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During a recent podcast appearance, Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann revealed that he and his co-writer on The Last of Us, Halley Gross, have already written a story outline for The Last of Us Part III. However, he is still unsure when, and if, the next entry in the critically-acclaimed franchise will enter development.

According to Druckmann (via IGN), the current outline explores “a little bit of what happens after [The Last of Us Part II].” For those still coming to terms with the sequel’s fairly bleak ending, a third game could offer so much needed closure or, dare we say it, a happy ending for Ellie.

Still, Druckmann says despite these conversations, the studio is hesitant to fast-track a third game into development. “After we finish one of our big titles, we take a long time to explore different ideas, whether it’s going to be Last of Us III, whether it’s something new, whether there’s some old franchise we want to go back to,” Druckmann said. “I like to fully explore all of those, then look at, like: okay, we have all of these ideas in front of us. As a studio, what do we want to commit to? Because it’s a huge commitment – monetary, time, passion, talent, so you think about all the opportunity costs that come with that.”

While the jury is still out on if The Last of Us Part III will ever see the light of day, fans of the series can rejoice over the upcoming HBO series staring Game of Thrones veterans Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

Chiiild, the performing name of Montreal-based singer Yonatan Ayal, has been one of the most promising Canadian exports of the past few years, especially following the release of the eclectic 2020 EP Synthetic Soul. There’s a new album, Hope For Sale, on the way at some point this year, and it has so far been previewed with “Sleepwalking” and “Awake,” the latter of which features Mahalia.

Now Chiiild is back with a new single, “Gone,” an understated but impactful new single that is also accompanied by a black-and-white video. Chiiild says of the track, “It’s hard enough to find the words. ‘Gone’ is a song about the simple misunderstandings that come up when you least see them coming.”

He also recently told Uproxx of Hope For Sale, “The intention I think was — to break it down — lyrically, to be more conversational, to reflect the times [more]. A lot of the artists that I love and I grew up on are just like mirrors of society… it’s beautiful because you see what’s happening, what’s trending in life, not so much just music, and you’re like, ‘Hey this is what I need to reflect, this is my reaction to that trend.’”

Watch the “Gone” video above.

One day out from the NFL Draft and a team viewed as a potential landing spot for a quarterback has made a trade to bring in a signal caller. In news first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos came to terms on a trade that will send Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater to the Mile High City.

In exchange, Pelissero reports that Carolina will receive a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The news was confirmed by Adam Schefter of ESPN, who added an interesting nugget: Even though Bridgewater will theoretically compete with Drew Lock in Denver, the Broncos are still not ruling out the possibility of selecting a signal caller with the No. 9 selection on Thursday night.

The trade was ultimately announced by the Panthers.

It’s not a surprise that Carolina moved on from Bridgewater, as the team made a deal to acquire Sam Darnold from the New York Jets earlier this offseason. Both teams are still viewed as potential landing spots for a quarterback in the first round, although both have arguably bigger holes than quarterback on both sides of the ball, especially if they plan on rolling with the guys they have on their respective rosters for the next year or two.

Bridgewater started 15 games for the Panthers last season, completing 69.1 percent of his passes for 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran for 279 yards and five scores.

They say experience is the greatest teacher, but Senator Ted Cruz is going a long way to disprove that theory. After all, the Republican from Texas has had his dignity thrown in the garbage more times than we can count after wading into Twitter feuds with people who are funnier and smarter than him and yet … here he is, getting in the social media ring with Trevor Noah.

Let’s back up a bit.

On a recent episode of The Daily Show, host Trevor Noah broke down the latest 2020 Census news. Basically, Texas picked up some congressional seats while states like California and New York lost them. Oh, and the birth rate is the lowest it’s been since 1930. In the clip, Noah playfully mocked people who didn’t fill out their census form and reminded us all why The Great Depression was so bad: mainly, there was nowhere to sit.

Despite literally no one asking his opinion, Senator Cruz decided to weigh in on this bit of satire with a tweet of his own that left everyone, including Noah, confused. In the biggest display of “I read the headline, but not the entire article, and just assumed I knew what the story was about” energy we’ve seen in a while Cruz poked fun at Noah’s liberal outrage over people “fleeing” Blue states for Texas, saying Noah “doesn’t understand why people like freedom.” He also implied that the show predicted Biden’s term in office would bring about a new Great Depression.

Owning the libs is cool and all, we guess, but when you make a complete fool of yourself by so obviously refusing to watch the video you’re about to pin your daily allotment of faux outrage on, well, you deserve to get dragged. And Noah, he’s perfected the art of humiliating dumb politicians by reminding people of their own f*ck-ups.

