There’s a bit of a kerfuffle afoot over Amazon’s pricey Lord of the Rings show. The problem? People are angry it may feature some nudity. After word broke that the production is seeking “intimacy coordinators,” who will assist in staging scenes of unclad human (or, who knows, maybe Ent) flesh, a petition on Change.org, hoping to keep it family-friendly, blew up. But it turns out this isn’t the first time Tolkien’s masterwork was almost tarred with onscreen filth.
During an appearance on the newly all-IRL Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd — aka hobbits Merry and Pippin from the original, Peter Jackson-led trilogy — broke the news that they almost had to go buff in The Two Towers.
“Here’s the thing. There was almost nudity in the movies,” Boyd told Colbert after he asked about the petition. He continued:
“[Screenwriter and producer] Philippa Boyens…she wrote a scene, because we’d been doing some kind of gags and winding people up…[and] she said, ‘Oh, it’s a new scene we’re filming next week, with the Ents. When Merry and Pippin are up Treebeard, he gets afraid and shakes his branches, which makes you guys fall, and as you hit all the branches on the way down, by the time you hit the ground, you’re naked. And Merry turns to Pippin and says, ‘It’s cold, isn’t it?’ And Pippin says, ‘Hold me, Merry.’’
But at least one of them wasn’t against it. “I was kind of into it,” Monaghan said. “I have a really fantastic ass. I thought now is the time to get it out.”
Alas, not even the super-long Extended Cut of the series’ second part features the bare derrieres of Mssrs. Monaghan and Boyd, which evidently was never filmed. You can watch the two’s full Late Show appearance over here.
Praise be, we have almost reached the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel! As vaccinations continue, opportunities for international travel are looking more plausible than they have in over a year. While some borders remain closed to the United States, a slew of young travelers are flying south to Mexico, which is open to the U.S. under strict health screening protocols (with the international US-Mexico border seeming poised to open wide soon).
Tulum and Cabo San Lucas are well-known hotspots for young adventurers and are seeing travelers return in droves. But there’s another Mexican destination and longtime surf haven that’s we want to give shine to today… We’re talking about Sayulita — a beach town in the small West Coast state of Nayarit. A vibey, nicely paced beach and party paradise.
Directly along the Pacific Ocean, Sayulita stretches across an arch in the coastline. The vibrant and lively town is adorned with saturated colors on every building, streetcar, and beach umbrella in sight. Not to mention, the sea of colored flags that hang over the center of downtown like a whimsical jungle canopy. The beaches are plentiful and feel uncrowded to a large degree. The lush landscape just beyond the town is all palm trees and dense jungle.
Am I gushing? I’ve been to many places in my short 25 years, and this was easily one of my top 10 travel experiences. Is that assessment overly influenced by the fact that it was the first time I left the country in two years? Maybe so. My eagerness to hit the road (responsibly) post-COVID was massive. But I’m telling you: it was a wonderful trip.
For a complete 2021 guide to Sayulita – from where to stay, what to do, and how to best prepare for COVID-19 travel protocols – read on below.
PART I — What To Do
Via Chloe Caldwell
Sayulita offers sunshine and high temperatures year-round, so spending at least a few hours on the beach (per day) is a must. The main beach area is within walking distance of most hotels and downtown, making it easy to go back and forth if you forget your sunscreen. And trust me, even if you normally don’t burn, you need it. The sun is strong here. Literally, my skin was still peeling off like a snake for two weeks after my trip. Sorry for the graphic mental picture, but wear your SPF, okay?
Also make sure to pack some pesos in your wallet because there are always local vendors walking on the beach selling jewelry, hair-braiding, and trinkets to bring home as souvenirs. It’s a good idea to head to the beach on an empty stomach, as many of the seaside hotels offer lawn chairs and umbrellas to sit at as long as you order food or drinks. Get some guac in your stomach before downing a margarita because they don’t skimp on the tequila-to-lime juice ratio in Sayulita.
A short 10-minute walk into the neighborhood outside of downtown leads you to Playa Los Muertos. It’s another beautiful beach adjacent to a graveyard that’s filled with breathtaking memorials to honor those who have passed. I know, walking through a graveyard on vacation sounds a bit macabre. But it gives you insight into longstanding Mexican traditions and is a nice chance to reflect on the heritage of the place you’re visiting.
Lastly, surfing is a must in Sayulita and it’s a great spot to learn. There are a variety of waves — from beach breaks for beginners to rock-reef breaks for more advanced surfers. Rentals are available all along the beaches, as are lessons. Intermediate surfers will be happy with the board selection, too (there’s more than just foam beginner boards on offer).
