We’re learning a lot of rich and strange details about Donald Trump’s final months in office, thanks to an onslaught of books with lots of juicy dirt. But this most recent bit comes from some simple reporting. The New York Times reported on some new documents provided to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. And it seems that, in late December, the now-former president was so desperate to retain power that he pressed the DOJ to simply claim it was corrupt and let him work his underhanded magic.

The exchange happened on December 27, a week and a half before the fateful events of Jan. 6. It found Trump leaning on Jeffrey A. Rosen, the acting attorney general. His predecessor, the recently departed William Barr, despite having done plenty for Trump, had refused to go that extra mile. Neither did Rosen, it seems, but not without Trump trying.

“Just say that the election was corrupt + leave the rest to me,” Trump asked Rosen, according to notes taken by Rosen’s deputy, Richard P. Donaghue. By “me,” he was also referring to other congressional allies, though he did not specify any by name. That said, at other points during the call he name-checked such noted congressional Trumpists as Jim Jordan, Ron Johnson, and Scott Perry, the latter a representative from Pennsylvania.

Both Jordan and Johnson have denied any role in Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the election, while Perry — one of a number of lawmakers who still claim Trump won, despite lack of evidence — did not respond to requests for comment.

While this may seem like typical Trump antics, New York representative Carolyn B. Maloney, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, saw them as hard proof of something truly dastardly. “These handwritten notes,” she said in a statement, “show that President Trump directly instructed our nation’s top law enforcement agency to take steps to overturn a free and fair election in the final days of his presidency.”

(Via NYT)

When most people think about Los Angeles, endless sunshine, quintessential beaches, laidback living, and A-list celebrity sightings come to mind. Having lived in LA most of my life, I feel obligated to add some texture to that. My home city isn’t always as perfectly polished as it appears on TV screens and IG influencer profiles. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. But the bumper-to-bumper freeways and overcrowded tourist attractions can get old.

That’s why I tend to venture outside of the city whenever I need some room to breathe. (A sentence that actually references the destination in this case, as in: “venture” + “ahhhhhhh” — something I promise I just noticed.)

Just an hour north of LA (depending on where you are, it can take longer), this small beachside city has become my go-to hideaway for all things outdoorsy. It’s also a haven for fresh AF seafood, hand-crafted brews, and surf culture. Every time I visit I feel almost instantly relaxed. Exhale the smog, inhale nothing but briny sea air.

For a taste of what the golden state of mind is all about, here’s my guide to where to play, eat, stay, and party in Ventura Beach — SoCal’s most underrated beach destination.

PART I – Where to Play

Bike the Ventura River Trail

There is no shortage of endless summer vibes in Ventura, which makes it an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. After all, it’s easy to stay active and leave the comfort of your Airbnb when it’s 75 and sunny outside. One of the best ways to take in Ventura’s lush vegetation and wildlife is by biking up the Ventura River Trail. Starting under the historic Ventura pier, the 34-mile out and back trail leads you through the bustling downtown streets, diverse agriculture, and riverside views — extending all the way to the neighboring city of Ojai. Here, you can explore and grab lunch before pedaling back. I may not have been able to walk the next day, but the sore legs were totally worth the afternoon adventure.

Assuming you can’t fit your beach cruiser in your carry-on suitcase, Wheel Fun Rentals has plenty of bike options and self-guided tours to get you where you want to go. If you’d rather take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk, try out the Quad Sport or Chopper. These contraptions are basically lawn chairs on wheels. The Double Surrey Cycle is also a blast for groups (I don’t recommend hitting the brewery with your friends until after the ride).

Catch Waves at Surfers Point Beach

If you couldn’t already guess by the name, Surfers Point Beach at Seaside Park is one of the most popular surf spots in Ventura. You’ll see tons of surfers in the water like a herd of seals frolicking pretty much any time of the day. West of the pier off Figueroa Street, the point offers a variety of waves that break onto a moderately rocky shore. I’m only an amateur surfer at best, but I spent a few early mornings here as a teen to catch some waves before (barely) making it to school on time. Meaning that there are certain days when the waves are tame enough for beginner to intermediate surfers, too. Just make sure to check the surf forecast before you jump in, as the swells can get pretty big if you’re not careful (I made this mistake once and clearly it had an impact).

You can get everything you need to hit the waves at Seaward Surf & Sport. They have wetsuits, two different soft-top board types (depending on your experience), and other water equipment that you can rent for up to a week.

