Month: May 2021

Trump’s back, in blog form. It’s been nearly four months since the 45th American president was permanently banned from Twitter, as well as most of the rest of social media. Since then he’s had to subsist on “press releases,” wherein what would have been his deranged, typo-ridden, randomly all-capped tweets are surreally placed beneath formal-looking letterhead. No one’s really been paying attention to those, but maybe this will do the trick: He’s finally started his own blog.

As per The Wrap, the former commander-in-chief has launched a wing of his personal website, which is now the home for said press releases. It’s here that he can drop what would have been rage-tweets typed out on the can at 3 in the morning. “So nice to see RINO Mitt Romney booed off the stage at the Utah Republican State Convention,” goes one, posted Monday morning, a day after the event in question. “They are among the earliest to have figured this guy out, a stone cold loser!”

A video atop the new page boasts that Trump has cleverly circumvented his social media cancelation. “In a time of silence and lies, a new beacon of freedom arises,” the narrator crows. “A place to speak freely and safely.” Well, not for anyone who’s not Donald Trump: There is no place on the site for anyone to comment, much less re-tweet, quote-tweet or share in any way. “This is just a one-way communication,” a source admitted to Fox News, where he still calls in on the regular to complain about a myriad of issues.

So kudos for yet another first for this one-time president! He can add “started a blog” to all his other unique presidential accomplishments, such as “inspired a failed but deadly coup,” “praised Nazis,” “stared into the sun during a solar eclipse,” “pissed off the Pope,” “bought lots of McDonald’s for chiseled athletes,” “signed Bibles,” “signed blank papers,” “clutched a glowing orb,” “Scotch-taped his tie,” and many, many others.

If you’d like to catch up with Donald Trump’s blog, you can do so here.

(Via The Wrap)

Actress Billie Lourd paid tribute to her late mother Carrie Fisher on Tuesday by sharing a photo of her son Kingston watching Fisher as Princess Leia in 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope.”

Kingston was born last September to Lourd and her fiancé, actor Austen Rydell. The infant is pictured wearing a knitted hat with buns on its side and a Leia-themed onesie.

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via PrisetheLourd / Instagram

Unfortunately, Fisher died in December 2016 at the age of 60 after suffering cardiac arrest on a plane. Her mother, actress Debbie Reynolds, tragically died the next day at the age of 84. Fisher played Princess Leia in six “Star Wars” films. Her final, posthumous performance in 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” was cobbled together using footage of her taken for other films.

Lourd co-starred with Fisher in all three of the films in the Star Wars sequel trilogy in the role of Lieutenant Connix. She auditioned for the lead role of Rey, but it went to Daisy Ridley.

Lourd has also starred in the Fox horror-comedy series “Scream Queens” and the FX horror anthology series “American Horror Story.”

The actress got to play her mother’s iconic role of Princess Leia in a brief flashback scene in “The Rise of Skywalker.” Lourd’s face was digitally replaced with an image of Fisher taken from 1983’s “Return of the Jedi.”

Lourd shared the photo to commemorate “Star Wars” Day, also known as “May the Fourth,” a play on words using the films’ catchphrase “May the force be with you.”

Over the past decade, “Star Wars” fans have celebrated the popular film franchise on May 4. Since 2013, The Walt Disney Company has commemorated the holiday with “Star Wars” events. On May 4, 2021, it premiered an animated series “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” to coincide with the holiday.

May the 4th be with you

Happy #StarWarsDay https://t.co/9U65cM7Oad

— Vintage Los Angeles (@alisonmartino)
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Does anyone know what day it is? 🤔😂 #StarWarsDay #MayThe4thBeWithYou #MayThe4th #TBBT https://t.co/sIMgndQapZ

— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim)
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Happy #StarWarsDay from Freddie Mercury.
#MayThe4thBeWithYou
#MayTheFourth https://t.co/GB2c8PBNMb

— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper)
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I’m beginning to accept the fact that I’ll probably never do another movie that gets its own day.… https://t.co/EWSQJdqBBe

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself)
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Some fans have turned the holiday into a two-day celebration by commemorating “Revenge of the Fifth” or “Revenge of the Sixth” in the days after the fourth. The secondary celebrations are plays on the title of the third film in the series, “Revenge of the Sith.”

It’s believed that the phrase “May the fourth be with you,” was first used in 1979, when the U.K. Conservative Party paid for a newspaper advertisement saying, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!” to celebrate the party’s general election victory.

It’s unclear whether this was young Kingston’s first time seeing his grandmother as Princess Leia, but it probably won’t be his last. The child has no idea that he’s been born into Hollywood royalty.

“Star Wars” first came out nearly 44 years ago and the film franchise is as popular as ever. There’s no doubt that Carrie Fisher will continue to inspire future generations with her portrayal of one of the most memorable strong female characters ever committed to film.