Here’s what else to do during your stay:
Downtown Shopping
Via Chloe Caldwell
Once you get your sunbathing and beachside margarita (Or two. Okay, three.) checked off the to-do list, head to the vibrant downtown area. There are a plethora of shops and galleries along the palm tree-lined calles that sell artwork, pottery, clothing, and everything in between. With about 45 locally-owned shops, including Sayulita’s first boutique jewelry shop Sayulita Sol Jewelry, downtown offers a diverse collection of merchandise all within a four-block radius.
Whether you’re into one-of-a-kind paintings or looking to up your style game, you’re sure to find at least one shop to your liking.
If sunbathing and shopping doesn’t sound exhilarating to you, not to worry. Sayulita serves up a platter of activities that appeal to adventurer-seekers too. In town, you’ll easily find a variety of boat tour excursions available. One option takes you on a trip to a secret beach (literally, you have to swim through a cave to get to it — though IG popularity has decreased the “secret” aspect), called Marieta Island. Others take you snorkeling, fishing, and even whale watching.
If you’re someone who loves nature and animals, you’ll be blown away by the massive beauty of the whales that get only a few hundred feet from your boat. I may or may not have screamed several times due to the irrational fear of them hitting the bow, but it was totally worth it. The best times for whale watching are December through April, so make sure to plan your trip in this timeframe if it’s a must on your Sayulita bucket list.
Food Lover’s Paradise
Via Chloe Caldwell
You’re sure to work up an appetite after a long day of shopping and beach-going. Fortunately, there are a ton of delicious restaurants nearby to satisfy your cravings. ChocoBanana is a breakfast lover’s heaven, ideal after a long Saturday night at the beachside bars. For a classic coffee shop vibe, head across the way to the family-owned Café El Espresso. I went there almost every morning of my trip, and it was exactly the calming energy I needed before starting my day of adventuring. Plus, the almond milk latte and fruit platter did a great job of curing my tequila-induced hangovers.
Lunch is best enjoyed on the beach. Captain Pablo’s offers the ultimate casual cantina experience with an ocean view. There’s no shortage of guac or tacos on the menu. If you’re looking for a reason to dress up and head somewhere a bit more intimate, take a walk to Si Señor. With quiet seating overlooking the water, the dreamy ambiance and attentive waitstaff set you up for a romantic dinner.
Bar Hop Deep Into The Night
Via Chloe Caldwell
Despite the town’s laidback style, avid partiers will have no problem finding a place to dance and drink in Sayulita’s nightlife. You’ll hear music everywhere from the downtown bars to the beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll even find a live band or DJ in the sand after dark. This is where I thrived, although anyone who witnessed my dance moves might beg to differ.
Looking for a casual drink or two? Walk to Escondido Bar in the heart of downtown. It specializes in signature craft cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. If you don’t want to miss a big game while on your trip, the colorful sports bar called Barrilito Sayulita is the perfect spot to watch. I can’t say I’d prefer to watch sports on TV when I can watch hot surfers on the beach, but… you do you. For an all-night rager, Coco’s Beach Club might be your best bet. Friday nights at Coco’s are a Cumbia-themed party with live music and dancing. This is also a nice spot to enjoy a cold one on the beach during the day.
PART II — Where to Stay
Just about anyone can find accommodations they’ll love in Sayulita. Properties range from hostels to resorts, each location offering its own unique character. If you want to be near all of the fun, then staying in or close to downtown is recommended. This makes everything walkable and convenient (if you stay in town and want a beach-centric trip, there’s no reason to rent a car — although car rentals in Mexico are famously affordable).
Travelers on a Budget
If you’re a young or solo traveler on a budget (hey, me too!), check out the Selina Hotel. It’s a hostel-style hotel with shared bunk quarters or individual rooms, which is what I stayed in. However, there are shared bathrooms on each floor, no matter what room style you go with. Bring flip-flops if you’re a germaphobe.
Selina Hotel offers group activities like yoga classes, surfing, and a common pool area, making it easy to stay active and meet other travelers throughout your stay. I loved getting a quick Vinyasa flow in the mornings to offset the nonstop damage I did on chips and guac. (Yes, I know I keep bringing up guacamole. I’m still thinking about it.) The best part is the property’s prime location in the heart of Sayulita, just steps from the beach and downtown.
Secluded Resort Life
Fun fact: Bachelor in Paradise filmed in Sayulita, Mexico. I know this because I will shamelessly admit that I’ve watched every season…and applied to the show (twice). If you want to live out your reality TV dreams, stay at the Playa Escondida hotel. This is also a great choice if you want something a little more secluded. It’s still only a short 15-minute walk from downtown, but you’ll have more privacy and it’s much quieter at night. So you can fall asleep to crashing waves instead of the bustling bar scene.
