Men's Journal's Blog, page 128

'The Last of Us' Made Heartbreaking Change in Season 2

Season two of The Last of Us wasted little time ripping off a band-aid that many expected to see, but hoped it wouldn’t come as quickly as it did. 

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2 and The Last of Us Part II video game

Pedro Pascal's popular character Joel was killed early in the video game, The Last of Us Part II, but ahead of the second season of the HBO series, many speculated that it may not come as quickly. However, that wasn't the case, as Joel was killed in the second episode of Season 2.

This drastic change resulted in the show altering its opening credits for the remainder of season two, and it's heartbreaking to see, as Discussing Film detailed.

The opening credits of ‘THE LAST OF US’ Season 2 have been changed.

Read our review: https://t.co/KzLZdcbeCl pic.twitter.com/TcqCVOkrIp

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 28, 2025

Obviously, the image initially showed what was supposed to be Joel and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey). However, with the tragic death of Pascal's character, it now shows just one image in the distance, meant to be Ellie.

Although the change is understandable, it obviously hit many fans hard and wasn't easy coming to terms with Joel's death. There's been speculation that Pascal's character could make another appearance or two during the remainder of the season, but fans will be in wait-and-see mode to find out if that's truly the case.

Related: 'Sinners' Hailee Steinfeld Reveals 1 Star She'd 'Do Anything' to Work With Again

Jay Leno Regrets Letting Fellow Late-Night Host ‘Humiliate’ Him on ‘The Tonight Show’

Jay Leno is no stranger to late-night feuds.

The story of exactly how the comedian landed in Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show chair, despite David Letterman also being a contender, became the stuff of legends—plus a bestselling book (Bill Carter’s The Late Shift) that was later turned into an HBO movie. 

Related: Jay Leno Gives Rare Update on Wife Mavis’ Heartbreaking Dementia Battle

Even after retiring from The Tonight Show in 2009 and welcoming Conan O’Brien as his replacement, Leno had second thoughts. Soon after his departure, he launched a new late-night series, The Jay Leno Show, which ran just before O’Brien. When NBC suggested moving the eponymous talk show into The Tonight Show's slot, O’Brien bowed out and Leno resumed his place behind The Tonight Show desk in 2010.

That same year, fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel dropped by The Tonight Show to chat with Leno, and couldn’t help himself from taking a few jabs at all the behind-the-scenes drama.

When Leno asked Kimmel to share the best prank he had ever pulled, Kimmel shot right back: “I think the best prank I ever pulled was I told a guy that, ‘Five years from now, I’m going to give you my show.’ And then when the five years came, I gave it to him and then I took it back almost instantly.” 

Leno played the role of good sport and laughed along, but Kimmel didn’t let up. In what seemed to be an unrelated topic, the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host shared how he’s not into strippers “because you have this phony relationship with them for money. Similar to that of when you and Conan were on The Tonight Show together passing the torch.”

Fifteen years later, Leno is finally speaking out about that moment. And admitting that he made “a mistake” by letting the segment air. During an appearance on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, the comedian admitted that, “When Kimmel came on my show and humiliated me on my own show, I let it happen.” 

“I didn’t edit it,” Leno continued. “It was my mistake. I trusted somebody. I went, ‘Ah, I made a mistake. OK, I should pay the price.’ And it's fine, it's fine. I mean, we could have edited it out of the show.”

When Bensinger pressed about why he chose to leave it in, despite the humbling comments, Leno was honest: “Well, because it happened. It’s real. It happened. It’s my mistake. That’s how you learn.”

While the Leno-Kimmel feud continued for many years, both have stated publicly that they have since patched things up. Kimmel said that Leno reached out to him after his young son underwent open heart surgery and they had “made peace.” Though just last week, while sitting down with Ben Affleck on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel reminded The Accountant 2 star of the time he found himself at Affleck’s house making small talk with Leno, who arrived right after him.

‘The Last of Us’ Star Bella Ramsey Reveals ‘Hardest’ Scene to Shoot

The Last of Us might feel like it’s only just getting started, but after Sunday night’s episode, we’re nearly halfway through the season. Spoilers ahead for all aired episodes of The Last of Us Season 2.

In the span of just three episodes, series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have managed to put their characters—and audience members—through the ringer, emotionally-speaking. In “Through the Valley,” the second episode of the season, we witnessed the shockingly brutal death of main character Joel (Pedro Pascal). So in “The Path,” the season’s third episode, which aired on Sunday, the co-showrunners gave everyone a chance to breathe.

