The actress also tells TheWrap about recreating the game’s “Take On Me” scene and Joel’s influence on Dina and Ellie’s relationship Note: This article contains spoilers from “The Last of Us” Season 2 After taking time to grieve Joel’s death last week, Sunday’s episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us” saw Ellie and Dina arrive in Seattle as part of their revenge against Abby and her crew of ex-Fireflies The journey proved to be more dangerous than the pair was expecting as they encounter the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) dead Seraphites and infected around every corner But the biggest bombshell of Episode 4 comes towards the end as Ellie (Bella Ramsey) reveals to Dina that she’s immune — and Dina reveals to Ellie that she’s pregnant with Jesse’s child “It isn’t your average pregnancy experience I think learning while she’s already on the way plays a big factor [in why she chooses to stay on the journey with Ellie] But she has her own motivations for it and I don’t think much is going to get in the way,” Isabela Merced “That shows how devoted she is to the people she loves Episode 4 balanced the tone with a light-hearted moment between Ellie and Dina taken straight from the game in which the former serenades the latter with a rendition of A-ha’s “Take on Me.” When asked about recreating the scene and what’s going through Dina’s head as she stares longingly at Ellie Merced said it’s not only a moment where Dina and Ellie get to express joy and love for one another but also another opportunity to mourn Joel (Pedro Pascal) “A lot of the love Dina has for Ellie is thanks to Joel he taught her a lot of the values that she holds he taught her a lot of the jokes and whatnot So I think it’s a happy sort of grieving for Joel and one of those moments where you’re happy thinking of them even though they’re gone,” Merced said it’s actually because the feelings she has for Ellie potentially scare her because it’s that deep and it’s much more than she anticipated So she’s also going through a lot of emotions because she’s a very pregnant woman So there’s a lot of factors that go into that look and why I think that scene is such a special and true moment for both of those characters.” that scene proves to be one of the last moments of levity we see in the rest of the episode as the pair come face to face with a horde of infected shortly after while running through an abandoned and destroyed subway system “My favorite part of that sequence is when Dina is counting the infected noises incorporating that from earlier in the season incorporating the crouching in the game where you’re normally able to see where the infected might be around you,” she said “So it’s incorporating that element but in a more clever way.” The sequence culminates in Ellie getting bitten to protect Dina a slight change from the game due to the absence of spores It also sets up a difficult choice for Dina: to believe that Ellie is immune or to kill her “[Bella and I] both had a really interesting task It was to tell the truth and then to decide if Dina was going to believe it I can only speak for myself really and I really appreciate Bella giving me that performance,” Merced said It didn’t matter what Ellie said to Dina in that moment because there was a lot of questioning if she was lying There’s also a lot of questioning if she’s telling the truth because that also is pretty sh—t and changes everything it’s a messed up situation for everyone involved But I wanted people to really think that I could have shot Ellie and Bella really had to act that way Ellie ultimately proves her immunity to Dina and the two proceed to passionately show their love for one another Dina admitted that she doesn’t see him as “the one” and was forced to hide being bisexual growing up “I think with acceptance of feelings for Ellie naturally comes her acknowledgement of her relationship with Jesse and sort of a mourning for what she thought it would be or could be I was really just forcing myself into complicit heterosexuality’,” Merced said “I think she also did care for Jesse genuinely and that’s confusing for her because bisexual is not a word that she even knows.” “They don’t know what the LGBTQIA+ community is They were in Seattle and in a literal gay community and were like they must have been a bunch of optimists.’ So they were just really out of the loop,” she added “Every time she does accept her feelings for Ellie she feels conflicted when it comes to her experience with Jesse.” Merced praised both co-creator and executive producer Craig Mazin and co-executive producer and writer Halley Gross who was a co-writer on “The Last of Us: Part II,” for making Dina and Ellie’s relationship so relatable and expanding upon the idea that sexuality is a spectrum “People are really multifaceted and fascinating and layered and I love how Craig Mazin writes and how Halley Gross really expanded upon that and made these two women in a really believable sapphic relationship,” she said “I have to thank Halley a lot for Dina.” “The Last of Us” airs new episodes Sundays on HBO and Max Powered by Are you a seasoned County manager who is decisive able to facilitate constructive policy discussion Apply today to join the County of Merced as the next CEO! 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998-3194 for more information.  A detailed brochure is available at www.peckhamandmckenney.com 2025-05-05T07:41:43-07:00May 5 2025-05-02T09:39:58-07:00May 2 2025-05-02T08:40:53-07:00May 2 2025-05-04T09:32:06-07:00April 30 2025-04-30T17:06:48-07:00April 30 Welcome, Mickeymickey@disney.comManage MyDisney AccountLog OutMotorcyclist hit and killed by suspected DUI driver in Merced, police sayMonday 2025 12:07AMA motorcyclist is dead after he was hit by a suspected DUI driver Saturday night in Merced.MERCED (KFSN) -- A motorcyclist is dead after he was hit by a suspected DUI driver in Merced Police responded to the collision just before 5 p.m Saturday in the area of Olive Avenue and G Street Officers say a man around 30 years old was riding a motorcycle when he was hit by a driver under the influence Merced Police say a woman from Texas was driving the vehicle No additional information on the suspect was provided This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Merced and director Kate Herron unpack Dina's big news and bringing queer joy to a world like "The Last of Us." 2025Courtesy of HBOSave this storySaveSave this storySave“What the fuck is wrong with Seattle?” It’s a fair question for Dina (Isabela Merced) to ask in Sunday’s jam-packed—and gory—episode of The Last of Us Dina and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) discover two separate groups of dead bodies including soldiers with their guts literally hanging out; escape a horde of zombies in the subway system; and have to cope with Ellie taking a bite to protect Dina and Dina subsequently preparing to kill Ellie not knowing that Ellie is actually immune to cordyceps They also see their relationship completely change As a fan of the video game on which the series is based Merced was eagerly anticipating many of the events that play out in Sunday’s episode—and she’s even more thrilled with some of the tweaks made by the creative team she digs into “Day One,” including why she wanted the audience to be as conflicted as Dina and the big moment in which she struggled to hold back Vanity Fair: This is only your fourth episode on the show and you’ve already had a surrogate father killed Did you realize how fast things would move for Dina So much happened in this episode because last episode was the grieving episode and each time I felt there were more lines I noticed Ellie sort of becoming Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Dina sort of becoming Ellie from the first season she and Ellie have already known each other for years The chemistry between you and Bella has to show that they’ve got a deep bond Did you and Bella have to work toward finding this dynamic The camera test was the first time where I felt like we were Ellie and Dina Camera tests usually suck—they’re so awkward I got really lucky because I don’t think my performance would’ve been as good if it weren’t for Bella You mentioned Ellie starting to become like Joel Do you feel like you’re helping usher Last of Us into the new version of itself when I played it; it was a whole other mood It’s part of one big story with at least nine acts and three central characters I was ready for the shift because I was a huge fan of the game and how they executed it And a lot of this storyline is thanks to [Last of Us series and game writer] Halley Gross who brought Dina and Ellie’s