Beachside Living
Via Chloe Caldwell
If you want to stay directly by the water, book a room at Hotel Peix. The property has its own private bar and beach area, so you won’t need to go anywhere to put your feet in the sand. Plus, some rooms also come with a private balcony. This is an ideal hotel for surfers who plan on hitting the waves first thing every morning and want to see the break as they plan their day.
Getting There and Getting Around
Via Chloe Caldwell
Many COVID-19 restrictions are lifting and the world is slowly making its way back to “normal.” However, it’s still important to be safe and prepared when it comes to traveling. With international trips specifically, there are especially strict requirements for flying.
Travel Precautions and COVID-19 Tips
While it isn’t required to show a negative COVID-19 test to fly into Mexico from the U.S., it’s obviously a good idea to do anyway. Once you arrive in Mexico, you’ll have to fill out a COVID survey in order to exit customs and leave the airport. You can either print this out before your trip or fill it out online.
Important: You have to show proof of a negative COVID test to get back home to the U.S. Therefore, it’s a good idea to figure out your exact plan for testing before you leave. Some resorts will do instant testing for their guests, so make sure to ask about this before booking your stay. They will likely have a local health official come to perform the test, and you’ll get the results back in about an hour. There is also testing available at the airport, but this can take a while and risk you being late for your flight home.
Transportation to Sayulita
To get to Sayulita, you’ll first fly into Puerto Vallarta. The airport is less than an hour’s drive from Sayulita, and the one-lane road takes you through scenic jungle views. As mentioned, it’s best to take a cab versus renting a car for a trip like this because everything is within walking distance once you make it into town. Luckily, it’s super easy to find a cab right outside the airport. The cost is about $70 in U.S. currency.
Pro Tip: Don’t let any airport employees stop you on your way out. They’ll likely try to upsell your car ride with additional luxuries and pit stops along the way (I learned this the hard way). Head straight out the doors and opt for the cabs out front. If you do plan on venturing out of Sayulita, there are a ton of cab drivers lined up in the main downtown square that can take you wherever you need to go.
Cecily Strong clearly had a great time during the SNL season finale. It was the capper for a stressful year, which put the show’s 46th season in a number of unusual, even awkward positions. But they fought through it, and on the closer, Strong made sure to grace us with an all-timer rendition of her take on Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, whom she’s long depicted as a shouty, white-girl-drunk conspiracy theorist. (A bit of a stretch, of course.) It almost looked like Strong’s farewell to the character. Perhaps because, like colleague Pete Davidson, she’s not sure yet if she’s coming back for Season 47.
In an interview with ET Online, Strong — shilling for her forthcoming AppleTV+ comedy Schmigadoon!, in which she stars opposite Keegan-Michael Key — couldn’t help but be a little wishy-washy when asked if she’ll be back for more. “I’ll be thrilled if I go back, I’ll be thrilled if that was my last show,” she replid. “I feel good either way.”
She added that “things are a bit more up in the air and I’m OK with that.” (Davidson’s response when asked the same thing was almost verbatim: He, too, was “up in the air.”) She suggested that the pandemic had taught her to be open-minded. “My lesson from last year is sort of see what happens.”
Again, if her last hurrah on the show, where she’s resided since 2012, was flinging red wine at Colin Jost while dunking herself in a vat of the tasty beverage, then she went out with a bang. But if she’s also cool giving us still more Judge Jeanine, that would also be acceptable.
Lager and ale are the two broadest beer definitions in all of brewdom. Beneath each of those umbrella terms, you’ll find dozens (maybe hundreds) of lager styles and ale styles derived from brewing traditions developed all over the world. We’re going to focus on lagers today, including pale lagers (which are actually a sub-style of pilsners, a member of the lager family).
Pilsner was born in the 1800s in the Bohemian town of Plzeň thanks to the work of the Bavarian brewer Josef Groll. Groll was instrumental in inventing the pale lager — specifically Pilsner Urquell — that eventually took the world by storm, helping make lagers the most drunk beers in the world, by far. Sorry IPA stans: the numbers aren’t even close.
To help you find a good lager (including pilsners and pale lagers!) to drink this summer, we’re asking some bartending pros. Hopefully, their recommendations will help you fill your coolers and fridges this summer with tasty suds to set you up for the season. You can click on the prices to try each of these yourself (that is if you haven’t already).
Many pilsners fall flat, but Mama’s Little Yella Pils does not disappoint with notes of grass, lemon, and a clean dry finish. It is the perfect beer for a bright sunny day no matter what time of year. Plus, you got to love the clever name.
