Fitting of the original epic poem upon which it was based, filming Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey was fraught with challenges. This is thanks in no small part to the fact that the director famously chooses innovative approaches to practical effects instead of relying on CGI.  So, for one particular action sequence in the high-grossing swords-and-sandals blockbuster, wherein our titular hero goes head-to-head with an army of semi-giants, Nolan had to find the right man to handle the intense combat, help create a convincing height difference illusion, and possess a similar physique to Matt Damon (playing Odysseus).  Turns out, the right man for this job…was a woman.  A surprising solution for one of The Odyssey’s biggest battles During an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Damon explained that the giant warriors, aka the Laestrygonians, were played by men who “were all seven feet.” To make them look even more imposing, Nolan incorporated “forced perspective,” a tried-and-true photography technique to trick the brain into thinking objects or people are smaller or larger than they really are (i.e., how Peter Jackson gave us hobbits).  View this post on Instagram That meant all the stunt men on Odysseus’ team were “under five feet,” said Damon.  That’s when he revealed that his stunt was actually a female stunt performer, and praised her not only for her work, but for having the “greatest arms” he’d “ever seen.” “It was almost 100 percent my arms in the movie, but you gotta give it up where it’s due,” he quipped. About stunt performer Devyn Dalton View this post on Instagram That woman with the impressive biceps is Devyn Dalton. Reported to be 4 ft 6 in and trained in boxing, Muay Thai, fencing, sword fighting, and multiple forms of dance, it’s no wonder why she has a full stunt performer resume for both movies and video games—everything from The Last of Us to the Planet of the Apes franchise.  On her own Instagram, Dalton shared a few fun images while on location, including gorgeous views of the Scottish Highlands and some photos showing off those legendary guns.  In one post, she shared her gratitude for the project, writing: “An epic team effort. We worked hard, shared plenty of laughs, and created memories I’ll never forget. The best part of this job is getting to venture to new places and meet amazing people along the way.” View this post on Instagram The unseen work behind unforgettable scenes Dalton certainly isn’t the first woman to double for a male actor on screen, either. Stunt casting has long prioritized body type, movement, and physical ability over gender when the camera isn’t showing a performer’s face. This means other female stunt performers have stepped in for male actors, including Daniel Radcliffe and Elijah Wood, when their height or build made them the best fit for a particular shot. And not to mention Lord of the Rings again (my nerd is showing), but Two Towers famously featured mostly female riders sporting beards as the Riders of Rohan.  When it comes to movie magic, it’s all about seamlessly adding in elements that make the story feel real. Even if that means a woman with “the greatest arms” Matt Damon has ever seen stepping in as Odysseus for one of the film’s biggest action sequences. Audiences are unlikely to notice until someone lets them in on the secret, and that’s all part of the fun. The post Matt Damon reveals his double for one ‘Odyssey’ scene was a female stunt performer with ‘great arms’ appeared first on Upworthy.

A man who was paralyzed from the chest down is now regaining hand and arm control thanks to a double neural bypass surgery—by using a computer to connect his brain with the nerves in his hand and arms. Hardly doomed to becoming a wheeled internet node for the rest of his life, the man has […] The post Paralyzed Man Can Feed Himself and Pet His Dog Again Thanks to Double Neural Bypass Surgery appeared first on Good News Network.

