.

Korra Loses Her Connection To Past Avatars

Aang had his connection to past avatars to help guide him.

• Since Avatar Yangchen, the Avatars have changed genders every time they're reborn.
• Wan was the first Avatar.

How Nickelodeon Sabotaged The Legend of Korra

Throughout Avatar: The Last Airbender , Aang has Avatar Roku to guide him. Roku not only gives Aang advice but also tells him important background knowledge for his current mission. Aang also calls upon other Avatars to help him make a decision regarding the Fire Lord.

While Avatar Aang does appear to Korra a few times in The Legend of Korra , there comes a time when Korra loses her abilities - including her access to her past lives. When Korra eventually begins to heal after a traumatic incident, Korra realizes that she has lost all her past lives for good. She can't call upon them like Aang could in times of crisis. She only has herself. Korra is left to deal with the stress of being the Avatar alone without anyone with similar experiences to guide her.

Korra's Bending Is Taken Away

Aang never lost his abilities.

• Korra is the only person to appear in every episode of The Legend of Korra .
• Korra is the second-known Avatar to have ties to a ruling family.
• The first-known Avatar with ties to a ruling family is Avatar Roku.

After visiting a Lion Turtle, Aang learns how to take someone's bending away. He uses this ability to ultimately defeat Fire Lord Ozai as an alternative to killing him. Yet, in the Avatar's next life, the ability to stop bending becomes a much bigger problem. Korra is eventually faced with the villain, Amon , who uses Bloodbending to stop a person's bending ability.

Korra falls prey to Amon, herself. This causes her to lose her entire sense of identity, as she has been raised to be the Avatar since she was very young. Once she can't bend anymore, Korra becomes lost and doesn't know what to do with herself, or how to help people. In one instant, Korra loses everything that makes her the Avatar, and it crushes her fighting spirit completely.

The Legend of Korra

Avatar Korra fights to keep Republic City safe from the evil forces of both the physical and spiritual worlds.

Release Date April 14, 2012

Creator(s) Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko

Cast Jeff Bennett, P.J. Byrne, J.K. Simmons, Seychelle Gabriel, Mindy Sterling, Janet Varney, Dee Bradley Baker, David Faustino

Main Genre Animation

Genres Animation, Action, Adventure

Rating TV-PG

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The NHL's First Official Woman 'Cup Keeper' Talks Journey to Her Job at the Hockey Hall of Fame (Exclusive)

Miragh Bitove began working at the Hockey Hall of Fame as an intern before working her way up to handling the Stanley Cup

Nirva Milord

Miragh Bitove has history with the game of hockey.

The Toronto native, who first began working at the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 as an intern, remembers her childhood as that of a “rink rat,” who rarely spent a day away from her local ice arena. Whether she was watching her brothers play, or passing a puck herself, Bitove’s whole life seemed to revolve around the sport of hockey – a game her father absorbs like water as a fan, and one that employed his uncle before him as a player for the Toronto Maple Leafs .

But now Bitove is adding her own history to the game.

Last summer, the longtime Hockey Hall of Fame archivist and mother of three became the first woman to officially be named a “Cup Keeper” during the trophy’s summer Champions Tour, when players and coaches from the winning team each get a day with the Stanley Cup .

“Honestly, I don't think that part has necessarily settled in yet,” Bitove tells PEOPLE during a recent interview from her office at the Hockey Hall of Fame, surrounded by gloves, sticks, and other gear she’s actively archiving in the game’s history. “Most days when I'm in the office, I'm writing the history of hockey or I'm researching the history. So, it doesn't quite compute that my name might be in that mix too.”

Bitove took an interest in archiving when she was a teenager and got a college degree in Art History and Museum Management. For a while after, she struggled to find a solid job until her father suggested she mix her lifelong love of sports with her studies. So, Bitove walked into the Hockey Hall of Fame and asked whether they needed an intern. She began working unpaid at first and even stayed on longer than the job asked of her, keeping a foot in the door before breaking it down.

“My internship ended, and I just kept showing up,” Bitove laughs. “They threw me a lunch for my last day of the internship, and I said, ‘That's lovely, thank you so much, but I'll be here on Monday.’ And I just kept showing up until they could start throwing little bits of money at me for working events.”

In 2005, she finally landed a full-time position with the Hockey Hall of Fame and over the years began taking on more roles in addition to working in the archivist office, including working events where she and other trusted employees would transport trophies, including the Stanely Cup, for public viewings.

“Just seeing people's reactions to the Stanley Cup…honestly, it never gets old,” Bitove says.

MiraghBitcove

Bitove remembers the first time she saw the Cup in person, when she was 13 years old and took her cousin to the Hockey Hall of Fame so they could share in a moment of their own family’s history together. Bitove’s grandfather’s younger brother, Teeder Kennedy, was an NHL player who won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and had his name etched into the side of the trophy along with every other player who has ever been on a championship team .

Bitove and her cousin walked up to the Cup, the centerpiece of the Hall of Fame, and sifted through the names to find their great uncle Teeder’s.

“It's just…it’s breathtaking when you walk into the room and see it,” Bitove says about the historic trophy, often regarded as the best in sports. “I remember that feeling very well.”

Nowadays, as an official “Cup Keeper,” Bitove gets to see the reaction often when players travel with the Cup to visit family, friends, and take it to see crowds of people in their hometown.