Bierstadt Lagerhaus Helles
Bierstadt
Candace Marie Peterson, beertender at Lone Tree Brewing in Lone Tree, Colorado
You can’t answer a question about lagers without showing love to Bierstadt Lagerhaus. Most people will talk up their Slow Pour Pils, which is delicious. But for me, their Helles is the shining star. It’s a perfectly balanced, beautiful golden lager with a slight sweetness and just enough hops to have you craving more. I recommend getting a boot of it when there.
Do I dare say Coors Banquet? Growing up in Colorado, it’s my staple go-to when I want something light, easy, and refreshing or while enjoying a Rockies game.
If I’m drinking a lager or pilsner, I pour one in particular. Krombacher Pils is tradition in a bottle. It’s light, crisp, and has a hint of florals on the finish.
I can’t really think of anything that fits the bill better than Weihenstephaner’s lager. That answer isn’t likely to be a revelation to anyone since Wiehenstephaner is the world’s oldest brewery. Regardless, I think their staying power speaks for itself. They do the best demonstrations of every Bavarian style. Drinking any of their beers is like eating a perfectly cooked steak: the quality is from its sourcing and the practiced care with which it’s handled.
Stone Buenaveza
Stone
Cari Hah, formerly bar manager at Café Alcove in Loa Angeles
My pick is Stone Buenaveza. This is a classic Mexican style lager that is really refreshing, light, and crisp. It has a body without being heavy with a really nice acidity that makes it entirely quaffable all year round.
Busch Beer
Busch
Andy Printy, beverage director at Chao Baan in St. Louis
My favorite classic lager has to be a Busch 16-ounce tallboy. It’s crisp, light, and full-bodied. There has nary been a scenario, venue, or season where this workhorse lager isn’t a very appropriate choice.
Pilsener Urquell is a beautiful golden pilsener that is still brewed in its country of origin in the traditional way. You can drink this beer all year round with food or friends, but it’s especially refreshing in summer. It always tastes good, features fresh hops, a creamy texture, and a dry finish, which is enough to keep your mouth a little bit dry, but with a lingering freshness.
I’m not much of a lager drinker, but the Classic Easy Drinkin’ lager by Victory is pretty darn good. It’s 4.8 percent alcohol, well-balanced, and refreshing.
Scrimshaw Pilsner from North Coast Brewing Company is the lighthouse for the pilsner. The European pilsner itself is the quintessential beer for drinkability, striking the perfect balance of weight — not too heavy or light. It’s liquid bread. An introduction of sweetness from the malts is kept in check by those classic European hops. Drink it all year long. Support your local breweries and then drink a Scrimshaw to remind yourself how your local beer scene is doing.
Stella Artois is well known for its freshness. It also provides a crisp and clean finish that makes it really easy to drink no matter the occasion or the season.
What’s better than a beer after a long day or work? Jack’s Abby literally created a beer you’re supposed to crack open when your “shift” ends. Made with Bavarian malts and hops, it’s light, crisp, and perfect for the end of a long, hot summer day.
As a Drizly affiliate, Uproxx may receive a commission pursuant to certain items on this list.
One of Ron Swanson’s earliest iconic moments on Parks and Recreation was the Pyramid of Greatness. “It’s a perfectly calibrated recipe for maximum personal achievement,” he says about his creation. Categories include Discipline (“the ability to repeat a boring thing over and over again”), Friends (“one to three is sufficient”), and Greatness Itself (“the best revenge”). If Ron were to add two more boxes, they could be Transportation (“never hire someone named Lou”) and Crying in Baseball (“no”).
Nick Offerman has been cast in the Tom Hanks role in Amazon’s A League of Their Own series from creators Abbi Jacobson and Will Graham. He won’t be playing Jimmy Dugan, but rather, Casey “Dove” Porter, the team’s coach. He’s described as a “former Cubs pitcher who is brought in to coach the Rockford Peaches. The character is most famous because his forkball killed a dove in mid-air in the middle of a game. Inspiring and charismatic, Dove was thought to be the next big MLB star, but blew his arm out after three years. Now he’s looking to make his comeback by making the Peaches into champions.” He’s like Henry Rowengartner meets Randy Johnson meets this poor bird.
It’s impossible to get tired of that clip.
Anyway, the A League of Their Own show (which has director Penny Marshall’s blessing) also stars Jacobson, Chanté Adams, D’Arcy Carden, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Kelly McCormack, Roberta Colindrez, and Priscilla Delgado. There’s no premiere date yet.
It’s no secret that Jim Acosta isn’t a fan of Trump or his lackeys. The CNN reporter is very outspoken about the former president. And about Fox News, which he’s called a “bulls*it factory.” And about their employee Tucker Carlson, who he’s called “Fox’s chief white power correspondent.” So surely he knew how it would go over when he asked Trump, during a rare public appearance, if he would “apologize” for the events of Jan 6.