Related: ‘The Last of Us’ Cameo You Probably Missed in Last Week’s Episode

“The Path” picks up three months from the event of the previous episode, as the Jackson settlement continues to rebuild and its residents mourn the loss of their friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

Ellie (Bella Ramsey), meanwhile, is finally at the end of what has been an extended stay in the hospital to recover from the injuries she received in attempting to save Joel’s life. While she has had some time to grieve, she has not yet had to come face-to-face with her new reality and see or feel what her home feels like without Joel being there.

In one of the episode’s most emotional few moments, Ellie returns home and, for the first time, is able to walk through the entire space and take it all in. She enters Joel’s bedroom, where she finds his watch and gun boxed up on his bed. Then she enters his closet, and sees the flannel-lined jacket that he is rarely seen not wearing. (For the record, it’s a Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket in Field Tan, which can be purchased from Huckberry—and you can read our review of it here.)

It’s there, seeing and smelling Joel’s well-worn jacket, that Ellie finally loses her composure and allows herself to cry. As Ramsey told The Hollywood Reporter, that scene was the one they—and Mazin and Druckmann—were most worried about being able to pull off.

“That was the hardest [scene],” Ramsey told THR. “I really struggle with crying in scenes. I can get a tear out, but that’s different to crying. And even getting the tear, it doesn’t come easy for me." 

"I don’t cry in front of people in my everyday life," they continued. "A very, very limited amount of people in my life will see me cry. And so having to do that on a set full of people with the monitor and then more people watching the monitors… it’s virtually impossible for me. So I was really worried about that scene, and that was the toughest one for me to shoot.”

While it might seem that the easiest way for an actor to bring the waterworks on would be to think of a sad circumstance in their own life, Ramsey said they actually did just the opposite.

“I was remembering the happiest of memories that I have with Pedro,” they said.

“The thing that is always the saddest for me is remembering the happy things,” they explained. “I was remembering us the first few times that we met and the whole of shooting Season 1 together, and the funniest moments. I was remembering all of that and through the lens of losing him—not just Joel and Ellie, but like me and Pedro—because the memories of me and Pedro and Joel and Ellie are so intertwined for me.”

China Grocery Store Selling Huge Jug of Beer for 'Shocking' Price

A post about a price of beer at a Chinese grocery store is going viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday evening.

Aldi, a popular grocery store, opened in China four years ago. The grocery store, which has German roots, is expanding quickly.

"Since the opening of the first pilot stores in China back in June 2019, ALDI will continue to carve out a meaningful presence in China by providing international quality products at everyday value to our customers. ALDI has expanded steadily with the unveiling of 53 stores in four years," the store says.

"Aside from ALDI’s physical stores, customers can also shop through ALDI WeChat mini-program. Customers can also shop for ALDI on Ele.me, JD Home and Meituan Takeout and have the opportunity to enjoy our quality products at their own convenience."

After seeing what a huge jug of beer costs at the Chinese grocery store, it's easy to see why it's been so successful.

The 'Classic Lager Beer'

Jared Nelson/X

A "Classic Lager Beer" at the Chinese grocery store is reportedly being sold for less than $1.

Jared T. Nelson, a data and compliance lawyer in China, shared the photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday, April 27.

"In China, Aldi is selling a huge 1.5 L jug of beer for RMB 4.9 - USD 0.67 (yes that’s 67 cents US!) and it doesn’t seem to be a sale/discount price, just the regular price. What a world we live in," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In China, Aldi is selling a huge 1.5 L jug of beer for RMB 4.9 - USD 0.67 (yes that’s 67 cents US!) and it doesn’t seem to be a sale/discount price, just the regular price. What a world we live in. pic.twitter.com/pe1w0iV8Wy

— Jared T Nelson (@JaredTNelson) April 27, 2025

That's 33 ounces worth of beer - or a little less than three 12 ounce cans, which comes out to about 20 cents in USD for a can's worth of beer.

There are occasionally some dollar beer nights at bars or sporting events across the country, but it'll be tough for American grocery stores to beat that, that's for sure.

Uber Announces Major Change for Customers

Uber has announced a major change for customers.

The company has forged a new partnership with Delta Airlines that will allow customers to earn points toward trips on Delta.

"Beginning today for those who have joined the waitlist, and later this week for any traveler with a Delta SkyMiles account, you’ll be able to earn miles on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders," Uber announced on April 22, 2025.