relationship and romance to life Dina was not present for Joel’s death—Tommy (Gabriel Luna) was What do you think substituting her in added to the sequence on the series It showed Tommy being more of a community-centered individual we already established their relationship in the first episode and gives more incentive for Dina to want to avenge him And we will learn more about why Dina is so gung ho to go to Seattle I think that’ll be really interesting to viewers and help build a bigger picture I really like the change because it makes Dina feel more fleshed out Since you weren’t involved in the big Jackson invasion in episode two the chase through the subway system was your introduction to the zombies What was it like to get down and dirty like that The stalkers and infected are basically stunt actors who can dance and are just really aware of their own body movements and autonomy because there were a lot of times where we were figuring stuff out beginning with the incorporating of the crouch [movement] from the game and counting the number of infected which is a callback to the first episode—but with much more dire consequences I call it the “subway surfer sequence,” because it feels like we are on top of the subway playing the game and Dina is seemingly prepared to kill Ellie Do you think Dina was really ready to pull the trigger I really wanted people to think that I could potentially shoot Ellie in the face—and I also wanted people to feel conflicted with me and those factors all contributed to something that I’m not.” Was this near-death experience what Dina needed to realize who and what she wants and then feeling guilty about her baby daddy and how shitty and complicated that situation would work out with being in love with Ellie I don’t think she knows that you can be bisexual—I don’t think she even knows the word and the danger she’s putting her baby in—but I also think she doesn’t really care because she’s just so devoted to the cause This sequence didn’t carry out like that in the game I could really see the love in Dina’s eyes earlier in the episode during Ellie’s performance of “Take On Me.” What were you aiming to convey there And Bella’s voice just being angelic and pure and also it being a moment of happy grieving I think that could be up for interpretation and I don’t actually know which one they chose But there was a version where I was sad because of Joel and knowing that the reason I love Joel is because I love Ellie and the reason I love Ellie is because I love Joel And then there was another version where maybe it’s just Dina being scared—like so it’s terrifying and complicates everything but maybe not even quite knowing what that means I got a chuckle out of Dina and Ellie not understanding the rainbows But then I started thinking—these two have grown up entirely in a zombie apocalypse Was that something that you thought about in your approach to the character and this relationship I think it contributed to her confusion about sexuality and what it could be because you wonder what they’re missing out on—and the preciousness of the inclusion they could feel And maybe a solution to them feeling like outcasts where Dina is conforming and Ellie is accepting that she’s not like the other residents of Jackson [Laughs] I feel like this was the appetizer I can’t believe I’ve ever been interviewed professionally And they’re still holding secrets from each other so now that they’re this much more comfortable it’ll be fascinating for them to actually reveal their cards and evolve as characters together And maybe some other characters coming back and complicating things but what’s been the experience so far stepping into this universe and its insanely passionate fan base I don’t think I’ve ever seen somebody do a drag show based off of the IP that I was a part of There’s a whole drag community for The Last of Us; it’s got a big gay fan base And everybody just wants me to get them a “hi” from Pedro and your upcoming debut as Hawkgirl in Superman You just don’t want the train to ever stop Live Updates From the 2025 Met Gala See All the Fashion, Outfits, and Looks on the Met Gala Red Carpet Plus, Who Made VF’s Best-Dressed List Kim Kardashian Dons Sleek The Met Gala’s Tailored for You Theme Winners: Who Did It Best Diana Ross Returns to the Red Carpet With an 18-Foot Train Everything to Know About the 2025 Met Gala Watch the Met Gala Livestream Designer Prabal Gurung Recalls His First Met Gala Revisit the Most Unforgettable Met Gala Looks of All Time this summer’s Superman) spoke about the deep connection that’s building between the women Speaking to Variety Merced explained that the two are helping each other get through all the trauma they’ve experienced—and continue to experience living in The Last of Us‘ dangerous world it’s like she suddenly is able to access the joy that she once felt,” Merced explained “I also think Dina’s helping Ellie grieve in a way—but also Ellie’s helping Dina grieve I think Dina’s redirecting her grief and putting it on Ellie and being like She said she appreciated the romance is “slow burn,” in contrast to The Last of Us game but she was glad the HBO show did keep the “Take on Me” scene from the source material because of the set design being so beautiful and it feeling a really truly sweet and tender moment in the show after so much darkness and loss So I was very emotional that day,” Merced explained “I noticed when watching it recently that there was a switch from the loving look to a sadness in my eyes I was trying to remember what I was thinking and I think it was just like I wanted to incorporate that Dina isn’t fearless and throughout the episode you learn that she can’t But I wanted to give people a glimpse into that Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter Merced reflected on what it was like filming the first sex scene between Ellie and Dina “This is a really necessary step in their relationship It’s also just like really hot to me because it’s like the culmination of all of these feelings and secrets all just being let out in one moment,” she said but that’s not how it was behind the scenes “It may seem passionate and in-the-moment and we were really intentional about every single thing that was a part of that sequence because we wanted to make sure none of the characters were doing anything that was out of character.” New episodes of The Last of Us hit HBO and Max on Sundays ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " The Last of Us star Isabela Merced has confirmed that she is part of the LGBTQ+ community The Last of Us star Isabela Merced has reflected on creating season two’s sapphic romance plot and confirmed that she identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community Spoiler alert: this article contains spoilers for The Last of Us season two In “One Day”, the fourth episode in season two of HBO’s The Last of Us, the blossoming romance between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) finally takes centre stage As with almost every episode of the post-apocalyptic drama to date “One Day” walks a fine line between heart-pumping action and tear-jerking sentimentality Ellie and Dina end up in an abandoned subway station crawling through an old carriage as a horde of Infected smash through the windows Ellie has to thrust out her arm for an Infected to gnaw on in order to save Dina who A tear-stained Dina confronts Ellie with her pistol believing that she could turn at any moment while Dina reveals that she is pregnant with Jessie’s (Young Mazino) baby The pair then confess their feelings for one another, and proceed to have sex for the first time, in a scene that differs slightly from the source material of the Naughty Dog video game Speaking about creating the sex scene, Isabela Merced told Variety that working with an intimacy coordinator made the moment feel “really comfortable” “I think what we wanted to make sure was that more than anything there was some sort of consent in the scene because they’re obviously both in very vulnerable positions So we were very detailed about that scene,” she reflected “We wanted it to be emotional and charged but also smart and show their relationship and how it’s going to change now that this barrier has been broken I wanted Dina to be the one to unzip her own pants take Ellie’s hand and actively guide it down her body Because even though Ellie is technically the one who’s on top I think it’s showing they both have agency in this decision to take it to the next step The Madame Web actress went on to explain that the dynamic between Ellie and Dina has been fortified by the fact that she and Ramsey are themselves close “I think everything