The 45th president took some time from ranting at strangers at the resorts he lives in to visit the Southern border, which has become a target for Republicans over the ongoing migrant crisis. During an event, in which he predictably slammed the Biden administration (while, of course, misleading people about the election he lost in November), Acosta tried to get him to comment on his disgraceful last couple weeks on the job. But he didn’t get chewed out by Trump. He got chewed out by the crowd.
At border event with Trump and Abbott I asked Trump if he’s going to apologize for January 6. He did not respond. Crowd of mostly GOP members and staff booed.
“At border event with Trump and Abbott I asked Trump if he’s going to apologize for January 6,” Acosta later wrote on Twitter. “He did not respond. Crowd of mostly GOP members and staff booed.”
Indeed, the crowd was, as per The Hill, mostly Republican members of Congress and staffers. As for Trump, he (perhaps smartly) said nothing, letting the boos die down and then smirking and giving a thumbs up, as he often does when he’s trying to extricate himself from awkward situations.
You can even see video of the booing here:
.@Acosta gets booed by GOP congressional members after shouting to Trump if he will apologize for January 6th at the conclusion of his speech by the border wall. pic.twitter.com/eJtVIc8gIs
On one hand, what did Acosta expect? This is not unlike the Arrested Development bit in which Michael Bluth curiously peers into a paper bag labeled “dead bird.” On the other, it reiterates the belief that the entire GOP remains in his thrall, unwilling to own up to one of the darkest days in American history.
In May, when Cavs general manager Koby Altman spoke to the media at the end of the regular season, he name-checked two teams: the Suns and the Hawks.
In outlining his view of Cleveland’s future, he cited those teams as proof of younger teams being able to take an immediate step forward. At the same time, he noted that whatever Cleveland is building won’t come together all at once. He tempered expectations, saying that “there’s no quick fix.” But he noted that wins have to come.
“Our guys are hungry. I think they understand that there’s talent here and that has to now translate into wins at some point,” Altman said. “It’s on me to help supplement that young talent and it’s on J.B. [Bickerstaff] to keep growing the culture here.”
It feels like the Cavs are going to try and do something to improve now, even if it’s unclear what that will be. This is a franchise that has been talking about the playoffs since LeBron James left in 2018. They were open about making a push for the play-in tournament. It’s been more than 20 years since they’ve made the playoffs without LeBron leading the way, and looking in on the team and listening to what they have to say, it seems like three seasons with no playoffs is enough.
There are practical reasons for this. Altman is heading into the last year of his deal and probably needs to win games to save his job. Dan Gilbert also isn’t historically a patient owner, so perhaps J.B. Bickerstaff will be coaching for his job too. Life in the NBA moves fast and, barring a lot of winning, teams go through changes.
But the Cavs don’t really need to force something right now. To cite Altman’s examples — the Suns and the Hawks — Cleveland doesn’t have a Devin Booker or a Trae Young to build around quickly. That level of talent demands an effort to win in a way Collin Sexton or Darius Garland — who are good, but not yet at that level — do not.
None of their young players are immediately due a big payday either. Sexton is extension eligible now, and his camp can and should agitate for payment this summer. But Cleveland can wait if it chooses to and probably should, considering the Cavs won 19, 19, and 22 games in the last three seasons. Jarrett Allen is their only real free agent this summer and a deal for him feels more straightforward. Whatever the future holds in Cleveland, Allen is capable of fitting in and it’s not a hard choice for the Cavs to bring back their best acquisition of the season as an RFA.
Sexton is perhaps the best lens to view the Cavs situation through. He’s an interesting scorer, averaging 24.3 points per game last year with a career-best shooting percentage and a career-high in assists. He got the line more last season, taking almost two more per 100 possessions than his previous best — showing that he’s improved as a downhill attacker and that’s capable of adding to his game. Sexton has a place in the league, full-stop. But he’s also hard to center on a team as he exists right now. He doesn’t take a ton of three-pointers – per Cleaning The Glass, he is in the bottom six percent of guards in three-point rate – and largely lives in the mid-range. He’s more 2006 than 2021.
That can be fine in small doses, but it’s hard to build a whole offense around someone seeking out those kinds of shots. He, despite making more of the easy reads and finding some chemistry with Allen, has yet to show the vision to unlock a whole offense or the craft in the pick-and-roll to really lead a good offense in the same way a Donovan Mitchell or Devin Booker does.
