5 epic behind-the-scenes facts that make ‘The Expanse’ amazing

By Vinita Jain | Sep 18, 2025, 05:35 PM

**What’s the story?**

*The Expanse* has been a fascinating watch, thanks to its brilliant storytelling and realistic take on space exploration. While we enjoy the on-screen drama, some interesting behind-the-scenes facts make the show even more amazing. These insights give us a glimpse into what goes into creating this complex universe and highlight the immense effort and creativity involved.

### 1. Realistic Space Physics in *The Expanse*

What truly makes *The Expanse* stand out is its commitment to realistic space physics, achieved through close collaboration with scientists. This ensures that zero gravity and space travel are portrayed accurately. From practical effects to innovative filming techniques, every element adds to the show’s realism, making viewers feel like they are truly in the universe. This attention to detail sets it apart from many other sci-fi shows that often simplify these aspects.

### 2. Language Creation for Belter Creole

Language plays an integral role in the world-building of *The Expanse*. The show features an interesting dialect called Belter Creole, spoken by the inhabitants of the asteroid belt. Linguist Nick Farmer was brought on board to create this language, carefully designing its grammar and vocabulary. This linguistic contribution enriches the cultural diversity of the series, demonstrating how language evolves over time and adapts to different environments.

### 3. Detailed Set Designs Reflecting Future Technology

Set design is another area where *The Expanse* excels. Designers meticulously crafted sets that showcase future technology while remaining functional and believable. From spaceship interiors to planetary colonies, every environment is designed with incredible attention to detail. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also supports storytelling by providing authentic backdrops for character interactions.

### 4. Extensive Use of Practical Effects over CGI

While CGI dominates modern television production, *The Expanse* favors practical effects whenever possible. This choice is made to enhance authenticity, as physical props often allow for more believable actor interactions than digital effects alone. By seamlessly integrating practical effects with CGI—especially in stunts and explosion sequences—the show maintains high-quality visuals while keeping viewers fully immersed.

### 5. Collaboration Between Authors & Showrunners

The success of *The Expanse* stems from the fruitful collaboration between authors James S. A. Corey (the pen name for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) and showrunners Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby. Together, they adapted the novels into a compelling screenplay, weaving narrative elements across media. This partnership ensured a faithful adaptation of the source material while expanding the lore, preserving the spirit of the original works in a cohesive and engaging experience for fans.

*The Expanse* continues to set a high standard in science fiction television by combining scientific accuracy, rich world-building, and creative storytelling—all contributing to its lasting appeal.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/5-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-expanse/story

Lisa Marie lost will to live after son’s death, reveals Priscilla Presley

**Lisa Marie Presley Lost the Will to Live After Son’s Death, Reveals Priscilla**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Sep 18, 2025, 05:56 PM*

Priscilla Presley, mother of the late singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley, recently opened up about her daughter’s heartbreaking struggle with grief following the tragic death of her grandson, Benjamin Keough.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Priscilla shared how Lisa Marie was deeply affected after Benjamin’s suicide in 2020. “He was absolutely the love of her life,” Priscilla said. “She didn’t want to be here anymore [after his suicide].”

### A Mother’s Concern

Priscilla, now 80, revealed that she often encouraged Lisa Marie to focus on caring for her 16-year-old twins, Finley and Harper. “I’d tell her, ‘Lisa, you’ve got the twins. You have to take care of the twins.’ She tried. She really did.”

Lisa Marie, who shared Benjamin and daughter Riley Keough with ex-husband Danny Keough, also had twins with her other ex-husband, Michael Lockwood.

### Heartbreaking Loss

Three years after Benjamin’s passing, Lisa Marie herself tragically died at the age of 54 due to a small bowel obstruction, a complication from bariatric surgery.

Priscilla described the moment, saying, “It was the second saddest day of my life, other than losing Elvis.” She added that it took her a long time to come to terms with Lisa Marie’s death. The family had spent the entire day at the hospital before receiving the devastating news.

### The Difficult Decision

In her memoir, *Softly, as I Leave You: Life After Elvis*, Priscilla recalls having to make the heart-wrenching decision to take Lisa Marie off life support.

“They had restarted Lisa’s heart, but there was no guarantee it would keep beating,” she wrote. “I asked the doctor, ‘What kind of life will she have if we keep her on that machine?’ He looked at me with compassion and shook his head. ‘No quality of life at all.’”

### Cherished Memories

Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Priscilla chooses to hold onto the fond memories she shared with her daughter. “She was fun to be with,” Priscilla remembered. “She liked to have a few drinks and hang out with friends. There are a lot of people who didn’t want Lisa and me to be close. We were very close.”