To earn the miles, customers need to link their accounts. Uber's press release lists the following ways to earn once that is done:

Uber Eats: 1 mile per dollar spent on $40+ restaurant and grocery orders Airport Rides: 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airportsPremium Rides: 2 miles per dollar spent on all premium rides, such as Uber Comfort and Uber BlackUber Reserve: 3 miles per dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips

"We’ll be making your end-to-end travel experience even more seamless as Uber will soon be integrated into the Fly Delta app to allow linked members to reserve their ride to the airport upon flight booking," Uber wrote.

"Plus, later this year SkyMiles Members who log in to Delta Sync Wi-Fi will receive a special offer to reserve their Uber ride when they land. And, next month we’ll be launching Uber Shuttle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Customers who have linked their Uber and Delta accounts will be the first to hear," the company noted.

“SkyMiles Membership is about giving Delta’s loyal customers more ways to earn even more miles, fly with more ease, and experience more of what really matters to them,” said Prashant Sharma, V.P. of Loyalty at Delta, in the Uber press release. “Our new partnership with Uber not only expands the value of loyalty and makes it easier than ever for our Members to get rewarded – it also opens the door for new audiences to find reasons to love SkyMiles, no matter how often they fly.”

Uber explained: "To begin earning miles, link your accounts easily in the Uber app: first, make sure you have the latest version of the app. Then open the Uber or Uber Eats app, tap on Account > Partner Rewards > Delta SkyMiles. You’ll be directed to a landing page and tap Link to start earning miles. Log in with your Delta SkyMiles account and start earning!"

Related: Beloved Toothpaste Company Delivers Bad News

Clearwater Ferry, Private Boat Crash, Leaving Multiple Victims

The Clearwater ferry has collided with a recreational boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, according to the United States Coast Guard.

"The Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people aboard, was struck by another boat that then left the scene. The fire department declared it a mass casualty incident because of the number and severity of injuries. Six patients were declared as trauma alerts, with two of those being transported by helicopter," the City of Clearwater wrote on X just before 11 p.m. on April 27.

"It is not believed that there is anyone reported missing from the ferry," the city added.

Clearwater police also released a statement, writing: "The crash involved the Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people on board. All of the injuries are from the ferry. The boat that struck the ferry fled the scene. The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge. All patients and passengers have been removed from the boat."

According to ABC Action News, it's not yet clear whether anyone has died or the condition of the victims.

The cause of the crash is also not clear. The mayor of Clearwater told ABC that "the Clearwater Ferry was in a collision with a privately owned boat" near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. The ferry can hold 50 people, and 42 people were on it, the television station reported.

Six people were listed as "trauma alerts," according to ABC Action News.

WTSP-TV was reporting live from the scene of what the station was describing as a "serious boat crash." It started about 8:43 p.m., the station reported. At least two helicopters and 10 ambulances responded to the scene, and rescue workers were "trying desperately to get people off the ferry," the station reported.

10:45 p.m. Update: The Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people aboard, was struck by another boat that then left the scene. The fire department declared it a mass casualty incident because of the number and severity of injuries. Six patients were declared as trauma…

— City of Clearwater, FL (@MyClearwater) April 28, 2025

About a dozen people had yellow cards for some injuries, with another six having a red card for more serious injuries, according to the station, which noted that dozens of people were not injured.

"#Breaking @USCG Sector #StPetersburg watchstanders were notified at approx. 8:40 p.m., Sun., of a collision between the Clearwater Ferry & a rec vessel near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. #USCG Sta Sand Key & partner agencies are on scene. We will update as more info. is available," the USCG Southeast X page wrote on the evening of April 27, 2025. WTSP-TV had initially reported that the ferry hit a sandbar.

🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | NEWS ⚠️
Update new footage from the MCI ferry in Clearwater, Florida that collided with a sandbar and possible other boat they are looking into a possible hit-and-run.

Over 40 people were aboard the ferry dozens injured some in critical condition to medical… pic.twitter.com/kcJ9ktdesO

— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) April 28, 2025

According to ABC Action News, April 27 was the end of the Sugar Sand Festival, although it's not yet clear where the ferry and boat were coming from. However, according to that station, a lot of people were using the ferry to go to and from that festival.

Although the incident was labeled a "mass casualty event," according to ABC Action News that doesn't necessarily mean that anyone is dead.

WTSP's reporter at the scene said that she saw children and families leaving the water.

"There are still many people coming out of this water," she said in the broadcast.