There’s a place for him, but it’s probably not as he exists now. The only young players that get his workload for good teams are Young and Luka Doncic, which is a level Sexton just isn’t on right now. The best version of Sexton likely involves more off-ball action and secondary creation on offense — cutting, taking more spot-up threes, and attacking closeouts — which could help him play more consistent defense.
Sexton being three years in but still not quite seeming to have a defined role isn’t really his fault, as he has not had a particularly stable start to his career from an organizational standpoint. He’s had four head coaches, had a season halted due to the pandemic and a compressed season this past year. And when the Cavs have brought in veterans — namely re-signing Kevin Love and trading for Andre Drummond — they haven’t really helped. Love has been hurt more often than not while not seeming happy. Drummond was only around for a bit, but wasn’t additive.
Allen, meanwhile, came in and offered more support on both ends than either. It wasn’t the Garland-Allen lob connection, but you could see how that led to Sexton gaining his first real rhythm with a pick-and-roll partner. Instead of barreling into the lane with no plan, he had someone he could trust rolling behind him.
It’s possible, if not likely, that Sexton also makes some other kind of leap. Maybe next year he takes more three-pointers or becomes a better defender who uses his motor to pester other guards. He also is perhaps the team’s most available piece, so maybe they deal him. It’s a tricky line to walk here too, though. A deal for a Ben Simmons-level player is fun to theorize about for cavs fans, but Cleveland doesn’t have the other pieces as the Sixers are in a “win-now” scenario and picks aren’t likely to entice them off of an All-Star. Would something like a Tyler Herro-Sexton swap really move the needle that much? Probably not, unless Herro is more like 2019 Playoffs Herro and not what he was last year. And if the Cavs attach multiple picks with Sexton as part of a big play, how much is too much and risks the team putting a cap on their potential ceiling?
Regardless of what the outcome, the Cavs are nearing the decision point on Sexton despite him never having a chance at showing consistency in the role he’s likely to take on in the future. Sexton, as has happened to plenty of other young players in the past, was the first piece of a rebuild, and as such, he was given a starring role immediately out of necessity and is being asked to cede more and more of that with every passing year and new top pick added to the roster. That makes it hard to know exactly what he can be on a quality team, and it’s possible a change of scenery provides that stability and defined role that could yield more consistent and better results.
Money plays a big role in that, because if the Cavs are building for so-called sustainable success, they have to be thinking about deals to come. Allen, as noted, is due now and may get $20 million a year. Garland becomes extension eligible next offseason and, despite what they say publicly, it’s hard to see the Cavs ponying up for both. Love’s contract coming off the books will open some future money up, but extensions for Sexton, Garland and Allen probably tie up the cap too much for a group that hasn’t done anything.
Opportunity also matters. Getting the No. 3 pick means bringing in another young player. If that player is another shot creator/taker type, such as Jalen Green or Jalen Suggs, then Sexton has to cede perhaps more than everyone. Young cores don’t really last in part for this reason: there is only so much opportunity and not everyone is going to be happy with what is left for them. It can be particularly true in an organization like Cleveland that isn’t winning and stemming the tide. So, if it comes down to it, you can see why the Cavs would look to make a move this summer, and Sexton seems like the most likely odd man out. Even if he’s proved more in three NBA years, it’s just not hard to see the Cavs taking the 6’6” Green and embracing the potential he oozes in a bigger frame.
“When we started this a few years back we talked about building through the draft and creating sustainable success,” Altman said the night Cleveland landed the third pick in next month’s draft. “There’s some real game-changers at the top of this draft, but also it puts us in a position to capitalize on different opportunities. When you look at our young core, we’re in good shape from a talent perspective and we’re going to have another large injection of talent coming soon. At the top of this draft there’s size, there’s athleticism, there’s talent, so we’re really happy.”
Patience is needed, because jumping at the first offer for Sexton this offseason likely won’t bring back a significant haul. That said, a decision can’t be put off for too much longer — the 2022 trade deadline seems like the point of no return with regards to Sexton’s future in Cleveland. In the NBA, teams go through cycles of ups and downs. Someone is going to pay Sexton, and maybe it is the Cavs. Contracts coming due and time passing ultimate demand action. There are exceptions of teams that never fall off totally, but they are rare. The Cavs, as they exist now, have never been that type of franchise.
The right time to act will be determined by myriad factors, none more important than the available packages out there. It could be this summer, next trade deadline, or possibly over the summer. But when they move, Cleveland better be sure in what they are doing and how it impacts the short and long-term vision for success. If the wins don’t come, the cycle continues before ever going anywhere and cost them something worth keeping.