Paddleboard, Pedal Boat, and Kayak at Ventura Harbor Village

If surfing is a bit too far out of your comfort zone, head to Ventura Harbor Village to spend a few hours out on the still waters instead. Ventura Boat Rentals supplies kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and my personal favorite, swan-shaped pedal boats that are all first come first serve. I love these rentals because I can get a tan and exercise while enjoying the cool ocean vibes, rather than just laying on the sand all day (although I’m not opposed to this either). The best part about the harbor is that it’s surrounded by waterfront dining and boutique shops – go to Harbor Village Gallery and Gifts for unique souvenirs and local art.

Maybe your willpower is stronger than mine, but I cannot leave the harbor without making a pitstop at Coastal Cone Ice Cream. There are 40 flavors of ice cream and sorbet to choose from, but what draws me in every time is the Taiyaki. It’s a fish-shaped ice cream cone with a center filling of your choice (Nutella is my go-to) and your favorite toppings. Even if your stomach can’t make it through the entire cone, the aesthetically alluring dessert is worth trying.

PART II – Where to Eat & Drink

Anacapa Brewing Co.

Beer-lovers will be happy to learn that Ventura is home to a slew of breweries. I’m not a huge beer gal, but I can appreciate a good handcrafted golden ale. In fact, it’s basically become a tradition for me to stop at Anacapa Brewing Co. to grab a cold one and lunch any time I’m in town. Smack dab in the middle of Main Street, the brewery features a seasonal rotation of over 30 beers, ranging from stouts and IPAs to lagers and ciders. That first hoppy sip is especially thirst-quenching after a few hours in the sun.

What I appreciate about Anacapa Brewing Co. is that their dining menu offers more than just your typical greasy bar food. I’ve had most of their menu items at this point, and I can attest to the fact that everything is fresh, flavorful, and decently priced. Plus, the portion sizes are big enough to have leftovers. The Bratzel Bites – AKA, warm, buttery pretzel bites paired with bratwurst and house IPA cheese dip – is easily the most enticing appetizer on the menu. But for something a little lighter, I always get the classic caesar salad with shrimp. You really can’t go wrong with a caesar salad, but this one is truly *chef’s kiss.* The diverse main course menu has everything from pizza and pasta to tacos and sandwiches. Order the fried chicken and waffles sandwich for the ultimate sweet meets savory kick.

Lure Fish House

For dinner, make your way to Lure Fish House for all things seafood. We’re talkin’ oysters, ceviche, and shrimp cocktail galore. The seasonally-focused menu features local, organic produce and sustainably sourced seafood that looks just as appetizing on the plate as it tastes in your mouth (I’m all about meal presentation). The Spicy Seafood Ceviche is a must – it will make every pescetarian’s heart swoon. If you’re looking to get your drink on, order one of the specialty cocktails made with freshly squeezed juice. Trust me when I say you won’t regret ordering the roasted blueberry basil margarita. It’s that perfect medium of being strong enough to taste the tequila, but flavorful enough to actually enjoy it.

Aside from the mouth-watering menu, Lure Fish House’s ambiance feels like that of a high-class Mediterranean restaurant. Compared to most places in Ventura, its menu is a bit pricey but the oyster bar, locally sourced ingredients, and posh atmosphere are 100 percent worth the final check.

Tony’s Pizzaria

Is there anything better than the first hot, gooey, greasy, cheese-filled bite of pizza? I honestly don’t think there is, especially if it’s a slice from Tony’s Pizzaria. Founded in 1959, the retro family-owned pizza shack has basically become a staple landmark in Ventura. Located just outside of Surfers Point, the beloved pizza spot is often bombarded by ravenous, wetsuit-wearing surfers after a gnarly sesh.

I know that pineapple on pizza is a controversy strong enough to rip families apart, but the Hawaiian Slice Special is literally orgasmic. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve ordered it at 11 a.m. the second Tony’s opened its doors for the day. If you’re a fruit-on-pizza hater (you’re missing out), then try Tony’s Extra Special. It’s a pizza explosion of sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions, and olives.