*Softly, as I Leave You: Life After Elvis* will be published on September 23 and is available for preorder now.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/lisa-marie-didn-t-want-to-live-after-son-s-death-priscilla/story

Alibaba enters robotaxi market with investment in ride-hailing firm Hello

**How to Automate Calculations with Google Sheets**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 18, 2025, 04:51 pm*

Managing budgets effectively often means saving time and reducing errors, and automating budget calculations can help you do just that. While automating your finances might sound challenging, Google Sheets offers a variety of templates that simplify the process. Whether you’re handling personal finances or business expenses, these templates allow you to focus more on analyzing data rather than manually calculating it.

### 1. Choosing the Right Template

Selecting the appropriate template is crucial for successful budget automation. Google Sheets provides a range of templates tailored for different purposes, such as monthly budgets or annual forecasts. Start by considering your specific financial needs and goals, then pick a template that covers all relevant categories. This ensures a smoother customization process and a better fit for your unique situation.

### 2. Customizing Your Template

After choosing a template, personalization is key to aligning it with your individual or business financial circumstances. You can adjust categories, modify formulas, and enter data that reflects your actual income and expenses. Customization improves tracking accuracy and ensures that the automated calculations support your specific objectives.

### 3. Utilizing Built-In Functions

Google Sheets includes powerful built-in functions that enhance budget automation. Functions like **SUMIF** and **VLOOKUP** can automatically total amounts or retrieve particular data based on set criteria. Familiarity with these functions helps you create dynamic spreadsheets that update automatically whenever new information is added.

### 4. Setting Up Alerts and Notifications

To maintain tight control over your finances, consider setting up alerts and notifications within Google Sheets. Using features like conditional formatting or integrating Google Apps Script add-ons, you can receive timely alerts when your spending reaches or exceeds certain limits. These reminders help you stay on track by notifying you about budget thresholds or upcoming payments.

By leveraging Google Sheets’ templates, customization options, functions, and alert capabilities, automating your budget calculations becomes more accessible and efficient. This allows you to spend less time crunching numbers and more time making informed financial decisions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/alibaba-invests-in-ant-group-backed-hello-to-enter-robotaxi-market/story

Upgrade your cooking with these exotic spices

**Upgrade Your Cooking with These Exotic Spices**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 18, 2025, 4:45 PM*

Exotic spices have the power to elevate vegetarian dishes by adding depth and complexity to flavors. Sourced from various parts of the world, these unique spices can transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. By incorporating their distinctive tastes into your everyday cooking, you can embark on a culinary journey without ever leaving your kitchen.

Here are some transformative spices and tips on how to use them to enhance your vegetarian dishes:

### 1. Sumac: A Tangy Twist
If you’re looking for a tangy, lemon-like flavor without the acidity of citrus, sumac is an excellent choice. Commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, sumac can be sprinkled over salads, roasted vegetables, or hummus to add a vibrant zestiness. Its unique flavor profile is versatile enough to complement both savory and sweet dishes.

### 2. Star Anise: Sweetness with Depth
Star anise offers a sweet, licorice-like flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory recipes. Widely used in Asian cooking and increasingly popular in Western kitchens, it can be added to broths or desserts like poached pears. This spice enriches dishes by adding layers of complexity and enhancing the overall taste experience.

### 3. Turmeric: The Golden Spice
Recognized for its bright golden color and earthy taste, turmeric is a staple in Indian cuisine and beloved worldwide for its health benefits. Adding turmeric to soups, stews, or rice dishes not only brightens the color but also infuses a warm, comforting flavor. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition to any diet.

### 4. Saffron: A Luxurious Addition
Known as one of the most expensive spices due to its labor-intensive harvesting, saffron brings a rich aroma and distinctive taste to dishes like risotto or paella. Just a few strands can impart a subtle yet luxurious flavor, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to add an elegant touch to your meal.

Incorporating these exotic spices into your vegetarian cooking is an effortless way to explore new flavors and elevate your dishes. Give them a try and enjoy a vibrant, flavorful culinary adventure right at home!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/exotic-spices-transforming-vegetarian-cooking/story

How to save money with LED bulbs

**How to Save Money with LED Bulbs**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 18, 2025, 05:15 PM*

LED bulbs are becoming increasingly popular as an energy-efficient lighting solution. They consume less power and last longer than traditional bulbs, making them a cost-effective choice for households and businesses alike. By optimizing the use of LED bulbs, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Here are some practical ways to maximize savings with LED bulbs:

### 1. Choose the Right Wattage

Selecting the appropriate wattage is crucial for maximizing savings. LED bulbs are available in various wattages, typically ranging from 5 to 15 watts, depending on the brightness required. While lower wattage saves energy, it’s important to ensure the bulb provides sufficient light for the intended space.

Using a wattage calculator can help determine the optimal power consumption based on the lumens needed, ensuring you get the perfect balance between brightness and energy efficiency.

### 2. Utilize Smart Lighting Systems

Integrating smart lighting systems with LED bulbs can further enhance energy efficiency. Many smart systems offer scheduling features that automatically adjust brightness levels throughout the day, ensuring lights are only used when necessary. This helps avoid unnecessary energy consumption and adds convenience to managing your home or office lighting.