Before he ever gave us one of sitcom’s most iconic characters, Henry Winkler had a lot of experience as a “serious” theatre actor under his belt. He had studied at the Yale School of Drama, acted in several plays (including on Broadway), and had already dipped his toe into the pond of television comedies with his small part in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.  Plus, Winkler famously won the role of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli with his audition, featuring an iconic comb bit, ad-libbing, and creating a new physical persona that completely won over the directors.  @thevideonook The Fonz Ayyyyy Compilation #tvshow #fonz #thefonz #fonzie #arthurfonzarelli #happydays #henrywinkler #familyguy #simpsons #scrubs #theoffice #boymeetsworld #robotchicken #fullhouse #funnyvideo #videonook ♬ original sound – TheVideoNook – TheVideoNook Point being, Winkler had every reason to walk onto his first day on set for Happy Days completely confident. But as the actor shared with Hoda Kotb’s Joy 101, that wasn’t the case.  Even a seasoned actor can have moments of doubt Apparently, one joke in the script was really tripping him up, causing him to doubt himself. Out of frustration, Winkler began hitting his script, saying, “I can’t do this. What is this?” It would take the calm advice of his teenage costar, Ron Howard, to bring him back to earth.  Ron Howard’s life-changing advice “I’m twenty-seven, Ron Howard is eighteen,” Winkler explained. “He puts his arm around me, walks me to the back of soundstage 24  on Paramount Lot and says, ‘You know they’re working as hard as they can. Let’s not hit our script.’“ Instantly sobered, Winkler said, “Ron, I’ll never hit my script as long as I live.” Having been a child actor on The Andy Griffith Show, Howard had been well exposed to the often chaotic working environment of television, and had learned how to keep his cool under this specific kind of pressure.  But perhaps even more than that, he had learned that golden rule that applies to those in the film industry, and those outside of it: interactions go more smoothly when you assume that everyone is trying their best to do a great job.  How Winkler and Howard became fans of one another And so, with his young guide, Winkler was able to navigate the early days of his very first big role on a TV  show. And in turn, Howard appreciated the rigorousness Winkler brought to the work thanks to his training.  “Henry’s a few years older than I am.” Howard once told People magazine. “Yale educated, and he looked at acting in a way that was — it wasn’t Hollywood. It was a little more intellectual. It was theater-based, and that was new to me.” The mutual respect Winkler and Howard developed during those early days on set endured, becoming one of the many reasons their friendship has lasted long after the show had ended.  It goes to show that age and experience don’t always determine who has the right perspective in a given moment.  Keeping an open mind to that possibility can lead to lessons that stay with you for the rest of your life. The post Henry Winkler reveals how teenage Ron Howard adjusted his attitude the first day on ‘Happy Days’ set appeared first on Upworthy.

Cats may be persnickety at times or appear aloof to the presence of humans, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their favorites. Just like dogs, cats also fancy having a human best friend, but unless the feline companion is overly affectionate, one may not know they’ve been chosen. Some cats live up to the expectation that they will give the most attention to the person who likes them the least. But most cats are particular about who they choose to give their attention to. In a one-person household, there could be a real possibility that the human in the equation isn’t the favorite. After all, cats are not dogs who will be excited by their humans’ mere existence. Cats are much more like broke royalty who expect their humans to be grateful for the opportunity to scoop out their litter boxes. Curious cat and baby share a gentle moment on the grass. Photo credit: Canva Due to the imaginary royal title, a cat is much more discerning about who they give their priceless attention to. Usually, it’s easy to tell who kitty has designated as their favorite person in a multi-person household. But the question remains, how do they pick their person? So how do cats actually pick? According to Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, “People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.” They added, “Another reason behind their preference is the cat’s breed or personality. If your cat is the type who wants to be chill and relax, they will probably gravitate towards the family member who is calm and quiet. Playful, energetic cats who love to stay active will likely choose a friend who gives them this exercise and attention. In fact, it may be that your cat is revealing something about you in why they choose to love you best.” Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist and founder of Cat Behavior Solutions, Molly DeVoss, explains to Rover that cats prefer people who have a calming presence, feed them, and play with them. She also shares how trauma in a cat’s early life influences how they form attachments to humans. “If a cat (or kitten) were in an abusive or neglectful situation with a certain demographic, they’re more likely to feel uncomfortable and unsafe around some types of people.” How to become the chosen one Cats will let you know that you might be their favorite person by doing a few things. According to DeVoss, if a cat is keen on you being their number one human, they’ll do things like headbutt your hands, legs, and even forehead. They’ll bring you their toys, rub their scent on you, rub their teeth or mouth on you, and groom you by licking your hair. DeVoss also says that when a cat exposes their belly or flops around briefly, it displays a deep level of trust. A sweet moment shared with a fluffy friend. Photo credit: Canva To become your cat’s favorite person, you may need to start sharing some common interests. That doesn’t mean you have to stalk bugs or start knocking things off of counters, but if your cat likes watching out the window, you can make it a shared activity. Cats can also be trained to perform tricks, especially those that are active and attentive to their surroundings. You can even get a cat play yard or “catio” for the ones that seem as if they’re longing to do some porch sitting with you. You can also bond with them by talking to them throughout the day, even if they don’t know what you’re saying, Union Lake Veterinary Hospital says. Being affectionate with your cat more often, with pets, hugs, and scratches, will make them feel loved and safe. Doing some of these things will have your feline companion purring their little hearts out in no time. This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated. The post Yes, even cats have a favorite person. How they choose and how to tell they’ve picked you. appeared first on Upworthy.