PART III – Where to Chill

Go Shopping on Main Street

Main Street in Downtown is great because it feeds my shopping addiction without totally breaking the bank. There are tons of thrift stores along the main stretch, where I usually end up spending most of my time in Ventura. There’s something therapeutic about sifting through endless racks of worn-out clothes, especially when you’re rewarded with a nifty vintage piece. But if the tireless search through ripped jeans and old college T-shirts doesn’t seem as exciting to you, there are plenty of other local businesses you can peruse – there are book stores, antique shops, music stores, art studios, gift shops, and a movie theater all within a few steps from each other.

Check out the full list of stores and restaurants here.

Ventura Pier

Of course, you can’t go to Ventura without hitting the beach at least once per day. Although it can get crowded during the thick of summer, most beaches in Ventura are nowhere near as packed as those in LA. My personal favorite place to chill out is at the Ventura Pier. It’s a short walk from Main Street and close to the boardwalk. On the pier, you’ll find a couple of different restaurants, fishermen casting their lines, iPhone photographers capturing the nautical scenery, and views of sand-covered kids chasing the crashing waves.

This is also the best location for taking in the medley of pink and orange hues at sunset.

Marina Park

Nothing says summer like a classic afternoon cookout by the beach. Stop by the local market to pick up some hotdogs and buns, then head to Marina Park – it’s the superior barbecue spot in Ventura. With 15 acres of both grass fields and beach, multiple playgrounds for kids, picnic tables, and public grills, you can spend an entire day hanging out here. About a 10-minute drive from Main Street, the best way to get to Marina Park is by taking the Seaward exit off of U.S. Highway 101. Tip: Get to Marina Park early because the grills and tables will go fast!

PART IV – Where to Stay

Bella Maggiore Inn

Complete with the charm of a small Italian inn, friendly service, and the haunting of an infamous past, Bella Maggiore Inn is perfect for anyone on the search for a unique lodging experience in Ventura. Built in 1927, the European-inspired property is located just a few blocks from the beach and pier.

Here’s where it gets interesting…The hotel is rumored to have been a brothel and hangout spot for gangsters in the 1940s. Legend has it that a woman named Sylvia Michaels who frequently visited the brothel was found dead in one of the hotel rooms. According to guests, her ghost still walks the halls of Bella Maggiore Inn. Many even claim to get whiffs of her rose-scented perfume throughout their stay. If you’re down to get a little spooky, the Bella Maggiore Inn is the spot for you.

The Pierpont Inn

Another historic but less haunted option is The Pierpont Inn, which began entertaining guests in 1910. The boutique hotel offers 81 rooms, including two cottages, six craftsman-style suites, and one honeymoon suite. The best part is that the property sits atop an ocean bluff. AKA, entrancing ocean views. The romantic Pierpont Inn also has a landscaped rose garden, making it a quaint oasis to come back to after a long day of surfing and sipping IPAs.

Actors suing film companies for alleged shortchanging on profits: It’s all the rage! On Thursday, Scarlett Johansson shocked the industry by suing one of the largest mega-corporations in the world, Disney, for simultaneously releasing Black Widow in theaters and on Disney+ (for PVOD, but still). Now Gerard Butler is doing something similar-but-different, for the 2013 franchise-started Olympus Has Fallen.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Scottish actor filed a fraud claim against Nu Image, Millennium Media and Padre Nuestro Productions, alleging that they owe him at least $10 million more than they paid him. Butler claims he hasn’t seen a dime in net profits from the film, which grossed around $170 million worldwide and yielded two sequels, both of which starred him.

The claim also alleges that the companies launched a “comprehensive, premeditated scheme” to hide profits and deprive Butler of what he’s owed from them.

Olympus Has Fallen stars Butler as a Secret Service Agent who helps foil an attempted coup of the White House — a plot that also fueled the same year’s White House Down, starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx. Olympus proved the bigger hit.

The suit was filed the day after Johansson’s, which accused Disney of not renegotiating their contract with her before they decided her long-awaited MCU solo movie would drop on their streamer. That film went on to a pandemic record opening weekend but has since underperformed, clocking in at one of the franchise’s lowest grossers. As Hollywood contracts are thrown into further disarray amidst a rapidly changing industry, expect more of the same — or, in the case of Butler, to come for what they’re allegedly owed.