### 3. Take Advantage of Rebates and Incentives

Many governments and utility companies offer rebates or incentives for switching to energy-efficient lighting solutions like LED bulbs. These programs can significantly reduce initial costs by providing financial assistance or discounts on purchases.

Before buying new bulbs, it’s worth researching available incentives in your area, as these savings can add up quickly and make the switch even more affordable.

### 4. Regular Maintenance of Fixtures

Keeping light fixtures clean and well-maintained is essential for maximizing the efficiency of LED bulbs. Dusty or dirty fixtures can block light output by up to 20%, which may prompt you to use brighter bulbs than necessary.

Regularly cleaning fixtures improves illumination and prolongs bulb life by preventing overheating caused by dust accumulation.

### 5. Educate Household Members on Usage Habits

Educating everyone in your home about proper usage habits can make a significant difference in saving energy with LED technology. Simple practices such as switching off unnecessary lights when leaving a room or utilizing natural daylight during daytime hours go a long way.

These habits not only reduce energy consumption but also help prolong the life of your LED bulbs.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the many benefits of LED lighting—lower electricity bills, reduced environmental impact, and long-lasting illumination. Start making the switch today and watch your savings grow!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-save-money-with-led-bulbs/story

Megaworld trims MREIT stake in P2.24-B deal

MANILA, Philippines — Property developer Megaworld Corp. has sold a portion of its shares in its real estate investment trust (REIT), raising PHP 2.24 billion and paving the way for possible asset infusions.

Led by Andrew Tan, Megaworld announced on Thursday that it sold 168.63 million common shares of MREIT Inc. at PHP 13.28 per share through a block sale transaction.

https://business.inquirer.net/547762/megaworld-trims-mreit-stake-in-p2-24-b-deal

Dark v/s milk chocolate: Which is healthier?

The debate on whether dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate has been around for ages.

Many people argue in favor of dark chocolate due to its higher cocoa content and rich antioxidants. On the other hand, milk chocolate is often favored for its creamy texture and sweeter taste.

In this article, we will explore the nutritional differences between dark and milk chocolate to help you make an informed choice.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/dark-chocolate-vs-milk-chocolate-health-debate/story

NVIDIA acquires $5B stake in Intel, plans joint chip development

NVIDIA has announced a massive $5 billion investment in Intel, marking a significant development in the semiconductor industry.

This strategic move has the potential to reshape the competitive landscape and foster new collaborations between two of the sector’s leading companies.

Industry experts are closely watching how this investment will influence innovation, production capabilities, and market dynamics in the months and years ahead.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/nvidia-invests-5b-in-intel-forms-ai-chip-partnership/story

Japan seeks to ramp up Asian Games buzz with year to go

Japanese organizers admit that public awareness of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya “needs to be higher” as they look to ramp up interest.

Friday marks one year to go until the start of this major sporting spectacular.

The pandemic-delayed 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China, featured about 12,000 athletes—making it the biggest Asian Games in history in terms of competitors.
https://sports.inquirer.net/640501/japan-seeks-to-ramp-up-asian-games-buzz-with-year-to-go

‘We Were Liars’ renewed for Season 2: Everything we know

**‘We Were Liars’ Renewed for Season 2: Everything We Know**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 18, 2025 | 01:22 PM*

Prime Video has officially renewed the mystery thriller series *We Were Liars* for a second season. The show, based on E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel, debuted in June to breakout success. It follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her close-knit friends, nicknamed the Liars, as they spend their summer on a private island in New England.

The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the secrets of Beechwood Island and explore new twists and turns in the story.

**Showrunners Express Gratitude for Success**

Julie Plec and Carina Adly Mackenzie, the showrunners of *We Were Liars*, shared their appreciation for the show’s positive reception. In a statement, they said, “We loved making this show with so many spectacular humans. The fan response was truly special. There are still plenty of secrets buried on Beechwood Island and we can’t wait to keep digging them up.”

**Recognition of Talent Behind the Scenes**

Erin Underhill, president of Universal Television, also commented on the renewal, calling it a “testament to Julie and this cast and crew’s extraordinary talent.” She emphasized that the renewal further solidifies the partnership between Universal Television and Amazon MGM Studios.

**Exciting Plot Revelations and Future Plans**

E. Lockhart teased even bigger twists in the upcoming season, stating, “We have big, big plans for Season Two, including everything readers of my books are dying to see onscreen and a lot of surprises as well.”

Julie Plec hinted the series will take inspiration from Lockhart’s prequel novel *Family of Liars*, allowing the show to “go backwards in time and still move forward.” Fans can expect a captivating blend of past and present storylines as the mysteries of Beechwood Island continue to unfold.

Stay tuned for more updates as *We Were Liars* prepares to return for its highly anticipated second season.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/prime-video-announces-season-2-of-we-were-liars/story

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