An anonymous “obtainer of rare antiquities” took home quite the crown jewel for their collection when they won a fedora worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom during a Prop Store auction in Los Angeles. albeit at quite a hefty price. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The iconic fedora worn by Ford sold for $300,000, substantially more than the $150,000 to $250,000 the hat was valued at. Unsurprisingly, the buyer has chosen to remain anonymous, perhaps to avoid any cries of “that belongs in a museum!”
According to the item description shared by the auction house, the fedora was tailor-made for Ford in the second installment of the Indiana Jones series by the same company behind the hats in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The description then delves a bit deeper into the details behind the hat, stating:
“The fedora was a slight update on the original film’s version. Costume designer Anthony Powell and assistant costume designer Joanna Johnston worked closely with Herbert Johnson on the update that incorporated a more tapered crown than the prior film. The fedora is in excellent condition, showing light wear with some signs of age, and comes stored in a plastic hat box. Dimensions: 13″ x 12″ x 6″ (33 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).”
Now if $300,000 for a worn hat has your jaw on the floor, be sure brace yourself for this next bit: this isn’t even the most a hat from the Indiana Jones series has gone for at auction. Back in 2015, a fedora worn by Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark sold for more than $500,000. Only time will tell how much the one worn in the upcoming Indiana Jones film goes for in 2060.
Compass Box might be one of the most important blending houses working in Scotch whisky today. The whisky makers pull some of the best barrels of single malts and single grains from Scotland to create unique blends of Scotch whisky that are raking in the awards and standing the test of time.
This spring, Compass Box dropped their latest version of their beloved Glasgow Blend and Artist Blend. Today, we’re talking about the latter. Artist Blend was created from 100-year-old blending recipes and aims to highlight the beauty of sweet Scotch whiskies.
The lion’s share of this blend — 45 percent — comes from a single grain whisky aged in ex-bourbon from Cameronbridge Distillery. 22 percent is a single malt aged in ex-bourbon that comes from Linkwood Distillery. The rest is a mix of French oak and ex-bourbon single malts and blended malts from the Highlands, Clyneilish, Linkwood, and Balmenach. Those whiskies are vatted and then proofed down before bottling.
Tasting Notes:
This opens with a very clear and concise note of apple candy with a hint of salted caramel ice cream cut with a touch of eggnog spices. There’s a nice maltiness that leans into a creamy vanilla, soft holiday spice mix, butter toffee, and a hint of milk chocolate near the end. The finish is warming with a whisper of tobacco next to woody apple, spice candies (maybe ginger), and a final hint of cocoa and caramel.
The Bottle:
This is a robust bottle with a newly designed label. The shape is reminiscent of an old port bottle, albeit a clear one. That new label highlights the logo without too much information littering up the actual label, making this a lot more concise than the previous version.
Bottom Line:
This is a very soft and refined blended scotch. It’s also a nice bridge between the world of bourbon and blended scotch with all those apple, caramel, vanilla, and spicy notes.
Rating:
92/100 — This is a really subtle and drinkable blended scotch. It’s miles ahead of a large swath of blends at the same price point, making this a new go-to for sipping on the rocks, in highballs, and for cocktails.
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Grand Canyon (which you can stream now on HBO Max) opened in theaters in December of 1991, and when its writer/director, Lawrence Kasdan, was asked by The Baltimore Sun what kind of story he wanted to tell with his film, his answer was: “[It’s about] trying to create some order in a chaotic universe, and how people struggle to do that…There’s some confusion about why are we here, why is [life] so short, why do people act badly toward each other? Is there any hope? The world is chaotic and people are frightened by it…It’s about the fact that we’re all in this together, and your circumstances may be a little more comfortable than someone else’s, but if people are suffering or in despair in this society, it will ultimately affect you, too. You can’t insulate yourself.”
All of which is very true, very intense, and very timeless. But Grand Canyon is also a film that shows a father trying to show his son that “making a left turn in LA is one of the harder things” you can learn in life. For those who live there, the very thought of this will make you laugh while also shaking your head because such dread also feels intensely familiar. And it’s that exact response that audiences come to know all too well when sitting down to watch a dramedy like Grand Canyon, which has mostly been forgotten since its theatrical release, but which is still deserving of appreciation.
Kasdan also co-wrote and directed the classic ‘80s dramedy The Big Chill, which had a soundtrack of classic R&B/soul songs to help put the audience at ease as they watched the characters deal with heavy subject matter. But Kasdan wasn’t interested in telling another story where the characters get together to sing and dance along to The Temptations.
Grand Canyon is a film that constantly reminds its viewers of one thing when it comes to Los Angeles: it can be ruthless and unpredictable, and your survival can depend on the decisions you make within a split second. Witness Davis (Steve Martin), a famous movie producer with a planet-sized ego about himself and his career that makes him think that he’s bulletproof. That belief is severely tested when he is robbed at gunpoint and shot in the leg, and the resulting scene that shows us his reaction to getting shot, and the physical damage being repaired by a surgical team. Even now, it’s shocking and disturbing to watch.