(Via THR)

One day after the NBA Draft and a pair of Eastern Conference playoff teams came to terms on a trade. The Boston Celtics, which have been in serious need of point guard depth, and the Atlanta Hawks, which could use a big man in the short-term, worked out a deal that helps both teams.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Tristan Thompson is headed to the Hawks, and in exchange, the Celtics will acquire Kris Dunn and a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

While neither Dunn nor Thompson are game-changers, they are able to provide a little stability to a pair of positions that have question marks. Boston’s point guards are a mishmash of Marcus Smart and a trio of young dudes (Carsen Edwards, Payton Pritchard, Tremont Waters), and while Dunn isn’t going to go in and win the starting job barring something unforeseen, he gives them a competent option off the bench and a person who can provide some defensive tenacity on the perimeter.

As for the Hawks, the team won’t have promising young big man Onyeka Okongwu for six months following offseason shoulder surgery. While he should be back in time for the pre-All-Star push and the second half of the season based off of that timetable, they could use an option behind Clint Capela that does not involve going small with John Collins (should he re-sign) or Danilo Gallinari, and Thompson gives them exactly that. Neither team is taking on a long-term contract in the deal, either, as both players are free agents at the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign.

A lot of great actors have graced the movies of Wes Anderson. But one of the bigger ones to elude him so far is Tom Hanks. They’d make a great pair: Hanks, like a number of W. Anderson regulars, has a comedy foundation; he was never an SNL cast member, but he has hosted the show a whopping 10 times. That will change soon: As per The Hollywood Reporter, Hanks has joined the no doubt sprawling cast of whatever his next movie will be after his still-yet-to-be-released opus The French Dispatch.

Mind you, he probably won’t be the lead. A source told THR they can’t confirm the size of the role, but it will probably be “small and could be cameo-like in nature.” Also unknown at this time are any details about the plot, though we know some of the cast — Adrien Brody, Bill Murray, and Tilda Swinton, all part of Anderson’s stable — and a shooting location: Spain.

Meanwhile, Anderson’s Tom Hanks-less The French Dispatch, which in a better timeline would have come out last fall, is now scheduled to be released on October 22. It played the Cannes Film Festival earlier this month.

For Hanks, this will likely be the most stylized auteur he’s worked with since he starred in the Coen brothers’ remake of The Ladykillers. He fit into the Coens’ world like a glove, so one imagines he’ll acquit himself just fine with the guy who made a stop-motion movie about endangered mutts. And lord knows he loves to do comedy for a change.

(Via THR)

The best new hip-hop this week includes albums, videos, and songs from Isaiah Rashad, Logic, Skepta, and more.

It was a bit of an eventful week in hip-hop as the fallout from DaBaby’s controversial Rolling Loud set settled over the next five days. And although the Charlotte rapper ate up the bulk of the hip-hop-related news cycle’s headlines, there were a few moments that provided some genuine shots of excitement for fans, especially watching Young Thug debut several songs from his upcoming album Punk on NPR Tiny Desk.

Friday saw the releases of Isaiah Rashad’s long-awaited return, Logic’s retirement-ending new mixtape, and Skepta’s All In EP, and new singles from Morray (“Trenches” remix with Polo G), G-Eazy (“At Will” with EST Gee), Toosii (“Spin Music” with Fivio Foreign), Rexx Life Raj (“Red Lobster Biscuits“), Maxo Kream (“Local Joker“), and Tyga (“Mrs. Bubblegum“) along with the releases listed below.

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending July 30, 2021.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Dave East & Harry Fraud — Hoffa

Honestly, it’s borderline frustrating that it took the Harlem native this long to adopt the strategy so many New Yorkers have been so successful with: working with just one producer whose sound fits their flow. From Brooklyn’s Buckshot and Jay-Z employing 9th Wonder and No I.D., respectively, to Queens legend Nas letting Hit-Boy almost singlehandedly reverse the “tin ear” narrative, it seems like it’d be a no-brainer for a rapper as good as East to stop overreaching for mainstream acclaim and let the mainstream come to him. Better late than never, I suppose — especially when it sounds this good.

Isaiah Rashad — The House Is Burning

Isaiah Rashad has made himself scarce since the release of his fan-favorite, critically-hailed debut The Sun’s Tirade in 2016, and in the lead-up to his latest album drop, we learned all bone-chilling reasons why. However, he’s back, healthy, and sounding just as confident as ever on this groovy, deconstructed journey through his past five years and ambitions for the future.