felt so tender that day Bella and I were just so comfortable with each other we both have experience in queer relationships — you can just tell when a girl hasn’t kissed a girl before “So both of us were already fine and comfortable We added some kisses that weren’t in the original script.” While reflecting on Ellie and Dina taking their romance to the next level in episode four, Isabela Merced confirmed that she identifies as LGBTQ+ “No one actually thinks I’m queer, which is fine. I don’t really care. I’m an actor, so I can play anyone, right? But for it to mean so much to me personally is great and grand,” she told Variety about seeing sapphic representation in The Last of Us “I just think about people from my hometown who maybe have never seen this side of me watching this and really getting to know me in a way and understanding me and them really seeing it on a large scale.” After the pair have sex for the first time Dina opens up to Ellie about trying to come out as bisexual to her mother before she died Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about the moving scene The Last of Us showrunner] is not a queer individual “I don’t think it’s so clear cut it was important to show the contest within her In this world where it doesn’t really exist she’s navigating it blind with no guidance She probably doesn’t even know the word bisexual.” The Last of Us season two airs on Sundays on HBO in the US and Mondays on NOW in the UK.Share your thoughts and remember to keep the conversation respectful About us Contact us Advertise Work for us Terms and conditions Privacy policy Merced not only opened up about the show’s LGBTQ+ representation but what it felt for her to be able to embody a queer character Merced also said that she and Ramsey “added some kisses that weren’t in the original script” and just “based off of our comfortability with each other.” When speaking about playing a queer character from a major video game series Variety also asked Merced what it meant to her as a queer actor to see such a powerful genuine and heartfelt representation of a queer relationship on the show But for it to mean so much to me personally is great and grand.” “That’s what was so cool about the game and the source material: It was really ahead of its time although we have to thank a lot of the lesbian love story to Halley Gross who was brought in for the second game and really was an advocate for Ellie and Dina’s relationship and really took lead when it came to the physicality and the romance of it,” Merced said Gross has previously spoken about the relationship between Dina and Ellie while doing press for The Last of Us Part II the video game sequel that serves as the basis of the second season of the hit HBO show “Ellie is the badass bitch who can do anything,” Gross told the Los Angeles Times I think you want to see opposites that can exist in harmony within a person Get the best of what’s queer. Sign up for Them’s weekly newsletter here. Put down the flashlight and stop exploring if you haven't watched "Day One," the May 4 episode of "The Last of Us." Spoilers lie ahead (While not every single pregnant person has morning sickness film and TV fans know it's the surefire way to express that someone is pregnant if you just keep making them puke on-screen.) Off-screen after she and Ellie escape a Washington Liberation Front squad and get attacked by infected cordyceps zombies In an interview with Entertainment Weekly Merced discussed the major differences between this moment on screen and how it plays out in the game "The Last of Us Part II." In that game so it takes place earlier in the narrative and Dina learns about Ellie's immunity because of spores the pregnancy reveal is different; it happens after Ellie gives Dina her gas mask to protect her from said floating cordyceps spores thinks the show's version is a little more amped up "I think it's more of an intense sequence," she told Entertainment Weekly She finds out in a completely different setting and it's too fast so she doesn't really get to fully process it." As Dina waits to see what happens to Ellie "I was able to ramp myself up because the scene starts in an already emotionally charged place I was kind of nervous to get myself there and then stay there throughout the whole day every take my face was hidden," Merced said and we were very smart and careful with the choreography of the lantern versus the flashlight versus the walk and the speed I always had to end up at the same point right before I tell her that I'm pregnant the episode's director Kate Herron brought a saying from the game (and the first season of "The Last of Us") into focus: specifically this refers to Dina's flashlight that she keeps focused on Ellie until she can be sure that her best friend — and the person she truly loves — won't turn into an infected zombie "I wanted it to feel like we were as in the dark as Ellie was on how Dina felt in that moment," Herron said so when the scene does have that turn and they kiss This all ties back to Dina and Ellie's blossoming love which initially became a possibility in the season 2 premiere "Future Days" after the two share a kiss at Jackson's New Years celebration (It's also important to note that both Herron and Merced do identify as queer women which helps this particular episode's perspective represent Dina's experience honestly.) Still Merced thinks Dina's approach is simple: Ellie is the person she loves We see her lack of knowledge about queer symbols and imagery elsewhere in "Day One," when the two encounter rainbows throughout Seattle and wonder if they were just painted by optimists "I don't think it's so clear cut," Merced explained speaking to the fact that Dina has been closeted for much of her life after attempting to come out to her mother — something she shares with Ellie in this episode — and spending time in relationships with men like Jesse (Young Mazino) whereas Ellie's way more assured," the actress continued In this world where it doesn't really exist she's navigating it blind with no guidance She probably doesn't even know the word bisexual There's really no such thing as labels here I don't even know if she thinks it's an option Season 2 of "The Last of Us" continues on Sunday nights at 9 P.M. EST on HBO and Max. Subscribe to BuzzFeed Daily NewsletterCaret Down"The Last Of Us" Included A Stunning Performance From Isabela Merced This Week And Everyone Has The Same Perfect ReactionsIsabela Merced 🚨 There are massive — and I mean MASSIVE — spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2 Editor's Note: While we can't endorse what X has become we can bring you the worthwhile moments that still exist there isabela merced has been crushing it as dina since episode 1, but episode 4 is HER episode. every nuanced look, every piece of dialogue, everything she has poured into this character has been amazing to watch. this was THE dina episode and she nailed it. i'm so happy #thelastofus pic.twitter.com/TNQdCOtOoB Joel celebrating in the afterlife when he saw Ellie and Dina finally together #TheLastofUs pic.twitter.com/qBUuYZIYnR ellie saying she is gonna be a dad is my new favourite thing ever pic.twitter.com/ty1vXyn6DV pedro whenever he gets a role: https://t.co/NOlgsZiSkL the amount of pregnancy tests she just whipped out in this scene literally made me crack tf up i expected like 2 😭 pic.twitter.com/ovlUBxoXSH bringing this back to the timeline now because yes, isabela merced was meant to be live action dina #thelastofus pic.twitter.com/A41RwYdx1E "what the fuck is wrong with seattle?" dina we both agree #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/BLLdKpgjUu ISAAC IS WEARING HIS SAME SHIRT FROM THE GAME I LOVE THE DETAILS #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/Fu7SHqIFSb Isabela Merced: “We both have experience in queer relationships you can just tell when a girl hasn't kissed a girl before…We added some kisses that weren't in the original script”you could tell they knew what they were doing, thanks for choosing queer actresses!! #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/RiuEy2mB5h dina’s sexuality arc is so special to me i’m sorry. what she felt and went through is so real and relatable, i’m glad they’re putting it out there and actually acknowledging instead of just moving on #TheLastOfUspic.twitter.com/d7oHnugCMA Best Dressed at Met Gala 2025 - Top 32 Red Carpet Looks Revealed! Rihanna Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 3 With A$AP Rocky! Every Celeb at Met Gala 2025 - See All Red Carpet Photos & Full Guest List (Updating Live All Night) Warning: This post contains spoilers from the most recent episode of The Last of Us season two Isabela Merced is speaking out about the fourth episode of The Last of Us The 23-year-old actress stars in season two of the HBO adaptation as Dina, who develops a romantic relationship with Bella Ramsey‘s Ellie “find themselves amid a brutal battle between the zealous Seraphites and a ruthless militia.” Dina reveals to Ellie that she is pregnant Isabela opened up about the two big moments in new interviews about the episode “That shows how devoted she is to the people she loves She also touched on Dina’s admittance that maybe Jesse isn’t the one “I think with acceptance of feelings for Ellie naturally comes her acknowledgement of her relationship with Jesse I was really just forcing myself into complicit heterosexuality’,” Isabela told the publication “I think she also did care for Jesse genuinely and that’s confusing for her because bisexual is not a word that she even knows.” “They don’t know what the LGBTQIA+ community is they must have been a bunch of optimists.’ So they were just really out of the loop,” she continued “Every time she does accept her feelings for Ellie she feels conflicted when it comes to her experience with Jesse.” Isabela noted that she liked the slow burn of their relationship “I appreciated it so much because you just don’t really get that a lot in sapphic content I think a lot of people over sexualize sapphic content in film — media “So I’m really glad that it was slow burn I’m glad that it was tasteful and potentially I really think that we lack that…and I think it’s important for young queer people to see that.” As for how this impacts them moving forward “I would say they’re on a different level completely because it’ll hurt that much more to lose the other person Last year, Isabela teased a scene in the season that would “be on everyone’s Twitter feed.” "It was f---ing wild!" the actress tells EW of shooting the intense sequence. Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker This 23-year-old Hollywood "It girl" cannot be contained, and the same goes for her career. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. © 2025 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC. Merced head men's and women's water polo coach Johnny Bega has resigned from his position Assistant coach Hannah Ellett will serve as interim head coach A national search for a new head coach will begin next week We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it OK Privacy policy Your Ads Privacy ChoicesIMDb As The Last of Us returns for its second season the newest cast member stepping into the controversial role of Abby Following their critically acclaimed role in The Last of Us See every red carpet look from fashion's biggest night See who showed some skin at the 2025 Met Gala like Sabrina Carpenter and Emma Chamberlain The actor made a bold chop for the 2025 Met Gala carpet Take a look at the best dressed celebrities from the 2025 Met Gala The Blackpink star and Chanel muse turned heads with a jumpsuit that some are calling her most stunning Met Gala look yet The rapper has quickly become a fashion favorite—and at the 2025 Met Gala she cemented her status as the night’s breakout style star The Formula 1 driver took his talents from the race track to the red carpet to co-chair tonight's event 2025 3:25PMUC Merced workers from two local union chapters and their supporters joined forces Thursday to hit the picket lines as part of a larger system-wide protest.MERCED (KFSN) -- UC Merced workers from two local union chapters and their supporters joined forces Thursday to hit the picket lines "This is a moment when we have to make our voices heard to support people everywhere to make sure we're protecting the rights that they have and honoring the rights that they have on paper," said Edward Flores of the UC Merced Community and Labor Center AFSCME represents service and patient care workers including janitorial and food service jobs Both are demanding better working conditions "We're standing here for our families So they can respect us as workers too and give us what we deserve," said Carmen Chavez The employees were sure their absence would be felt One of the biggest issues for UPTE workers is the systemwide hiring freeze which they say is already impacting short-staffed workers and is against state law The University of California Office of the President released a statement that reads in part "We are disappointed by the union's continued choice of striking as a negotiation tactic These strikes cost union members a full day of pay and they cost the University system millions of dollars." "The hiring freeze doesn't alter commitments under collective bargaining agreements or established policies." songs of protest and signs of solidarity strengthened those on strike hoping the honks from passing supporters would turn into action showing that we're not going to be divided we hope to build power and to really change the system," said Flores The union members have been working without contracts The unions and the university system are hoping for a resolution For news updates, follow Kate Nemarich on Facebook, X and Instagram UC Merced is excited to welcome admitted students, their families and friends for another unforgettable Bobcat Day this annual open house promises a full day of engaging presentations activities and a firsthand look at life as a Bobcat students and alumni will be available to share personal experiences and answer questions about academic programs Bobcat Day gives future students the chance to connect directly with faculty and staff during academic sessions hosted by the schools of Engineering These presentations will showcase scholarly offerings hands-on research opportunities and the many ways students can engage in and out of the classroom Other highlights include sessions on studying abroad Bobcat Day will offer plenty of fun and entertainment: Campus and Housing Tours: Explore state-of-the-art facilities recreational amenities and a variety of housing options on guided tours Culinary Offerings: Enjoy bites throughout the day at the Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center food trucks along Scholars Lane and The Pavilion Bobcat Day Bash: The Pavilion Lawn will be buzzing with music a Bobcat family photo op and opportunities to meet local businesses and community partners showcasing what makes the City of Merced unique Recreation and Athletics Experience: Head to the recreation fields and the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center for a day filled with sports Free parking is available in the Bellevue Lot. Visitors are encouraged to check the Bobcat Day webpage for the full schedule Media Contact ajohansen@ucmerced.edu UC Merced Gifted New Bicycle Fleet Thanks to a bicycle fleet donation to the campus UC Merced students will soon have more transportation options and access to bike riding and safety.. Students at Bobcat Day: Why I Chose UC Merced UC Merced is only two decades into its mission of shaping the next generation of trailblazers But that’s more than enough time for multiple Bobcats.. UC Merced Pride Week: Lambda Alliance Promotes Belonging and Community UC Merced's Lambda Alliance is continuing its tradition of hosting Pride Week from March 31 to April 4 co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann thankfully cemented their romantic relationship with this cycle’s fourth installment that came complete with a tweaked version of the video game’s sex scene that fans were disappointed didn’t happen when Eugene’s grow room was introduced And the fact that their late-night loving was prefaced by Dina’s pregnancy reveal only made it more meaningful Let’s see what others had to say about it all Despite giving audiences plenty of moments that come straight out of the video game HBO's The Last of Us held off on Ellie and Dina consummating their romantic connection until the pair reached the all-important theater that serves as a key hub in the source material But after all the stress of Ellie having to explain her immunity it felt like the perfect time for the characters to engage in whatever kind of relief was available was some lustful smooching as they rounded second base Not that this series went all hardcore with graphic nudity the way that Bella Ramsey's former HBO series Game of Thrones did for years on end But that didn't stop fans from reacting in huge ways to it all I'm not exactly sure how a televised sex scene could properly be put onto a fan's grave at least at our current point in history where tombstones don't come equipped with media players But I kinda like the idea of someone leaving a cell phone atop the grave with that scene playing in a loop I kinda left out the