Being frugal isn’t about deprivation, it’s about living intentionally. Meaning you spend less on what drains you, and more on what gives you back time, peace, or comfort. That also means that sometimes throwing down a liiiiiiittle bit of moolah here and there to invest in a higher quality of life isn’t seen as a frivolous move, but a truly wise one. That’s certainly a philosophy plenty of money-savvy Redditors seem to share. Across dozens of threads, people who pride themselves on being budget-conscious swapped stories about the little upgrades that made their life run more smoothly: time-saving robots, procedures that added convenience, mattresses that heal more than they cost, and more. When you read through enough of these threads, a pattern emerges. The most “worth it” purchases bring more peace and joy to the day-to-day in some way, and they need not be super fancy to achieve that. What are some of your best quality-of-life purchases? byu/pr3miere inlifehacks The luxuries worth every penny So, what are these life-changing splurges that even the most frugal swear by? Here are the simple, sanity-saving luxuries these folks say pay dividends. Roombas, or robot vacuums in general A robot vaccuum. Photo credit: Canva It’s like hiring a tiny, tireless butler who never complains. You come home to clean floors without lifting a finger…or a broom, for that matter. What’s not to like? Fun fact: According to an article from Ecovacs, robot vacuums might be a more “effective” and “healthier option” than traditional dusting, since they stir up less dust. Automatic pet feeders and litter boxes A kitty using a self-cleaning litterbox. Photo credit: Canva No more 6 a.m. guilt trips from hungry cats or late-night scooping marathons. Automation means your pets stay fed and happy while you reclaim a few precious minutes, sans any unsavory smells. As some people noted, self cleaning litters boxes can be especially helpful for pet owners who might suffer from depression and have trouble maintaining routines. LASIK surgery A woman getting LASIK. Photo credit: Canva Listen, it’s great that glasses have broken through stigma to become a chic fashion accessory, but are still so annoying to need at all times. With LASIK, the luxury comes in simply being able to wake up and see the world without having to clumsily hunt for those specs. It’s like the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it upgrade for your eyes. Did you know? Over 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery, per the American Refractive Surgery Council. A dishwasher A loaded dishwasher. Photo credit: Canva Because no one has ever said, “I wish I spent more time scrubbing plates.” A great dishwasher saves time, water, and (most importantly) your will to live after dinner. “I never had one growing up, and rented a bunch of apartments afterwards that didn’t have one. I bought my first apartment 3 years ago and made sure to have one installed, and it was life changing. No more toiling over the sink for almost an hour every evening, and no more eczema on my hands and ruined nails.” “The great thing about dishwashers is the simplicity of the routine for me. Empty it as the kettle boils in the morning. Rinse dirty dishes and stack them in as you go. Put it on when it’s full. Repeat as needed. No more dishes on the bench ” A quality mattress A woman waking up well-rested. Photo credit: Canva We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, quality sleep is the major key to our focus, immunity, and mood throughout the day. Conversely, if you’ve ever woken up with a stiff back or neck (read: if you’ve over 32) you know that your mattress can make or break that much needed reset. So many people who have finally invested in a top notch mattress can attest to this. “Being able to elevate my feet and head without juggling to organize a bunch of pillows feels like the epitome of luxury.” And of course, there are money-savvy ways to make this big purchase. “I’m glad I opted to put the purchase on my credit card, even though I paid it off right away with savings budgeted for the big spend. The store would have given me 0% interest, but since I didn’t carry the balance, I didn’t pay any interest, anyway, and my card basically paid me with a kickback/cashback.” A bidet A bidet. Photo credit: Canva Once you try it, you understand. It’s cleaner, greener, and oddly life-affirming. You’ll save