Logic — Bobby Tarantino 3

Well, that didn’t last long at all, did it? Logic is just over a year from the announcement of his retirement (which he may have side-stepped by using the Doctor Destruction alter ego project in January as a loophole) and yet here he is, back in the saddle. His Bobby Tarantino mixtapes were some of his fans’ favorites from him (others had opposing beliefs), so it makes sense he’d brush off a trusted brand name if he were to break his extended vacation.

Skepta — All In [EP]

Just five songs truly don’t seem like enough after Skepta took 2020 off from releasing solo material (he did, however, lay down some verses on the group project Insomnia with Chip and Young Adz), but we’ll take what we can get — especially if what we get includes the stellar “Nirvana” with J Balvin and a Kid Cudi feature on “Peace Of Mind.”

Young Dolph & Paper Route Empire — Paper Route Illumanti

Speaking of rappers who just can’t seem to follow through on their threats to retire, the Memphis godfather returns yet again but at least justifies his waffling this time by making his new project a group effort, sharing the spotlight with his young labelmates as he tries to set them up for their own future successes.

Singles/Videos

Fredo Bang — “Street Team”

In case you haven’t noticed by now, I really like this Fredo Bang kid. He’s got excellent production mostly courtesy of DJ Chose, a pitch-perfect voice with a precisely incisive delivery, and infectious energy that shines through on every track, including this one. He’s going places.

Pink Siifu — “Bussin’ (Cold)” Feat. Turich Benjy

Pink Siifu’s futuristic backpack rapper outlook has earned him a small but extremely loyal fanbase who he rewards with this curveball of a hazy cloud rap banger.

Russ — “Fate”

Don’t think for a minute that just because Russ is getting placed here instead of his own standalone posts it signifies a drop in quality. He’s just so consistent with the weekly releases, he’s earned himself a resident role in the “Best Of” list until further notice.

YS — “Hate Me” Feat. Babyface Ray & Fenix Flexin

A West Coast slap of Hollywood sign proportions, this turn-up anthem offers yet another example of the absurdly powerful chemistry between those of us in the Golden State and our counterparts in Motor City.

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

Jungle Cruise: (Disney film on Disney+) — Emily Blunt might be the star of the summer (after A Quiet Place 2‘s success) if this long-awaited potential blockbuster’s a hit, and the excellent news is that you can watch it in theaters or your living room. She punches The Rock in this movie, and he plays the shipper who’s attempting to guide her down the river through life-threatening obstacles. This movie’s based upon a Disney theme park ride, so expect plenty of ridiculousness including Jesse Plemons firing a torpedo at the duo after brandishing a German accent and Paul Giamatti with a pretty bird.

Outer Banks: Season 2 (Netflix series) — This is not your typical teen drama. Last season delivered loads of intrigue and flat-out woo-woo revelations following a hurricane and buried treasure and class warfare between different factions in an overall well-to-do community. There are Kooks and Pogues, and the power’s gone for the entirety of the summer, which sounds miserable, but the mysteries won’t stop, including the whereabouts of John B.’s dad. And oh yes, there’s so much soapiness to the characters’ dynamics that you might lose your footing while slipping towards that sunken treasure.

Here’s some more regularly scheduled programming:

The White Lotus (Sunday, HBO 9:00pm) — Mike White’s new series skewers the ultra-wealthy in what turns out to be a brilliant satire on how obscene wealth rots everything that it touches. It’s like The Love Boat or Fantasy Island had a lovechild with Agatha Christie. This week, Rachel’s blindsided by a visitor who knows Shane, and Belinda’s weighing a business proposition.

Wipeout: The Suicide Squad Special (Sunday, TBS 9:00pm) — Host John Cena does double duty here to promote his relaunch movie in the DCEU.The teams and guests are all trying to win $25,000. Expect co-host Nicole Byer to meet James Gunn while cameos from Nathan Fillion, Joel Kinnaman, David Dastmalchian, and Daniela Melchior are on the table.

Kevin Can F**k Himself (Sunday, AMC 9:00 p.m.) — The “big night” leads to fallout and, uh, Kevin deciding that he should run for office.

Wellington Paranormal (Sunday, CW 9:00pm) — What We Do In The Shadows fans rejoice because you’re receiving a spinoff mockumentary series with the same comedy-horror tone from creators and executive producers Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. This week, terrifying clowns and a human sacrifice make for one awful night.

100 Foot Wave (Sunday, HBO 10:00pm) — This six-part sports-documentary series follows the decade-long journey of Garrett McNamara, the pioneering and iconic surfer who dreamed of conquering (as the title indicates) a 100-foot wave, which did more than push his sport to literally higher heights while also elevating a small fishing village.