The anchor described it as a "chaotic scene."

Travelers Get Good News From Major Airlines

Travelers are getting some good news from major airlines.

According to an April 26, 2025, article by CNBC, the prices of airline tickets are dropping because of sluggish sales.

Major carriers "are turning to off-peak fare sales and cutting excess capacity in the second half of the year," CNBC reported.

Airfares dropped 5.3% in March 2025 and 4% in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The airlines expressing concern about weak travel sales include American, Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines, according to CNBC.

The airline executives blamed tariff wars and "economic uncertainty" for weak sales, CNBC reported.

“Nobody really relishes uncertainty when they’re talking about what they could do on a vacation and spend hard-earned dollars,” American Airlines' CEO Robert Isom said on an earnings call, according to CNBC.

The result of all of this is that the airlines have more seats to sell, so they're expected to drop prices, the network noted.

Average travel costs "are 2% lower than they were this time in 2024," according to NerdWallet's Travel Price Index.

That index looks at more than airline ticket prices. It includes "airfares, lodging, meals and rental cars," according to Nerd Wallet.

Nerd Wallet reported that the decline in travel costs is coming at a good time for many Americans, as they shoulder rising costs in other areas.

Thrifty Traveler also noted the trend, writing, "The start of spring has been special. We've repeatedly seen airlines slash prices on many routes for travel in the next few months."

Related: Southwest Airlines Announces 'Unprecedented' Change Amid Free Bag Outrage

Tom Cruise Makes His Opinion on 'Sinners' Extremely Clear

Tom Cruise knows what it's like to have a massive box office hit as well as anyone in Hollywood these days.

The longtime A-lister is credited by many for "saving" movie theaters with his "Top Gun: Maverick." The release date for the iconic sequel kept getting pushed back, as Cruise demanded that it have a global theater release. At that time, many movies were being released on-demand or direct to streaming, as theaters were closing during the pandemic.

Cruise's demand paid off.

"Top Gun: Maverick" ended up coming out in the summer of 2022 and it grossed roughly $1.5 billion globally. It's one of the biggest hits of the past decade.

Cruise advocates for going to the movies as much as anyone. This weekend, he took a trip to his local theater. 

The 62-year-old acting star, who is getting ready to release his latest "Mission Impossible," went to see Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" movie.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 03: Tom Cruise attends the Paramount Pictures 2025 CinemaCon Footage Presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 03, 2025. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Greg Doherty/Getty Images

Cruise took to his Instagram page, making his opinion on the Michael B. Jordan movie extremely clear. He loved it.

"Congratulations Ryan, Michael, and to the entire cast and crew. Must see in a cinema and stay through the end credits!" Cruise posted to his 13.3 million followers on Instagram on Sunday, April 27.

Jordan, who played twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the 1930s Mississippi Delta vampire movie, responded to Cruise's post in the comment section.

"Thanks for the love and support!!!" he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Cruise (@tomcruise)

Coogler's film has reportedly made roughly $160 million globally, including $122.5 million domestically, against a $90 million budget. It's a massive hit and it seems to be gaining steam.

"Sinners" had a roughly 10 percent drop from opening weekend to its second weekend, which is frankly unheard of in Hollywood these days. 

Jordan took to his Instagram page to praise everyone for their support, too.

"Words can’t express the gratitude that I feel for everyone and the outpour of love for our film!! it’s a crazy feeling to know how many of you have showed up and continue to support this film. This is why we make movies and love watching movies on the big screen. It brings people together!! 🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾," he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael B. Jordan (@michaelbjordan)

Meanwhile, Cruise's next "Mission Impossible" movie, titled "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" is set to hit theaters on May 23.

Deion Sanders Sends Big Message After Son Is Finally Drafted

NFL legend Deion Sanders had a message for the world after his son Shedeur Sanders' draft problems.

Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, took to X on April 27, 2025, after his son was finally drafted following his historic slide, and kept it positive.

"Everybody’s worried about what happened yesterday & fear the possibilities of what will happen tomorrow when we should be focused on NOW! What we do with our NOW is what matters the most. Let’s make the most of our NOW. #Dad/CoachPrime," he wrote.

Deion Sanders also stayed positive during his son's draft drama. "God is Good!" he wrote on X on April 26.

He also reposted an April 25 post from his son, which read, "Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING."