Here’s proof:

Okay, but who’s already started a countdown clock for when Cruz eventually drafts up an unironic t-shirt with the phrase “I wear your scorn with pride” on it?

Though it looks like live music may be able to return soon, venue workers and live music crews are still out of work. That’s why London-based folding bike makers Brompton decided to team up with several musicians including Phoebe Bridges, Foo Fighters, and Radiohead to design and auction off custom-made bikes to raise funds for music industry workers.

According to Brompton’s website, Bridgers, Foo Fighters, and Radiohead weren’t the only musicians who joined the auction. Enrique Iglesias, LCD Soundsystem, Khruangbin, Nathan East, Dinosaur Jr, Oh Wonder, Underworld, Sub Pop, Rise Against, and Neko Case also offered their own design for the cause. The auction runs from May 28 through June 12 on Greenhouse Auctions and all proceeds benefiting Crew Nation, Live Nation’s charity that aims to support music crews who lost work due to the pandemic.

So far, Brompton has unveiled the design for Radiohead’s bike. It was created by visual designer Stanley Donwood, the artist behind the band’s album artwork for the past two decades. Speaking about the project, Donwood said, “I’m ridiculously happy to have been asked to design a Brompton bike that’ll be auctioned to raise for Crew Nation. Brompton bikes are fantastic zippy folding freedom machines, and crews are the unsung heroes of every gig, festival or live events that you’ve ever been to.”

https://www.instagram.com/StanleyDonwood/

Learn more about the Brompton charity bike auction here.

It’s almost May, which means it’s almost warm enough everywhere in the U.S. for people to start busting out the swim gear and heading to the lake or the river or the ocean. And that means it’s also time for the Annual Body Image Battle a huge percentage of women wage with themselves when it comes to putting on a swimsuit.

Despite social discourse moving more and more toward body positivity and embracing ourselves no matter our size, a whole lot of us still feel self-conscious about our bodies. And nothing amplifies that self-consciousness like putting on a skin-tight swimsuit that exposes most of our skin suit to the world. Unless we are literally bikini models—and sometimes even if we are—standing in front of a mirror in a swimsuit prompts a million mental messages to kick in, with phrases like “muffin top,” “saddlebags,” “love handles,” and “cottage cheese thighs,” bouncing around like ping pong balls in our brain.

We are critical of our bodies partly because we compare ourselves to airbrushed bikini models—whether we want to or not—and partly because we fear the criticism and cruelty of other people. The former is something we each have to work through for ourselves, but a new video from vlogger Tiffany Jenkins perfectly illustrates why the criticisms of others shouldn’t prevent us from putting on the suit and heading to the beach.

It’s not just because we shouldn’t listen to cruelty. It’s because there is no one who isn’t subject to judgment and criticism.

Jenkins wrote: “To all my beautiful friends: Please watch this, it’s important. These are ACTUAL comments from the photos. The message here is clear. Effpeoplesopinionsofyou.”

In her video, Jenkins shared real photos of real people in swimsuits that she saw on social media, along with the real comments people have left on those photos. Each of the photos shows a woman of a different size and shape, from extra endowed to basically average, including a couple of famous women who have been seen as sex symbols. And you know what? The comments are cruel on every single one of them.

So then Jenkins says, “It’s the internet. Apparently, everyone is too fat for people of the internet. Let me just put up a picture of a thin bikini model, and then everybody will be happy and have no complaints.”

HA. No. Even the super tanned, thin woman in a little bikini had people ridiculing her body in the comments.

Watch:

Jenkins summed up the lesson perfectly. “Friends, people are always going to find something negative to say. So put on that damn bathing suit and get out in the sun and live your best life. Eff everybody.”

Right on, Tiffany. Eff everybody who feels the need to make any judgment whatsoever about somebody’s body. Literally every single human body is different, and the idea that only people with some kind of subjectively “perfect” body get to feel comfortable in a swimsuit is utterly ridiculous. Especially when even those with bikini model bodies still get criticized. Sure, they probably also get more compliments than others, but who flippin’ cares. The beach isn’t supposed to be a beauty pageant; it’s a place to enjoy the sun and sand and sparkling water.

The number of people who could put on a swimsuit and have no one find something to criticize is zero, so we have got to stop looking for validation from others to determine whether or not we should go out in a swimsuit and enjoy ourselves. It’s not always that simple. It’s hard to embrace the bodies we’re in when we have so many messages telling us they’re not good enough, but the reality is this: We get one life here. We can spend it fretting over specific details of our bodies or we can spend it basking in the warm sun, splashing in the cool water, and flipping a mental middle finger to anyone who tries to steal that joy from us.