more extreme posts where fans inserted themselves into the action instead of one of the characters or where the sex was championed outside of the context of the characters' relationship I obviously also avoided giving haters any attention since they can all make time for themselves But outside the scope of carnal stress relief viewers were also vocal about the ups and downs that took place during Dina and Ellie's trip to Seattle from the aforementioned reveal to the TV station sequence to Ellie seemingly sacrificing herself Along with a hefty dose of unbridled adoration for Isabela Merced in general And I'd be remiss if I didn't also share a little love for Bella Ramsey and their applause worthy performance of A-ha's "Take On Me," a scene whose impact definitely rivaled that of the game Now let's check out what one-half of that beloved coupling had to say about it all Merced shared her explanation for why Dina and Ellie are so compatible they are similar in the right ways and then they are different in the right ways There are similarities that bring them together but their differences keep them together because they compensate for what the other lacks and this this operation wouldn’t work if they weren’t together what keeps them together is the need for vengeance for Joel’s death and there’s a lot of guilt there too Dina feels guilt about things going down exactly the way they did and feels that her character could have changed something that might have led to an outcome where Joel wasn't murdered such regrets don't have a home in the post-apocalypse the actress also has very high regard for her and Bella Ramsey's sex scene and shared why she thought it was hot in and of itself this is a really necessary step in their relationship It’s also just like really hot to me because it’s like the culmination of all of these feelings and secrets all just being let out in one moment because we wanted to make sure none of the characters were doing anything that was out of character If it wasn't the most natural turn of events that's probably because discoveries about immunity and pregnancy aren't the most natural ways to get one's libido revved up and rolling Dina's pregnancy admission being followed by love and passion is a direct flip from how it played out in the game to the point where she called Dina a burden for being a liability Learn where The Last of Us will go next when Episode 5 hits HBO on Sunday, May 11, with just three more eps left to hit the 2025 TV schedule Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. ‘Here It Come, Baby’: Amid Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Lawsuit, Mo’Nique Doesn’t Hold Back On Him For Not Following Advice She Gave Him Over A Year Ago How Bill Belichick's 24-Year-Old Girlfriend Allegedly ‘Forced Her Way In’ To Ben And Casey Affleck’s Dunkin' Super Bowl Ad Watch James Gunn’s Dog Go Crazy Watching Superman’s Krypto (Which Was Totally Based Off Him) through a music shop — in which we get one of the most iconic in-game moments from The Last of Us: Part II — before they descend into the old subway system while on the run from a pack of Wolves the tunnels happen to contain a horde of infected; they barely escape with their lives but not before Ellie is bitten while shielding Dina from herself getting chomped and that she will have to be the executioner but these feelings soon give way for relief when she is convinced of Ellie's immunological gift seemingly inspired by their close call — plus the revelation of Dina's hidden pregnancy — Ellie and Dina hook up then and there finally expressing their love for one another It's a variously gripping, terrifying and beautiful episode, elevated by Ramsey and Merced's powerhouse performances; it also serves as object proof, should you need it, that Ramsey and Co. can ably step up in the absence of Pedro Pascal Merced talks to GQ about shooting one of The Last of Us: Part II's most beloved (optional) scenes and why shooting the episode's breakneck climax was like being in Subway Surfers IRL GQ: What goes into building the sort of on-screen chemistry with a fellow actor that makes a relationship like Ellie and Dina's feel as genuine as it does Isabela Mercred: Bella's just someone that makes me feel really safe because of the dedication and comfort I felt I was able to open up my heart to access this character It wouldn't have been the same with any other actor we created a secret language with hand signals and sometimes it wasn't safe enough to communicate verbally So we'd communicate with our own little language You played The Last of Us: Part II before you filmed the show Were there any particular moments for Ellie and Dina that you were excited to shoot It was the music shop scene where Ellie's singing to me And I think what's really beautiful about that is it was a bonus scene in the game the way they showed Dina's reaction to Ellie playing Unsurprisingly, that's one of the moments in the episode I was going to ask about. What was it like to be in the room for Bella's performance? I mean, Bella is such a gifted singer, and a guitar player, but what's interesting is Ellie isn't really a singer, so I had to watch Bella dumb down the amazing singing skills they have. They were like, “Can you do that, but a little worse?” Bella had an earpiece and would be playing along to a track, but all of it was live, and just beautiful to witness. The setup was perfect, and so romantic. That scene was so beautiful and magical, and it reminded me of when we shot the New Year's scene at the dance; again, another very musical sequence, I guess music just does that to me, and everyone. But it was hard for not to cry. They kept telling me, “Please don't cry so early on, if you're gonna cry, save it to the end.” But it was so hard. I'm such an emotional person with easy access to my crying abilities. It's harder for me not to. When I first played the game, I was mostly tapped into Ellie's revenge story. But watching this season, it has made me realise just how much it's also a love story, right? And episode four feels like the epitome of that. Not least when Dina expresses her reciprocated love. When you're able to compartmentalise your thoughts in that way, it's a little bit harder to access them. Wow, there's so much she's holding back. She can't even tell Ellie [about the pregnancy], she can't even admit it to herself. When she says, “I'm pregnant,” it's the first time she says it. And then she sorts through her bag, and there are like, ten different positive pregnancy tests. It's really lovely writing to have that be the reason they kiss — it's like a release. That was my goal, in that scene, the word resounding in my head was “release”. Finally the exhaustion of holding something in for so long, the love for Ellie, the pain, the pregnancy, the fear, the vulnerability, it's suddenly released. And that to me makes a sexy scene, as well. I don't think Dina would've done it. I really believe that. I just think she was scared, so scared. It was interesting having to embody that. That scene was so intense. It was really hard to switch out of. That took a lot out of me. I was holding the gun so tight, my arms were shaking naturally. It hurt to hold the gun up for so long. But preceding that moment, there are two big action sequences: you're hunted down by the Wolves, and then there's the infected chase in the subway. Well, that stunt where we're running on the train, there was a camera operator [called] Robin, the sweetest little grumpy guy, and he was attached to this kind of diaper rig; he looked like a baby in a [baby bouncer]. And he was just like, gliding along, feet in the air, just flying. And we're on harnesses, and we're like, running and sprinting over these trains. It felt like Subway Surfers! And then we had to climb that fence. The adrenaline must've been crazy. You know you're not really being chased by infected people, but that's still people in makeup — it's like being in a horror house, I imagine. We'd make sure to communicate, like, “Are you down to do that?” We'd do our signal, and then we both as a team would come together. There's a lot of allyship in this. If someone wasn't comfortable doing something, we made sure that both of us knew, and both of us presented it as a yes or a no. The Last of Us season two is now available to stream on NOW, and airs on Sky Atlantic at 2 a.m. on Mondays. Isabela Merced's nuanced portrayal of Dina in *The Last of Us* season 2 is praised for its authenticity showcasing a complex LGBTQ+ relationship and highlighting the character's resilience amidst a post-apocalyptic world HBO's The Last of Us Season 2 has captivated audiences and a significant part of its