That same day, Deion Sanders wrote, "My bible says God uses the foolish things to confound the wise & he chose the weak things of the world that he may put to shame the strong! Please know God ain't done & God is just really getting started. Enjoy this lesson & stop stressing. #CoachPrime."

Everybody’s worried about what happened yesterday & fear the possibilities of what will happen tomorrow when we should be focused on NOW! What we do with our NOW is what matters the most. Let’s make the most of our NOW. #Dad/CoachPrime

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 27, 2025

Some analysts blamed Deion Sanders' coaching and personality style for his son's' draft fall as others questioned his talent. Shedeur Sanders finally landed with a team, the Cleveland Browns, in the fifth round, which surprised many experts.

Before the draft, Deion Sanders struck a very different tone, telling a fan that his son would be a top five draft pick.

On April 24, he did retweet a post that read, "The media coverage of Shedeur Sanders has felt extremely purposeful & personal. The anonymous quotes that have circulated are mostly negative. Which is strange. A young man that has never been in trouble, never involved in an off field incident, & quarterbacked two Universities to a resurgence has 0 behind the scenes qualities?"

Related: Does Shedeur Sanders Have a Girlfriend?

Jeff Ulbrich's Family Includes 3 Kids, Wife Cristina

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is the father of three kids with his wife Cristina, including two sons, Jax and Jace.

"Ulbrich and his wife, Cristina, have a daughter, Samantha, and two sons, Jax and Jace," the Falcons' bio for Jeff Ulbrich says.

Ulbrich, a former professional football player, has a long coaching history in the NFL.

Jax Ulbrich and his dad were the subject of national headlines after the Falcons admitted that Jax was the prankster who trolled Shedeur Sanders during the NFL draft. Jax Ulbrich apologized in an Instagram post.

“Earlier in the week, Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, unintentionally came across the draft contact phone number for Shedeur Sanders off an open iPad while visiting his parent's home and wrote the number down to later conduct a prank call," the Falcons wrote in a statement posted to their X page on April 27. "Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the data exposure or any facets of the prank and was made aware of the above only after the fact."

That's all put attention on Jeff Ulbrich and his family.

Jax Ulbrich played football for Berry College, according to a player bio, which says, "The New Jersey native is the son of Cristina and Jeff and brother to Jace and Sammy. He is a business major who enjoys golfing and lifting, and his favorite superhero is Iron Man."

Then Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich of the New York Jets and his wife, Cristina Ulbrich.

Elsa/Getty Images

Jace Ulbrich has played high school football in New Jersey.

According to The Athletic, Jeff Ulbrich "left San Jose State as a freshman to work for a sheet metal factory in northern California. He hated it, so he returned to football and in 1997 took a recruiting visit to the University of Hawaii."

That's when he met his wife Cristina Ulbrich, the site reported.

In that article, former NFL player Takeo Spikes described Ulbrich's love of family.

“When he got around his family it was like nothing else mattered,” Spikes said . “He didn’t care what type of day he had at the office. It was like, ‘I just want to make sure I’m around for them.’”

According to the team's bio for him, Jeff Ulbrich "was named Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator on Jan. 18, 2025." He earns $1.6 million a year, making him one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the NFL, according to Front Office Sports.

He spent four seasons with The New York Jets, serving as interim head coach and defensive coordinator, the Falcons wrote.

"Calling the Jets defense in 2022-24, Ulbrich's unit was the only defense in the league to rank in the top five of total defense in each of the last three seasons, finishing fourth in 2022 before finishing third in both 2023 and 2024," the team noted. "Under Ulbrich's tutelage, cornerback Sauce Gardner earned first-team All-Pro accolades and became the first cornerback since the merger to be named first-team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons (2022-23), while also being selected as a Pro Bowl starter in each of his first two seasons."

Before landing with the Jets, Jeff Ulbrich worked for the Falcons as linebackers coach and then assistant head coach and interim defensive coordinator, the Falcons wrote.

Before that, he was a linebacker and special teams coach at UCLA, as well as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, the Falcons wrote. His coaching career started in 2010 with the Seattle Seahawks as the team's special teams assistant, the Falcons wrote.

A native of San Jose, CA, Jeff Ulbrich "was originally selected by San Francisco in the third round (86th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Hawaii. In 10 seasons with the 49ers, Ulbrich played in 120 regular-season games (75 starts) at linebacker and logged 501 tackles (366 solo), 32 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 13 passes defended," his bio says.

"He also started all three playoff games he appeared in and totaled 18 tackles (12 solo), one pass defense and one fumble recovery," it adds.