Our bodies are worthy of fun and joy, no matter their size or shape. No amount of social media b.s. can change that.

Nicolle Maroulis has been making music under the name Hit Like A Girl for several years, all while simultaneously running an nonprofit called No More Dysphoria. The New Jersey outfit puts all their cards on the table with the latest album Heart Racer, which features their most polished songwriting and arrangements to date, as well as exciting guest appearances from Bartees Strange, Petal’s Kiley Lotz, and more.

To celebrate the release of Heart Racer earlier this month, Nicolle Maroulis sat down to talk talks Taylor Swift, ‘Mean Girls,’ and sleeping in Walmart parking lots in the latest Indie Mixtape 20.

What are four words you would use to describe your music?

raw, passionate, poetic, inspiring.

It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?

I definitely try to make a conscious effort to write music I hope will age well. I would hope it is remembered as staying relevant and relatable throughout the years!

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform?

Akron, Ohio!

Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?

I like to reference Taylor Swift a lot when writing songs. She’s one of my favorite artists solely based on her lyric writing alone. She has this unique way of telling detailed stories that paint a vivid picture in your head, and that is something I try to replicate in my own work, too.

Where did you eat the best meal of your life?

My favorite place to eat is only (to my knowledge) located in Indiana and Ohio but it’s called Bibibop [Editor’s note: this restaurant is scattered across the US], and its like a mid-tier “fast food” sort of place. Think “Chipotle” style ordering, but with Korean fusion type food. Their tofu, kale, sweet potato noodles, and sauce choices are so good. AND you get a mountain of food for like $8.

What album do you know every word to?

Sunset Blush by Kississippi.

What was the best concert you’ve ever attended?

I don’t know if festivals count as an answer, but I think in a concert setting, I had the most fun of my life during Fest 18 in 2019. That whole weekend was just filled with fun, rowdy-ness among friends. I did a lot of screaming and crowd surfing that weekend, and lost my voice before our set, but it was worth it.

What is the best outfit for performing and why?

I love Halloween shows where people dress up in costumes during a set, especially if they’re matching/coordinated somehow because it really adds to the fun of it all. I also think it’s sick when artists wear their own merch on stage, that’s a power move in my opinion.

Who’s your favorite person to follow on Twitter and/or Instagram?

On Instagram I think I would have to say “notallgeminis” for the memes or “kaydargs” for kay dargen’s BEAUTIFUL/inspiring photography. On Twitter it’s @ConorShack (Conor Kinkade from The Summit Shack) and @emonormie – they never miss.

What’s your most frequently played song in the van on tour?

“Hold Me Down“by Motion City Soundtrack.

What’s the last thing you Googled?

“girl trash movie streaming” to find where I can watch Girltrash which is a great movie fyi.

What album makes for the perfect gift?

I guess that would depend who you’re giving it too, but if you’re asking what album is a good blanket gift that everyone will like, I might say Emotion by Carly Rae Jepsen!

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever crashed while on tour?

It’s hard to answer this without calling people out specifically or describing it in a way where someone would know i’m talking about their house. So for the sake of providing a real answer, there’s been countless nights sleeping in the van in a Walmart parking lot. One of those instances I slept in a hammock outside that was kind of cool.

What’s the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?

My first tattoo I got in someone’s kitchen when I was 14 and has since been covered up. My favorite tattoo I have is the word “Thanks” on my right wrist because i’m grateful for everything I receive.

What artists keep you from flipping the channel on the radio?

I REALLY love modern radio pop and will really listen to anything on the radio, but I get especially excited for like Carly Rae or Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, etc.

What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Oh man! This is tough, I am pretty blessed with some amazing people in my life who have given me so much, or given me chances that no one else ever would have otherwise. My friend Daria had given me money for rent before while I was in between jobs and that was really awesome. My friend Lando from Orlando once also gave me money because I was trying to sell my Minilogue and he texted me and was like “Whatever you do, don’t sell gear to pay rent. Take this.” and that was really awesome.

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?

I always kind of wished I had gotten into music and pursued it as hard as I am now when I was younger. I see a lot of bands doing big stuff at 20 years old & if I could go back in time and give 18-year-old me advice, I would tell them to put down the drugs and pick up a pen!!

What’s the last show you went to?

March 2020 we were on tour with a band called Short Fictions, so as the pandemic was unfolding and getting worse and worse by the day — our last show was March 11th or 12th I believe in Charlotte, NC. It was Hit Like a Girl, Short Fictions, Placeholder, Downhaul at The Milestone. Everyone’s sets were amazing and I wish I knew at the time, that that was going to be the last gig for over a year!