success lies in the compelling portrayal of Dina This article delves into Merced's performance and the impact of Dina on the show's narrative “I didn’t expect it to be this big of a role,” but quickly understood Dina's importance as a counterbalance to Ellie's intense grief and rage The character serves as a grounding presence humanizing Ellie’s descent into vengeance while preserving her vulnerability The chemistry between Merced and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) is palpable a testament to their on-screen bond that quickly developed despite limited rehearsal time due to scheduling conflicts "Day One," where their feelings culminate in an intimate scene Merced emphasizes the collaborative effort with the intimacy coordinator to ensure the moment felt "real is a powerful testament to the show’s commitment to representing LGBTQ+ relationships honestly Merced's portrayal of Dina transcends mere representation She sees Dina as a "clean slate" for the TV adaptation allowing for a fresh interpretation of the character She highlights Dina's sunny disposition as a contrast to Ellie's darkness but this cheerfulness doesn't diminish her sharp wit and survival skills Their relationship is based on both similarities and differences: "Dina is the brains and Ellie is the brawn," Merced explains Dina's decision to continue the revenge quest despite her pregnancy is a pivotal point Merced reveals that later episodes provide further context showcasing Dina's personal motivations and drawing parallels to the strength and resilience of motherhood The intimate scene between Ellie and Dina is a significant milestone handled with sensitivity and intentionality Merced addresses online discussions about Dina's sexuality emphasizing the importance of allowing characters to explore their identities authentically Merced's commitment extends beyond acting including VFX meetings and editing sessions This experience profoundly impacted her understanding of filmmaking She learned the value of meticulous work and the importance of every detail "That there’s no such thing as doing too many takes." Observing Pedro Pascal's work in the editing room further enhanced her appreciation for acting Merced's passion extends beyond her role; she actively seeks to understand and contribute to the entire creative process which is evident in her thoughtful discussions about Dina's character and relationship with Ellie Isabela Merced's portrayal of Dina is a triumph and thoughtful engagement with the role have brought a complex and relatable character to life Merced’s performance showcases not just a strong LGBTQ+ representation but also a universal story of grief even in the face of a post-apocalyptic world Her performance resonates deeply with viewers solidifying her as a key element in The Last of Us's success This nuanced portrayal of Dina is a significant achievement in television demonstrating the power of authentic representation and compelling storytelling Isabela Merced portrays Dina in the second season of HBO's The Last of Us Her performance has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth Dina is a significant LGBTQ+ character in the show Her relationship with another character is a central storyline and she displays remarkable resilience in the post-apocalyptic setting Merced's portrayal of Dina is lauded as powerful Critics highlight her ability to convey Dina's strength and vulnerability and resilience within the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world Her LGBTQ+ identity is a significant aspect of her character Critics overwhelmingly praise Isabela Merced's acting skills in portraying Dina commending her powerful performance and ability to portray a complex character with authenticity Dina's relationship is a crucial part of the plot in The Last of Us Season 2 offering an important LGBTQ+ relationship within a post-apocalyptic survival story Her performance brings depth and authenticity to Dina’s complex character She successfully portrays both the character’s strength and vulnerability The Last of Us Season 2 is available to stream on HBO and HBO Max The show features Isabela Merced's acclaimed performance as Dina Dina faces many survival challenges typical of a post-apocalyptic setting while also navigating her complex personal relationships Dina's portrayal offers positive LGBTQ+ representation showcasing a complex and well-developed character within a main narrative rather than a side plot This contributes to increased visibility and positive representation All trademarks are the property of their respective owners All rights reserved @ 2025 Nishtya Infotech (India) Ltd May 05, 2025: When The Last of Us creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann first met with Isabela Merced they didn’t tell her the role they had in mind Though Merced was familiar with The Last of Us Part II — the video game that serves as the foundation for Season 2 of HBO’s hit series — she had no clue she would be cast as Dina Ellie’s best friend and eventual love interest “I just thought we were getting to know each other,” Merced recalled in a recent interview Though she received only one script at a time Merced eventually realized Dina had been elevated to a co-lead alongside Bella Ramsey’s Ellie It made sense to her: “Dina’s sort of a clean slate This gave the writers creative room to evolve her character and ease the transition from game to screen Dina becomes a beacon of joy in Ellie’s increasingly tragic and violent world especially after Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) murders Joel (Pedro Pascal) in a brutal act of revenge Ellie’s really fucked up and angry,” Merced said it’s like she suddenly is able to access the joy that she once felt.” In the standout episode “Day One,” written by Mazin and directed by Kate Herron Dina learns Ellie is immune to the cordyceps infection The two finally confess their feelings and share an intimate moment Dina reveals she’s pregnant — her former partner Jesse (Young Mazino) is the father — and expresses fear about the future vanishing when she believed Ellie had been infected this future I was imagining wasn’t going to happen — where we’re together and have a kid,” Dina tells Ellie The episode doesn’t shy away from violence either Ellie is bitten at the end of an intense sequence filled with elaborate stunts and battles against both the Wolves and a horde of infected in a subway tunnel The two also stumble upon the grotesque aftermath of a Scar ambush — a room of lynched Ellie and Dina stand on the rooftop of the abandoned theater that has become their safe haven says “together,” and they hold hands — the screen fading on their shared determination Behind the Scenes with Merced: Queer Representation and Connection Isabela Merced began acting as a child and is known for roles in Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) and Alien: Romulus (2024) she spoke candidly about the importance of LGBTQ representation on the show and the experience of filming vulnerable moments with Ramsey The pair worked closely with the show’s intimacy coordinator and even developed a “secret sign language” to stay connected during intense scenes especially the adrenaline-pumping subway fight the show is more than just a post-apocalyptic drama — it’s a platform for powerful storytelling and in-depth analysis from around the world Your trusted source for unbiased and timely updates We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy & Terms of Service A key force within the Turlock High girls soccer program is ready for the next chapter of her playing and educational career Isis Cosio signed her National Letter of Intent to study and compete at the University of California a moment she described as years in the making “I started thinking of playing at the next level my freshman year,” Cosio said “I had in mind that I didn’t want to stop playing soccer after high school and wanted to go to the next level.” including being the Bulldogs’ captain her junior and senior seasons Cosio has racked up 17 goals and assisted 21 times in a whopping 1482 minutes over 56 matches she was second on the playoff-bound Bulldogs with nine goals and six assists As the team went 13-7-3 and won a play-in game for the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I postseason Cosio was honored with the program’s Offensive Player of the Year nod and a second straight year named to the All-CCAL Second Team The standout forward emphasized her appreciation for head coach Nicole Lonergan for allowing her the opportunity to play a major role at the varsity level for three years including in the 2023 season in which the ‘Dogs went undefeated