If we saw this happen to any other character played by any other actor in Grand Canyon, it would be unsettling. But for viewers to see this happen to a character played by Martin, the legendary comic actor who was also appearing on screens as the stressed-out dad in Father Of The Bride at the same time (the two films opened a week apart) is particularly jarring. It’s also a sign that this film was going to grab us by the shoulders to make us pay attention to what it had to say.
Grand Canyon is about people reaching out to help others in ways that are both great and small when they see that the world is being ruthless and unpredictable. Whether it’s Simon (Danny Glover) helping Mack (Kevin Kline) when his car breaks down and he’s in mortal danger from a group of gangbangers, Claire (Mack’s wife, played by Mary McDonell) wanting to adopt a baby she finds while jogging (to help her deal with her empty nest syndrome), or Roberto (Mack and Claire’s teenage son, played by Jeremy Sisto) helping a bullied little boy at camp who is lonely and homesick.
Much of the dialogue could easily come across as mawkish. If Kasdan were a less talented writer with a less talented cast, this would feel like a poorly-made Very Special Episode. Fortunately, for Kasdan and for the audience, that isn’t the case, and Grand Canyon refuses to shy away from the sincerity of its story. None of these people are naïve when it comes to how Los Angeles and the rest of the world works (Davis being the exception to that rule). But they all end up facing the choice of doing something to try and make things better or doing nothing at all. And for many of them, standing idly by just isn’t a possibility (though, true to life, some of those actions don’t stick, as with Davis, whose decision to leave violent action films behind proves short-lived).
Four months after the release of Grand Canyon, Los Angeles was torn apart by riots, which occurred as a result of the Not Guilty verdict for the four LAPD officers who were seen on videotape viciously beating Rodney King. The riots lasted for nearly a week, leaving sixty-three people dead, and thousands of people injured, including White truck driver Reginald Denny, whose own beating was caught on video as he was pulled out of his vehicle and nearly beaten to death by several rioters. It brought greater attention to the tension that existed between Black people and the LAPD. The film makes the difference very clear in how much calmer and reassuring the police presence is for Dee (Mary Louise Parker, who plays Mack’s assistant) when dealing with a man who breaks her car window with a hammer before running off, as opposed to how Simon’s nephew Otis (Patrick Malone) is stopped by the police at gunpoint for simply running in his new neighborhood.
In the years since its release, many articles have pointed out how Grand Canyon was not just a portrait of what Los Angeles was like in the early Nineties, but also a warning sign of what was to come if its residents didn’t say or do anything to make changes for the better.
Grand Canyon isn’t the first multi-character dramedy to deal with social issues within a large metropolis, though it did help make it possible for other films like Short Cuts and Magnolia to follow in its footsteps during that same decade. But it’s become a dying breed.
In 1975, Jaws ushered in the still-thriving era of blockbuster films that is now reflected in the overwhelming success of comic-book movies today. But there still remains the need to see regular characters on the big screen who aren’t superheroes figuring out how to make their way through life. People who are trying to deal with the world around them without gunfights or explosions or becoming unlikeable antiheroes as a result. Stories like that will always be of importance, but they need to be made and displayed.
It’s nice to laugh at situations that you recognize and can relate to. It helps you feel as though you’re not alone when it comes to being concerned about the future and about the world that you live in and that your children will inherit. It’s nice to be reminded that it’s possible to care about and show concern for real people around us, especially after so much time spent in lockdown during a pandemic when empathy became a harder and harder thing to locate sometimes. Imagine all of that on a big screen and all that entails. Cutting through the noise of streaming and allowing us a shared experience as we laugh, gasp, cry, and reflect together on the simple lessons art can offer and how impactful it can be when broadly made available. Which takes us back to Grand Canyon and its own conclusion.
As Mack and Simon are chatting over breakfast during one scene, Simon tells Mack that even though good things can happen to people, terrible things are guaranteed to happen to them as well. By the end of the film, when Simon, Mack, and all of their loved ones are standing with one another as they look out into the actual Grand Canyon (even Otis seems reluctant about being there, but he can’t help but join everyone else at looking in awe at what’s before him), Simon asks Mack what he thinks of it, as this is his first time there.
Mack’s answer: “I think it’s not all bad.”
And it’s something that could be said by almost all of the main characters in Grand Canyon, despite how much life keeps testing them when it comes to the city of Los Angeles, the city that they call home.
“I think it’s not all bad.”
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