The Chi (Sunday, Showtime 9:00pm) — Clean slate time is coming for Imani and Shaad, and Emmett presses Tiff for a decision. Trig’s looking toward an ultimatum, and hey, it’s block party time.

Flatbush Misdemeanors (Sunday, Showtime 10:30pm) — Dan and Kevin question their friendship following a shocking tragedy, and Dami is secretly hosting Zayna.

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (Sunday, HBO 11:00pm) — John Oliver… does Adam Driver?

Rick and Morty (Sunday, Adult Swim 11:00pm) — Rick’s addiction to collecting massive robots finds an enabler, and The Family takes center stage.

Desus & Mero (Sunday, Showtime 11:00pm) — Zazie Beetz is the illustrious guest.

Here are more streaming picks for the weekend:

The Last Mercenary (Netflix film) — Jean-Claude Van Damme gets flexible again while starring as an ex-secret service agent (in France) who turns into, well, a mercenary. There are mob hijinks and a reckless youngster and bureaucrats and an errant son and yeah, this sounds like 1980s movie that landed three decades too late, but hey, we could all use some silly action on our screens to make us forget about the effects of gravity.
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Ted Lasso: Season 2 (Apple TV+ series) — First thing’s first: Everyone who’s caught a glimpse of this Bill Lawrence co-created and developed series loves it. That’s a notable feat, considering that star Jason Sudeikis first portrayed the title character way back in 2013 for NBC Sports’ promos for Premier League coverage. Fast forward to the fresh hell that was 2020, and the show surfaced as one of the year’s lone bright spots. Ted Lasso is somehow both relentlessly and charmingly cheery, although the last season finale showed the team losing against Manchester City, which spelled bad news, since the team can no longer hang in English Premier League games. We’ll see how they can turn themselves around, and while considering that possibility, it’s best to remember that Ted Lasso (and Walt Whitman) once said, “Be curious, not judgmental.”

Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson: Season 1 (Apple TV+ series) — The legendary producer and DJ pulls back the curtain on stories of music creation, which can be good, bad, and ugly regarding how far creators will go to nail the perfect sound. In addition, Ronson shines a light on artistry and technology’s intersection, and expect a lot of prominent artist guests.

Behind The Music: Season 1 (Paramount+ series) — This revival brings back the Emmy-nominated docuseries that was once so popular on VH1 and will not be updated for a new generation. Of course, one should expect the older generations of music to be showcased here because, let’s face it, music can be considered ageless. The profiled artists this season include Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, LL Cool J, and Huey Lewis, and one can expect plenty of “vault” episodes that have bene remastered and updated with fresh interviews. MTV Entertainment co-produces this series, which will stream only here.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation (Netflix series) — The very battle for Eternia’s soul continues with the ultimate fanboy, Kevin Smith, picking up the showrunner sword. Smith’s enthusiasm for all stuff geeky has led him down many roads, all of them filled with huge feelings, and honestly, the dude has the Power of Grayskull running through his veins. So, one can expect him to nail the tone here while advancing the story, justifying a revival, and continuing the story of the rivalry between Skeletor and everyone else. Cringer and Orko and Teela are on board, and the voice cast (including Lena Headey, Henry Rollins, and Jason Mewes) is phenomenal here, especially Mark Hamill as Skeletor. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of He-Man, guys.

Ultra City Smiths: Season 1 (AMC+ series) — Fans of Robot Chicken will undoubtedly want to check out this stop-motion animated selection from Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and showrunner Steve Conrad. Expect very adult-oriented humor and the voices of Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Alia Shawkat, Tim Meadows, John C. Reilly, Bebe Neuwirth, Jason Mantzoukas, and Damon Herriman.

Even if it was technically created to last on the month’s long journey from England to India hundreds of years ago, the modern-day IPA feels more like it was customized for summer drinking. Crisp, refreshing, and filled with citrus, floral, and dank, piney, bitter hops — what more could a drinker want in a summer beer?

West Coast, New England-style, and everything in between. Citra, Cascade, Centennial, Mosaic hops, we love them all.

“I reach for any fresh IPA brewed with Citra hops if I want my thirst quenched,” says Reed Odeneal, co-founder and brewer Perfect Plain Brewing Co. in Pensacola, Florida. “This superstar American varietal packs a heavy-hitting tropical aroma reminiscent of grapefruit, pineapple, passion fruit, and lime. It’s hard to find any other hop with such a bright palate.”