Super stylish hand-printed-t-shirt-brand-turned-print-magazine Whalebone has just unveiled the winners of their annual photo contest, and these stunning photographs couldn’t have us more psyched to capture our own upcoming summer adventures. The contest, now in its second year, bills itself as a celebration of “the amazing humans who point and shoot all sorts of cameras” and featured six different vaguely defined categories which included: Water, Human, Joy, Adventure, Weather, and finally Motion — all of which were judged by an all-star cast of photographers including legendary hip-hop photographer Mel D. Cole, adventure photographer Krystle Wright, and underwater photographer Mike Coots.

The six winning photos are currently available as prints for purchase with proceeds going in support of both the winning photographers as well as No Kid Hungry, a non-profit that seeks to end childhood hunger in the United States. We’ve included each of the winning photos below as well as the corresponding captions from the photographers. If you want to purchase a print be sure to head over to the Whalebone Print Shop, which offers a variety of sizes for each.

We’re planning on using these photos for inspiration as we document our first post-covid quarantine road trips, but we’re probably going to stop short of putting any sea creatures on our faces. We’re not ready for that much excitement (if that’s what you want to call it) yet.

Grand Prize Water — Michael Francis Connelly “Hide ‘n’ Suck”

Spending so much time with octopuses has definitely changed how I see them. Instead of sushi, they have become unreal photo props for me now. This was after I spent some time free diving reef, learning about them, and handling them with some amazing, out of this world water people, out on Oahu, Hawai’i.

I bonded with these amazing eight-limbed beings, to the point where they have become my favorite animal to come across while in the water, and to always return safely to the reef. — Michael Francis Connelly

Grand Prize Human — Tyler Schank “Harmony House Hugs”

Gracelynn Noland, 6, and her grandmother Janet Noland hold hands and touch foreheads through a plastic cover as they say goodbye Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, after their visit in a garage at Harmony House assisted living facility in Superior, Wisconsin. Janet and her husband Frank were surprised to see their grandchildren and even more surprised to have the chance to hug them. “They can do that every day!” Janet said of the experience. — Tyler Schank

Grand Prize Joy — Sultan Ahmed Niloy “Enjoying the biggest festival Durga Puja”

Children are enjoying the biggest Bengali festival which is Durga Puja. It’s a very big ritual for Hindu community people in Kolkata, India, and Bangladesh. — Sultan Ahmed Niloy

Grand Prize Adventure — Mark McInnis “Mulcoy’s World”

All credit goes to my brother, my hero, and my favorite surfer, Josh Mulcoy, for this photo. He has towed me into a lot of memorable images over the years, but this one simply takes the cake. — Mark McInnis

Grand Prize Weather — Daniel Pullen “Tidal Pool”

Storm Surge from Hurricane Teddy spinning off of the coast of Cape Hatteras pours into the bottom floor of this cottage in Avon, NC. — Daniel Pullen

Grand Prize Motion — Siddharth Kaneria “Wall of Death”

The photograph is of Daredevil Stuntmen at “Well Of Death” performing in their car. Hundreds of spectators crowded around a circular pit to witness daredevil drivers in cars & motorcycles performing stunts in a vertical pit known as the “Well of Death.” Once a sight at festivals across northern India, the practice is now waning but that doesn’t stop festival-goers and stuntmen from capitalizing on the few remaining Wells of Death in the country. The Photograph is one of the biggest “Well of death” which exists in India. It is said that only 6 of this kind is in practice. — Siddharth Kaneria

Eva Longoria has found the leads for her directorial debut, Flamin’ Hot, which chronicles the real-life tale of a Frito-Lay janitor who invented the Cheetos flavor that became a global sensation. Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera) will play Richard Montanez, the man who created Flamin’ Hot Cheetos by combining the flavors of his Mexican-American heritage with the cheesy snack food, while Annie Gonzalez (Gentefied) rounds out the main roles as his wife Judy. Via Deadline:

Said Longoria in a statement, “It has been my biggest priority to make sure we are telling Richard Montañez’s story authentically. I am so happy to have two extremely talented and fellow Mexican-Americans on board in these pivotal roles. Jesse and Annie have a deep understanding of our community and will be able to help tell this story of great importance for our culture.”

Flamin’ Hot was announced back in August 2019 with Longoria attached to direct for Fox Searchlight. Presumably, the pandemic slowed down production on the film, but Longoria has remained committed to telling Montanez’s story of a Mexican immigrant who went from custodian for a potato chip conglomerate to the inventor of one of the most popular flavors in snacking history. Also along for the ride is Genetefied writer Linda Yvette Chavez, who was recently brought aboard to revise the script. It seems like a nice story that will leave your heart warm and your taste buds ablaze. Who could possibly ask for more, you know?