in the Central California Athletic League “Coach Lonergan had a lot of trust in me in all my years of playing which I will always thank her for,” Cosio said “I think that the accolades themselves say a lot about the kind of player that she is,” Lonergan said but I think what tells us even more about the kind of player she is which is going to lead her to be successful at the next level I think all of those things made her extremely successful here and I know she had success in the club (Albion SC Merced) and that all got her to where she is today.” who plans to enter UC Merced’s Public Health program shared that Bobcats first expressed interest towards the end of the first semester of the current school year and felt that the athletic and educational fit was natural “The style of play at UC Merced fits the exact style I play,” she said “Coach Roman (DuChateau)'s leadership with the team also made me very interested.” Cosio will walk into a Bobcat program that is coming off one of their most successful years in history After claiming a share of the California Pacific Conference regular season championship (their first since 2016) they finished the 2024 season in the NAIA Women's Soccer Quarterfinal Round with an overall record of 12-4-2 The best national tournament run by any sport in UC Merced history they had an at-large berth to the dance and knocked off #15 Embry-Riddle and #4 Campbellsville to advance to the NAIA quarterfinal round 9 in the NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll – Postseason the highest of any UC Merced team in any sport all-time the club tied for fourth in the country with just eight goals allowed and a 0.44 goals against average and also tied for seventh in the NAIA and for first on the West Coast with 13 shutouts UC Merced will begin competing in NCAA Division II as a CCAA member and will be fully eligible for postseason in the 2026 campaign and they’ll be doing so with more Bulldogs as former teammates Macy Max and Emma Schwinden will be transferring into the program “I think that that is also just like a really special thing because these opportunities don't come up very often,” Lonergan said regarding the imminent reunion of THS alumni While Cosio expressed pride in the wins and accolades she is particularly appreciative of the relationships she has built “I am very proud of the longtime friendships I made while playing soccer,” Cosio said “(My time with) THS Soccer will be one of my favorite memories that I will never forget.” Lane & Ramp Closures  Interstate 5 and State Routes 33 2025 – MERCED COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5) and SR-140 for maintenance and construction operations Erreca Rest Areas on northbound and southbound I-5 beginning Monday o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists are advised to use the Coalinga-Avenal Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line) • One-way traffic control from Husman Road to Parnell Bypass for tree work on Wednesday • One-way traffic control from SR-152 West to the California Aqueduct for survey work on Thursday • Long-term lane/shoulder closures northbound and southbound 16th Street Bridge for bridge work beginning Monday • Full off-ramp closure on northbound SR-99 at South Avenue Over-Crossing for drainage work on Tuesday • Full off-ramp closure on northbound SR-99 at Bradbury Road Over-Crossing for drainage work on Tuesday • Full on-ramp closure on southbound SR-99 at Shanks Road Over-Crossing for drainage work on Wednesday • Long-term one-way traffic control at the Los Banos Creek for bridge work beginning Tuesday Motorists should expect 5-10 minute delays and use alternate routes whenever possible This work is scheduled to take place as listed but is subject to change due to traffic incidents For the safety of workers and other motorists For the latest road information, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov & dot.ca.gov.  (FOX26) — Firefighters from the City of Merced Fire Department had their hands full with a furry rescue mission The crew from Fire Engine 52 sprang into action when a family of cats was found stuck in an attic With the kittens too deep in the attic for a straightforward rescue They managed to access the attic through a vent and a ceiling speaker [RELATED]Rescue group uses quacking sounds to find missing ducklings after mother hit by car the mother cat decided it was time to join her little ones and began making her way out Thanks to the quick thinking and resourcefulness of the Merced firefighters UC Merced has assumed its place in the top echelon of research institutions in the nation by earning R1 status from Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education The announcement was made Thursday morning by the American Council on Education and comes less than 20 years after the university opened its doors UC Merced lays claim to being the only R1 university in the Central Valley of California and joins an exclusive group of 187 accredited doctoral-granting universities in the United States — out of nearly 4,000 — that feature “very high research spending and doctorate production.” Less than 10% of the nation’s eligible public and private colleges and universities have acquired the R1 designation “Earning the highly coveted Carnegie R1 benchmark exemplifies UC Merced’s status as a comprehensive research university and our unwavering commitment to discovery access and academic excellence,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said “To achieve this milestone within the first 20 years of existence is a testament to the dedication and vision of our faculty who have worked tirelessly to advance research scholarship and the reputation of UC Merced and the Central Valley.” An R1 designation affirms the strength of an institution's research enterprise and reinforces its role as a hub for innovation It also unlocks new opportunities for cutting-edge research by expanding funding opportunities and amplifying the global impact of the scholarly work undertaken at UC Merced “I’m extremely proud of all that UC Merced has achieved in just 20 years,” UC President Michael V “Attaining R1 classification is a tremendous accomplishment and a resounding affirmation of the dedication and excellence of the campus’ leadership and esteemed faculty Scientific discoveries and cures powered by University of California researchers have global impact from mitigating wildfire risk and developing solutions for a climate-resilient California to saving lives through vital cancer research and treatment.” UC Merced plans to use its new status as a recruitment tool for more high-quality faculty members and as a draw for prospective students UC Merced will become an even more desirable destination for faculty improving our ability to bring together world-class researchers and professors to best serve our students our community and California,” said Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Betsy Dumont Innovation and Economic Development Gillian Wilson cited the culture of academic excellence that has taken root at UC Merced “Receiving the R1 designation is testament to the collective efforts of many people over many years and further validates UC Merced’s commitment to expand educational opportunities and drive social and economic progress in one of California’s most underserved areas,” Wilson said Since admitting its first graduate students in 2004 UC Merced has conferred nearly 900 doctorate degrees Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Hrant Hratchian said being named an R1 institution will be a windfall for graduate students “Achieving R1 status will elevate the experience of our graduate students by enhancing access to frontier research and scholarly excellence,” Hratchian said our graduate students and postdoctoral scholars will be well-positioned to earn even more competitive awards and build strong professional networks which will secure their career prospects in academia The Carnegie Classification is the leading framework for organizing and categorizing U.S institutions of higher education and was first published by the Carnegie Foundation in 1973 Sociology Graduate Program Debuts Strongly in U.S. News Rankings program in UC Merced’s Department of Sociology made an impressive debut in U.S Carnegie Recognizes UC Merced for Student Access, Grad Earnings UC Merced has earned two 2025 Carnegie distinctions the Student Access and Earnings Classification “Opportunity Colleges and Universities”.. Social Sciences Graduate Programs Shine in U.S. News Rankings UC Merced’s School of Social Sciences Humanities and Arts made a splash in the latest rankings of university graduate programs