Other drinks professionals also love the IPA in summer. So we asked them to share their picks for the best, most thirst-quenching, hoppy IPAs to drink this summer. Check out all of their answers below and click the prices if you want to try a few.

Dogfish Head Hazy-O!

Hayden Miller, head bartender of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Miami

ABV: 7.1%
Average Price: $11 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Dogfish Head Hazy-O IPA is a perfectly approachable (surprisingly sessionable at 7.1%) hazy IPA. The oat presence helps round out the IBU and citrius notes. Something that brings you the swimming hole vibe no matter your current locale.

Brooklyn Pulp Art

Andy Shannon, co-founder of Candra Drinks in London

ABV: 6.5%
Average Price: $10.99 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Pulp art hazy IPA from Brooklyn Brewery, the packaging as always is on point, but the slight sourness of an IPA balanced with tropical notes makes it a great summer session IPA.

Societe The Coachman

Rose Krone, bartender at Hippo in Los Angeles

ABV: 4.9%
Average Price: $11.99 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Something I recently got into are Session IPAs, which are meant to be drank all day in the summer. They still have all the fruity, hoppy fun of an IPA, but are lower ABV so you can float above water all day at the pool crushing them back. My personal favorite is from San Diego’s Societe Brewing Co., The Coachman Session IPA.

Russian River Pliny The Elder

Daniel Yang, lead bartender at Rosina inside The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas

ABV: 8%
Average Price: $8 for a 16-ounce bottle

Why This Beer?

Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Co. is a banger. In general, my palate doesn’t gravitate toward IPAs, let alone a double IPAs, but something about their unique floral, citrus, and pine aromatics paired with a beautiful bitter, forwardness and solid dry finish, leaves me weak in the knee’s (could be the alcohol content too).

I grew up in Oregon, so pine notes bring out a touch of summer-based nostalgia. Best to grab this baby when you can, Pliny the Elder is often in limited supply.

Terrapin Luau

Adam Mason, cocktail specialist at LouVino in Louisville

ABV: 6.5%
Average Price: $10.99 for a six-pack

Why This Bottle?

I honestly love Terrapin’s Luau IPA. Orange blossom, passion fruit and guava combined to make an amazing fruit forward IPA that doesn’t overwhelm with high IBU factors but is still hoppy enough to pack that awesome bitter punch. Currently on tap at LouVino as well.

Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine

Chandra Richter, beverage development and chief mixologist at Drinkworks

ABV: 8%
Average Price: $16.99 for a four-pack of 16 ounce cans

Why This Beer?

When it comes to my favorite summer IPA, I have to go with my local favorite: Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine — Vermont-born and Connecticut-brewed. This is a great IPA with big fruity hop notes and flavor. It’s very balanced and perfect to sip on a warm sunny day.

Abita Big Easy

Joel Ortega, owner and founder of Timber & Blues in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

ABV: 4.5%
Average Price: $12 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Big Easy from Abita, its hoppy and citrusy taste it’s also ideal for this tropical weather. Plus, it’s from NOLA, you can’t go wrong with that. Crisp, refreshing, everything you want from a summery IPA.

Founders All Day IPA

Jeremy Williams, mixologist at MDRD at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan

ABV: 4.7%
Average Price: $12 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

With the days being longer in the summer, I look to session IPAs with lower ABV, and I find it hard to get away from Founder’s All Day IPA. Session beers can sometimes lack a balance of malt character — though that’s the idea — but not so with this one.

Funky Buddha Hop Gun

Manuel Gonzalez, food and beverage director at AC Hotel Sawgrass Mills Sunrise in Sunrise, Florida

ABV: 7%
Average Price: $10 for a six-pack

Why This Bottle?

Funky Buddha Hop Gun IPA has been around for a while, and it is still a winner amongst others IPAs. A hint of grapefruit and pineapple definitely awakens the summer cravings.

Three Weavers Cloud City

Liam Odien, beverage director at Playa Provisions in Playa Del Rey, California

ABV: 6.5%
Average Price: $12 for a six-pack

Why This Beer?

Three Weavers Cloud City IPA. I live a couple miles away from the brewery, and they’re probably my favorite local brewers. Cloud City is nice and fruity and refreshing, shares a name with Bespin from ‘Star Wars’, and I get to support a local, woman owned business. Perfection.