(Via Deadline)

In December 2020, John Mulaney checked himself into rehab “after relapsing following a decades-long battle with addiction,” as People reported at the time. The comedian checked out in February, and later this week, he’ll make his return to live comedy. Mulaney is doing a residency at New York’s City Winery from May 10-14. To attend, guest have to “either be fully vaccinated or have received a negative Covid test within 72 hours prior to this event,” and no phones will be allowed in the performance space.

Mulaney discussed his relationship with alcohol in a candid 2019 interview with Esquire. “I drank for attention,” he said. “I was really outgoing, and then at twelve, I wasn’t. I didn’t know how to act. And then I was drinking, and I was hilarious again.” The Late Night With Seth Meyers writer didn’t like smoking pot, but “then I tried cocaine, and I loved it. I wasn’t a good athlete, so maybe it was some young male thing of, ‘This is the physical feat I can do. Three Vicodin and a tequila and I’m still standing.’ Who’s the athlete now?”

Page Six reported that he was “doing well” in outpatient therapy in February; hopefully, the comedy shows next week mean he’s happy and healthy. I also hope the Sack Lunch Bunch makes a cameo. Not grandma’s boyfriend Paul, though. He’s not invited.

For more information on the City Winery residency, head here.

(Via Brooklyn Vegan)

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Season 1 Premiere (Disney+ series) — You might prefer to think of this show as the Star Wars franchise’s version of D.C.’s Suicide Squad, but fear no Leto-Joker intrusion. Instead, this The Clone Wars spinoff follows the conclusion of its flagship series that recently wound down on Disney+. Dave Filoni (also of The Mandalorian and Rebels) is executive producing here, and the show focuses on a mercenary squad of sorts that’s made up of (as the title indicates) “the Bad Batch” or Clone Force 99. These elite soldiers stand apart from standard clones due to their unique physical capabilities like super strength, super eyesight, and so on. They’ll try to find their place in a post-Clone War era, and the show will bridge the gap for other Star Wars franchise shows coming soon, including Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series and the Cassian Andor-focused Rogue One prequel starring Diego Luna.

Selena: The Series: Part 2 (Netflix series) — Selena Quintanilla, who eventually became the Queen of Tejano Music, continues her years of hard work and sacrifice as she journeys from tiny gigs to becoming the biggest female Latin artist ever. The show embraces family and the power of dreaming to inspirational effect.

Young Rock (NBC, 8:00pm) — Uh oh, it’s almost Election Day 2032, and Dwayne’s reflecting back on his difficult childhood in Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Miami while the big day approaches.

Cruel Summer (Freeform, 9:00pm) — The story goes down in the 1990s and follows the aftermath of a popular teen going missing. This week, Kate’s prepping her defense while finding an unlikely ally, as the annual school hunting trip sparks new friendships.

Prodigal Son (FOX 9:00pm) — Malcolm is racing against time while multiple killers are on the loose as the NYPD begins to suspect that someone close to home has more knowledge than previously expected.

Supergirl (CW, 9:00pm) — The flashback episodes continue with Young Kara feeling kryptonite’s effects for the first time ever while invading aliens trap Nia and Brainy.

Mayans M.C. (FX, 10:00pm) — This biker drama’s in a darker third gear with club members wrestling with various personal and professional demons. This week, Miguel’s seeking retribution for Dita’s death while the club patches in a new member.

Chad (TBS, 10:30pm) — SNL veteran Nasim Pedrad takes on the title role, that of a 14-year-old boy, and this week, Chad realizes that his little sister’s acting more mature than he is, so he must buckle down and get with the program.

Jimmy Kimmel Live — Andrew Garfield, Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, Busy Philipps, Thomas Rhett

The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon — Rosario Dawson, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Anitta

The Late Late Show With James Corden — Ellen DeGeneres, Wolf Alice

Late Night With Seth Meyers — Pete Davidson, Jodie Turner-Smith, George Saunders, Mario Duplantier

“Big Boi” trended on Twitter today as Outkast fans leaped to the Atlanta rapper’s defense over a case of “Big Boi erasure.” When a fan pondered whether Andre 3000 had ever been bested on a song, fans were quick to point out he was a member of an equally-matched duo.

“Has anyone ever washed Andre 3000 on a song?” reads the original tweet. “Because … I haven’t heard such a song.” While the original poster clearly meant to compare Andre to the dozens of MCs with whom he’s collaborated over the years, longtime Outkast fans read a certain level of disrespect into the statement, since Three Stacks has shared a considerable amount of mic time with Big Boi and the tweet seemed to be overlooking his rap partner’s accomplishments.