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Bitove’s official title as a “Cup Keeper” (or “Cup Handler” as they sometimes also refer to the role) — a position under the head “Keeper of the Cup,” Hockey Hall of Fame Vice President Phil Pritchard — began last season on tour with the champion Vegas Golden Knights.

The Cup travels 300 days a year, including roughly 100 days over the offseason when the winning franchise gets to travel with the trophy. Every offseason is flooded with videos on social media showing players and coaches taking the Stanley Cup around the world — back to their often international hometowns for public celebrations, or to their family’s houses for private parties.

“I just love thinking of the story behind those people, of how they got there and how this must be their dream come true in these minutes,” Bitove says, thinking back at times to how her great uncle must have felt when he lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time. “And now getting to see those moments live this summer of people's first time with the Cup with their family or at their home arena where it all started for them. It’s incredible to see.”

Olivia Munn Shares How Son Malcolm Helped Lift Her Up During "Rough" Cancer Recovery

Olivia munn opened up about her breast cancer journey, sharing that her and john mulaney's son malcolm, 2, provided a source of comfort and support during a "pretty rough" time..

The littlest member of  Olivia Munn 's family made the biggest difference in her battle with breast cancer .

The Newsroom  alum opened up about how her 2-year-old son Malcolm , who she shares with  John Mulaney , played an important role in her health journey. Re-posting a video of herself and the tiny tot playing by a kiddie pool in the backyard, Olivia wrote in an Instagram Story April 22, "This moment was last summer when I had already had three surgeries and recovery—mentally and physically—was pretty rough."

"The smallest, silliest moments like this lifted me up every single time," she continued. "My Malcolm."

In the original caption of the video, which she initially shared in January , Olivia wrote, "If I knew earlier in my life that this magical boy would be in my future, I wouldn't have worried so much about all the little things."

Olivia was diagnosed with breast cancer last year , leading her to undergo numerous surgeries within 30 days, including a lymph node dissection and a double mastectomy . Not only did Olivia experience severe pain in the aftermath of the procedures, but the challenges of not being able to pick up her son made recovery all the more difficult .

"Malcolm runs up and he said, 'Mama, pick [me] up?' And I said, 'Oh I can't pick you up,'" she recalled of her returned home from the hospital in a recent interview with  People . "He just sat on my leg and goes, 'But Mama, pick [me] up!'"

The 43-year-old continued, "That was probably one of the hardest things because all you want to do is pick up your baby."

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However, her partner John—who she's been  dating since 2021 —was there to guide her through the difficult moments of balancing treatment and parenting duties.

"It would've felt like climbing an iceberg without him," Olivia gushed of the comedian. "I don't think he had a moment to himself."

Praising John, 41, for "being an incredibly hands-on father," she added, "And he did it all happily."

Keep reading to see Olivia and John's sweetest moments with Malcolm.

Time to Celebrate

John Mulaney and Olivia Munn celebrated their son Malcolm 's second birthday in November 2023.

Way to Go, Idaho

The parents took Malcolm to the Gem State in June 2023.

Little Moments

Olivia shared this photo of her family of three on Father's Day 2023.

Life's a Beach

John and Olivia hit the beach with Malcom in March 2023.

Let Them Eat Cake

The couple rang in theirMalcolm's first birthday in November 2022, with Olivia joking that her mom Kim was getting "impatient" with the cake-cutting.

Making Memories

John celebrated his 40th birthday with Olivia and Malcolm in August 2022.

Olivia snapped a sweet moment between John and their son   on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in April 2022.

The family of three posed alongside fellow parents Dan Levy and Rachel Specter with their daughter Penny .

Olivia and John celebrated Malcolm turning 4 months old on March 24, 2022.

Birthday Boy

"Daddy" John cuddled with Malcolm on his 4-month birthdate before heading out to Texas.

The actress shared, "It's been 4 months since the happiest, chillest baby came into my world."

John peered over at his baby boy in this throwback photo from his birth. The comedian wrote in March 2022, "Four months ago I met a 6 lb boy who changed my life forever." 

Olivia captioned this adorable embrace with a teddy bear emoji.

Olivia shared a pic of Malcolm with his grandma a.k.a. the "retired tiger mom." 

Olivia gushed over her baby boy.

Olivia and John introduced Malcolm to friends Henry Golding and Liv Lo Golding , as well as the couple's daughter Lyla , in January 2022. 

Dads on Duty

John and Henry were seen laughing as they held up their tiny tots.

The friends snapped a selfie while introducing their babies.

As Olivia wrote, "Malcolm met Lyla today."

Olivia and John were pictured arm-in-arm during a sweet moment, seemingly gazing at their little one in January 2022.

"Uncle" Pete Davidson visited Malcolm in January 2022.

John gave his son a kiss on the cheek.

Malcolm fell asleep in dad's carrier during an outing at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, Calif.

The Newsroom actress celebrated New Year's Day 2022 with a new pic of Malcolm.

John shared a selfie with his Malcolm, kept cozy in a blue beanie, while they took a walk.

Olivia shared that this was what it looked like "when your friend shows up and surprises you with a blowout even though you're in your robe and not going anywhere."

She said the new 'do made her "feel a little less post partum."

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