Other Half Green City

Ryan Anderson, complex director of beverage at Ace Hotel in New Orleans

ABV: 7%
Average Price: $25 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans

Why This Beer?

If you are around the New York area, Other Half Brewery based in Brooklyn New York is my go-to hookup for IPA. Their beers are so drinkable for the IPA category. Especially Other Half Green City. The hops are melded in a way that is more about the aromatics and texture than harsh bitter flavors on the palate.

Single Cut 18-Watt

Frederic Yarm, bartender at The Smoke Shop in Boston

ABV: 5%
Average Price: $14 for a 32 ounce can

Why This Beer?

Single Cut Beersmith’s 18-Watt is an amazing summer beer for it is a lower in alcohol session IPA with more aromatics from dry hopping than bitterness. Not only does that make for easy drinking, it donates captivating melon, orange, kiwi, grapefruit peel, mango, and peach notes.

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It’s been an emotional few days for Bob Odenkirk. After he mysteriously collapsed while shooting the final season of Better Call Saul, it was revealed he was in stable condition. And in his first social media post after the health scare, he made sure to thank the many who wished him well during the scary episode, and to reveal what caused his ailment.

“To my family and friends who have surrounded me this week. And for the outpouring of love from everyone who expressed concern and care for me. It’s overwhelming. But I feel the love and it means so much,” Odenkirk wrote. “I had a small heart attack. But I’m going to be ok thanks to Rosa Estrada and the doctors who knew how to fix the blockage without surgery. Also, AMC and SONYs support and help throughout this has been next-level. I’m going to take a beat to recover but I’ll be back soon.”

When news of his health scare broke on Tuesday night, there was an avalanche of support. As he made a turn for the better, those closest to him made sure to let everyone know he was doing a-OK. One of them was David Cross, with whom Odenkirk created the pioneering HBO sketch series Mr. Show with Bob and David, which helped launch the careers of Tom Kenny, Jack Black, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Paul F. Tompkins, Scott Auckerman, Brian Posehn, and more.

“Just got off the phone with Bob and he’s doing great!” Cross wrote shortly before Odenkirk’s own tweet. “Joking and japing and joshing. Both he and his family are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and concern everyone has shown. You will be hearing from him soon. But he’s doing really well!!!”

(Via Bob Odenkirk on Twitter)

While struggling industries attempt to get “back to normal,” rising COVID cases, the Delta variant, and the continuous conflict over these two things, prove we still have a long way to go before we’re back to anything even resembling “normal.” Until then, industry changes are necessary, and fortunately for actors, a big name is leading the charge for better working conditions in the film industry.

In a video promoting her ongoing campaign to join the SAG-AFTRA Board, actress Sharon Stone revealed her role in an upcoming television show is currently in jeopardy due to her demands for a fully vaccinated workplace prior to filming. According to Stone, the Producers Guild of America’s refusal to mandate the Atlanta cast and crew be vaccinated is forcing her to avoid the set and its unsafe working conditions:

“I’ve been offered a job — a good job, a job I really want to do in Atlanta. That’s why my hair is standing on end … because the Producers Guild of America will not guarantee that everyone on our show is vaccinated before I go to work. Will I go to work before everyone on my show is vaccinated? No. No, I won’t. Am I being threatened that I will lose my job? Yes. Yes I am. Will I lose my job if everyone is not vaccinated on my show? Yes. Yes I could. Will I stand up for all of us so that every set that we go on is vaccinated? Yes. Yes, I will. Why? Because that’s ridiculous … that we should have to go to work where we are not safe to work.”

Stone went on to say the lack of intervention reflects the current SAG Board’s interests and lack of safety concerns, before encouraging actors to refuse to work on unsafe sets as well and support her addition to the SAG-AFTRA Board.

In addition to Stone, both Sean Penn and Netflix are two of the most vocal proponents of fully-vaccinated sets. Penn made news a week ago when he stated he would not return to work on his current project, Gaslit, until the rest of cast was fully vaccinated, and even offered to organize the event. Earlier this week, Netflix became the first major studio to mandate vaccinations for all cast and crew, and is leading the charge for other studios to join them. Here’s hoping more studios take the plunge so more movies and television shows — including Stone’s — can be made quickly and, most importantly, safely.