money on toilet paper and feel like you’re living in the future. A win-win. Another stat: Americans use 34 million rolls of toilet paper daily. Bidets can cut that by up to 75%. Tools A man using a power drill. Photo credit: Canva Whether it’s a power drill or a solid wrench set, the right tools turn frustrating chores into five-minute fixes. Plus, you get the earned confidence in your own self-sufficiency. “Having the right tools to repair, modify, improve, or build something can vastly simplify automotive and home maintenance. It can also be cheaper to buy the tools once than it is to pay someone to perform the maintenance regularly. Especially the battery powered ones.” An electric kettle and tea An electric kettle and tea. Photo credit: Canva A quiet moment with a cup of tea can reset your day faster than any productivity hack ever could. And harnessing the power of electricity can bring that peace ritual even sooner. “Drinking tea and even the ritual of preparing it nurtures me and brings me so much peace and clarity. Maybe that sounds goofy, but staying hydrated and getting your antioxidants throughout the day makes life simpler and happier. Wow, I am making myself thirsty. Time for some chamomile.” A key pad dead bolt A keypad lock. Photo credit: Canva No more frantic pocket-patting or key-hunting at the door. Tap a code, and badda bing, badda boom, you’re home. It’s safety, simplicity, and peace of mind, especially for chronic key-losers everywhere. Air-fryers An air fryer with freshly made potatoes. Photo credit: Canva It’s the holy grail of quick, crispy satisfaction; just ask any millennial. Dinner goes from frozen to fantastic in 15 minutes flat, with less mess, less oil, less calories (up to 70–80% less, to be exact) and zero regrets. An Anker charging brick A phone charging. Photo credit: Canva Running out of battery-life in 2025 feels like running out of oxygen, so having one hand “oxygen tank” for all your electronic needs is beyond a luxury, and more of a modern day necessity. “[I have one] powerful enough to run my laptop and charge devices. It has multiple USB ports. I no longer have to juggle multiple charging bricks or the awkward OEM laptop power supply. It’s noticeably simpler so much that several folks have commented at work when they saw my simplified setup in conference rooms.” An espresso machine An espresso machine. Photo credit: Canva Behold, your kitchen is magically transformed into a café—minus the line, tip jar, or misspelled name on the cup. It’s an investment that pays you back in energy and joy. And you get to create your own latte art! Monthly cleaners Cleaners. Photo credit: Canva Sometimes, the most impactful luxury of all is walking into a spotless home you didn’t have to clean yourself. And doing it only once a month helps hinder burnout while still keeping within budget. “It’s not so often that it feels over-indulgent, but it’s enough to help keep the house truly clean and relieves a lot of stress. Also motivates you to keep tidy, as cleaners clean, they don’t tidy, and they clean better if it’s tidy!” Laser hair removal Laser hari removal Photo credit: Canva Less shaving, less irritation, less time. It’s freedom disguised as skincare. Medi-spas seems to agree that, generally speaking, most people see a 50-70% reduction after 3-4 sessions, and 85-95% permanent reduction after 6-8 sessions. Then there’s 5+ years of being “practically hair-free” with minimal need for maintenance. With this option, maybe I actually could take quick showers like a normal person! The right soundtrack, be it a playlist or a podcast, makes everything better, does it not? One study found that students who used headphones while working were more focused, less distracted, and even enjoyed studying more…proof that good sound can help produce good habits. What it all comes down to Bottom line: investing in peace of mind, better sleep, or a cleaner home isn’t frivolous. It’s human. Because when life feels just a little lighter, you have more room to actually live it. Consider this your permission slip to appreciate some of the luxuries you might already have in your life. Or, bank account willing, even purchase something today that adds a little peace of mind. This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated. The post Frugal people say you don’t need to be rich to buy these 15 life-simplifying ‘luxuries’ appeared first on Upworthy.