What movie can you not resist watching when it’s on TV?

I haven’t had cable in years but I would have to say Mean Girls or 50 First Dates.

What would you cook if Obama were coming to your house for dinner?

I would make him one of my famous vegan tofu stir fry’s.

Heart Racer is out now on Refresh Records. Listen here.

The Toronto Raptors ultimately decided that Kyle Lowry wasn’t going anywhere at the trade deadline. Despite the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers all apparently having interest in pulling off a deal for the All-Star point guard, Toronto opted to hold onto Lowry ahead of his unrestricted free agency this summer.

Whether they keep him or not is a separate thing, because there is going to be interest in someone bringing Lowry on board this summer. One such team, according to Sam Amick and John Hollinger of The Athletic, are the Sixers, who are still very much into the idea of acquiring Lowry but understand that it’d almost certainly have to come via a sign-and-trade.

Sources say the Sixers still plan on pursuing him by way of a possible sign-and-trade. While they added George Hill at the deadline in lieu of Lowry, only $1.2 million of his $10 million salary for next season is guaranteed, and the deal expires at that point. The Lowry interest remains very strong there.

The rumor back around the deadline was that Lowry would want two years and at least $50 million wherever he was going to get traded, and while it is unclear if that is still going to be the case for a guy who will be 36 next season, Philly cannot do that straight up in free agency. Nevertheless, they do make a ton of sense in that they give Lowry a chance to go home and chase another ring, plus they could really use what he brings as a floor general.

Lil Mosey has pled “not guilty” to the rape charges against him after turning himself in upon learning that a warrant had been issued due to a missed court date in January, according to local Centralia, Washington paper, The Chronicle. Mosey’s lawyer explained his absence from the initial court date, telling the court that the summons was sent to an address that Lil Mosey vacated five years ago, leaving him with no knowledge of the court date until after it had passed.

Mosey appeared for his arraignment, however, with his lawyers and his parents to enter the not guilty plea, and was released on $50,000 unsecured bail. The conditions of the bail include travel restrictions, which his lawyers requested lifted to accommodate his international tour dates, including Canada and Portugal for Rolling Loud. The lawyers also waived Mosey’s right to a speedy trial, requesting a date in January 2022 to give them time to locate witnesses they believe can clear his name.

The judge seemed amenable to lifting the travel restrictions, saying, “It’s not like he can go off and hide somewhere because that would make this so much worse.” However, the trial date was rejected, with Judge James W. Lawler reasoning that in the two days since accepting the case, the attorneys were unlikely to have discovered new witnesses and wouldn’t have needed so much additional time to track them down.

A woman accused Mosey and another teen, Francisco Prater, of having sex with her and another woman when they were inebriated and incapable of consenting during or after a party. After consuming alcohol, women say they passed out and woke up to the men assaulting them. Mosey was, at the time, just 17, but turned 18 earlier this year. Prater was 18, and has yet to turn himself in. The victim was legally an adult. Although police began investigating the same day, charges weren’t filed until 15 months later, earlier this month. Mosey’s trial is tentatively set for July 19.

The Office series finale aired on May 16, 2013, but in a spiritual sense, the show’s final episode was two years earlier. In “Goodbye, Michael,” which turns 10 years old today, Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) leaves Dunder Mifflin Paper Company to move to Colorado with his then-fiancée, Holly (Amy Ryan). As Oscar (Oscar Martinez) told Yahoo! Entertainment, “It was like, ‘Wow, the show’s over, and now we’re going to do another show without Steve.’ Someone’s going to come in and be the boss. The Office was over: Steve left, and now it’s another show.” The sitcom lasted two more seasons, but it was never the same (even though I will defend Robert California to my dying day).

It was an emotional farewell for everyone:

“People were crying all over the place,” Nunez remembers. “It was very emotional.” Eventually, [creator Greg] Daniels had to step in and tell the cast to keep a stiff upper lip. “The hardest part was just saying to the actors, ‘This is a comedy show, you can’t cry in every scene with Steve! Try to care a little bit less.’”

Kate Flannery (Meredith) also discussed her memories of “Goodbye, Michael,” including the gift that Carell gave to his co-workers. “When Steve left The Office, he gave everybody a Rolex watch,” she said. “I still wear it. It reminds of me that amazing experience.” (Carell was also given a gift: still being number one on the call sheet.)

The Office is currently streaming on Peacock.

(Via Yahoo! Entertainment)