“It’s okay to praise Andre 3K without disrespecting Big Boi,” wrote one fan. Another posited that “Big Boi done cleaned him up a plethora of times.” Meanwhile, Andrew Barber of popular Chicago-based blog FakeShoreDrive used the opportunity to point out how the debate only highlighted the duo’s impact on hip-hop. “Big Boi and Andre are just out in the world minding their own business yet still end up trending on Twitter for something every other week, despite not dropping album together in 15+ years,” he observed. “Their legacy is untouchable.”

He’s right; Outkast recently trended because of comedian Ron Fuches’ tweet comparing the tag team to another legendary group, The Beatles. While Outkast always seems to be the subject of some controversy or another, it’s only because they have an undeniable effect on the pop culture landscape since they first declared “the Souf got sum to say.”

Check out more responses to the “Big Boi” trend below.

D.K. Metcalf is one of the NFL’s most impressive young receivers, putting up big numbers as a member of the Seattle Seahawks and earning himself a second-team All-Pro selection this past year, his second in the league. Part of what makes Metcalf so fun to watch is his speed and athleticism at 6’4 and 229 pounds, and apparently, he wants to put that speed to the test against the best of the best.

NBC Sports reports that Metcalf will participate in the 100-meter dash on Sunday afternoon at the USATF Golden Games and Distance Open at Mt. SAC in Walnut, Calif. While his agent has apparently not confirmed that this is explicitly the goal, Metcalf could use this to qualify for U.S. Olympic Trials in the event.

If Metcalf wants to qualify for the Olympic Trials 100m, he likely must break 10.2 seconds (with legal tailwind of no more than two meters per second).

A 10.05 automatically qualifies for Trials. Fifteen American men have 10.05 right now (who are expected to enter the Trials 100m), according to World Athletics. The field will likely be filled with the next fastest men to get around 32 entries overall.

Metcalf floated the idea of testing his speed against the best sprinters last year after he famously chased down Cardinals safety Budda Baker’s attempted pick six, which prompted the USATF to invite him to test his wheels.

Of course, track speed is at a different level, and while no one doubts that Metcalf can fly, he has a tall task ahead of him keeping up with some of the fastest men on the planet. But as the Seattle Times noted, Metcalf has a little experience on the track, setting school records at his high school and coming in as the runner-up at the state event by running a 14.64 in the 110 high hurdles and registering a triple jump of 46 feet, 5 inches.

On Monday night, the Lakers picked up a much-needed win over the Denver Nuggets to move back out of the play-in and into the 5-seed in the West with seven games to play. What made that win even more impressive was that it came without LeBron James and Dennis Schröder, as Anthony Davis stepped up for his best performance since returning to action two weeks ago.

The Lakers are still in a precarious position with regards to seeding in the West, and their next two games with the Clippers on Thursday and the Blazers on Friday (in Portland) will be very important. When James left Sunday’s loss to Toronto in the mid-fourth due to an aggravation of his right ankle sprain, there wasn’t much known about a timetable for his return, but it appears that his absence will linger much longer than just taking off Monday night.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, James is not expected to play in the Lakers upcoming back-to-back as he and the Lakers remain cautious with his health.

It is already a difficult back-to-back, but being without James (and Schröder who remains in health and safety protocols and could miss the rest of the regular season) will make the task even harder for L.A. to hold on to their position above the play-in. The Blazers game in particular is crucial, as that will determine the tiebreaker between the two teams, with L.A. currently just one game up on Portland.

After over a year of no live music events, many festivals are eyeing to return at some point in late summer or fall of 2021. But previously-defunct New Jersey festival Bamboozle has their sights set further in the future. The festival announced Tuesday that they plan to return in 2023, just over a decade since it last took place.

Bamboozle Festival announced their imminent return in a one-minute clip posted to social media. The teaser details how the festival went from a tight-knit emo scene in the early aughts to a full-blown festival and, as they put it, a “movement:”

“18 years ago, a scene ignited a movement, a culture, a festival — one that would become a game-changer. 20 years, over 600 artists, 500,000 fans, one festival. You remember My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, Drake, Fall Out Boy, Lil Wayne, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Skrillex, Bruno Mars, Motley Crew, Bon Jovi, Machine Gun Kelly. Emo is not dead. Prepare for the awakening. A lost but never forgotten celebration of emo and pop. Welcome back Bamboozle Festival.”

The first iteration of Bamboozle Festival took place at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey in 2003 with headliners like The Roots. It went on for nine years without a hitch until 2012 when creator John D’Esposito left due to creative differences with Live Nation and House of Blues. But now, Bamboozle Festival is gearing up for their return, and also planning on celebrating 20 years since their first-ever event.

Watch the Bamboozle Festival teaser above.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.