compiled by U.S... Developing a great idea is an accomplishment in itself But taking it to the next step — into potential commercialization and market opportunities — has the potential to both affect change in the world and produce a livelihood On April 18, the UC Merced Office of Office of Technology, Innovation and Industry Relations will host its third annual Merced To Market Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore commercialization and market opportunities held in the university's Conference Center from 8:30 a.m students and the Merced community learn about entrepreneurship and how to take university research to market executive director of the Merced County Department of Workforce Investment Serrato and his staff work to meet the needs of job seekers His organization has secured $2.2 million in grants so far M2M will include sections focused on organizational innovation and collaboration, hosted by the Management of Complex Systems department "We'll focus on the question of how to support innovative collaboration in organizations and hear from researchers and practitioners with extensive experience and expertise on the topic," said Professor Tea Lempiälä who is organizing that portion of the event speakers will cover topics that include the good bad and unexpected of entrepreneurship; collaboration and innovation with NASA; unlocking the power of AI; and navigating human resources and legal matters Afternoon topics will include key strategies for a winning startup team; drawing from the gaming world to enhance innovative collaboration; marketing secrets; and business funding At 3:25 p.m., the UC Merced Small Business Development Center - a collaborator of this event - will confer its 2025 Business of the Year award to Mother Lode Adventures Charter Services Mother Lode Adventures will represent UC Merced SBDC and compete against other top businesses from across Central California for the title of Central California Business of the Year at a virtual event May 9 The SBDC is a nonprofit program hosted by UC Merced that provides free advising and training to help small businesses start M2M will have its first company showcase pitch competition with awards totaling more than $10,000 "I'm thrilled to see the bold ideas and breakthrough technologies our UC Merced innovators are bringing to life it's a glimpse into the future being built right here on our campus," said Iman Ebrahimi a third-year Ph.D candidate in Mechanical Engineering and the master of ceremonies for M2M These badges can be showcased across various platforms and incorporated into resumes or curricula vitae Merced To Market will conclude with closing remarks For more information or to register for the event, go to the Merced To Market website pcortez8@ucmerced.edu NSF Award Supports Young Faculty Member’s Research into Building Blocks of the Universe Cosmology Professor Anna Nierenberg has received a CAREER award for a project that will vastly improve the study of the nature of dark matter in the.. For the First Time, All Avian Evolutionary Relationships Revealed Through Collaboration Link Between Dementia and Air Pollution Drives Research Collaboration famous for producing much of the food Americans eat is also infamous for its inferior air quality and its high rates.. Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission playful spirit that suggests one can still feel butterflies for a crush amid the carnage of a zombie apocalypse and her ability to bring all these things to the (literal) table is only possible because of a key departure from the show’s source material in episode two which swaps the patrol pairs from the game and places Dina with Joel when he’s killed “I just wanted to make sure I was in that ride-or-die mentality.” says Merced about playing Dina during and after Joel’s death “I didn’t want anyone to question Dina’s loyalty to Ellie.” As episode three picks up in the aftermath this expansion of Dina’s role begins to quietly reshape the story positioning the character as a crucial anchor for Ellie’s journey moving forward and hinting at more deviations to come You bring a lot of refreshing comedy to this character How did you prepare to play Dina?My first impression of Dina was from playing the game and watching some of the first season and picking up on the comedy that’s infused there Playing the game gave me the most insight into her without even knowing I was up for that specific role at the time and to pull as much as I could from Shannon Woodward’s performance From there I had to learn to really trust myself and trust that Craig and Neil trusted me and felt like they were making the right decision So you started playing the game before you knew you’d be playing Dina What was the process of getting the role?I got a weird phone call We don’t know which character.” So I watched the show blindly thinking this would be for a more minor character When we had the meeting it was very obvious that they were talking about Dina I started playing the second game because of that How soon after that meeting did you find out you got the part?It was a week after that meeting Mary Vernieu is the casting director who suggested me to Craig Were you instructed to play the character as closely to the game as possible or were there elements you wanted to bring to the character that weren’t part of the source material Do I do my research?” And Craig would be like no.” People would tell him they played the game and he’d go “I wish you didn’t do that.” But everyone has their own process Not everyone has to take the same classes and the same tests to get the same degree I enjoyed having the opportunity to watch Shannon Woodward’s performance because I wasn’t really worried about doing a copy-paste version and I had confidence as a performer to bring enough of myself to the table to give a refreshing take for audiences that might want something a little different The show expands on Joel and Dina’s relationship Did you and Pedro talk about establishing that relationship onscreen we didn’t really get a chance to build a relationship but there was a lot of chemistry and that speaks to good writing and good casting He literally came in from winning an award the day before — I forget which — and then we just started filming I think he was memorizing his lines on the plane over it all represents him being yet another surrogate father for a young woman and him constantly seeking that father-daughter connection that he lost in anyone around him And that’s why he tells Gail in the therapy session Dina’s like my kid.” It is really interesting to have that perspective looking back and now knowing that and Dina steps into where Ellie was in the first season How did you prepare for the significance of that and what that shift would mean for Dina’s character It gives her more incentive to go to Seattle and it makes it more of a delicate situation and in this episode Dina is a huge reason Ellie is able to go I wanted to make sure I was in that ride-or-die mentality I didn’t want anyone to question Dina’s loyalty to Ellie because it makes it all the more devastating in the end I also think it’s really important to have Dina there because she thinks she has an understanding of the situation when she really doesn’t It was really clever of the writers to have her be passed out but present enough that in the initial parts of the scene There’s also this rumor being spread around that I wasn’t actually there for the filming of that scene where Joel is unalived and I wanted to dispel that here right now People thought I went to Superman while they were filming this scene because it took a week to film; they thought I just left and they had a body double sit in for me but every time I wasn’t on-camera and I didn’t need to be seen and then my body double would be there just for eye lines for people I don’t know why people start random rumors about that Dina being there for Joel’s death also means that the sex scene in the game does not happen at the same point in the show This really slows down the development of Dina and Ellie’s relationship Did you and Bella talk about sitting in that “what are we” tension that’s such a big part of episode three We were really worried about the balance between the grief and also the moments of joy and love and how they’re all love being expressed in different ways Sometimes when you feel too much joy after you’re grieving I think they both have a lot of trepidation when it comes to admitting to it and it’s kind of like the last thing on their minds but it’s also undeniably right in front of them They have a really good excuse not to talk about it And that’s why in that first scene in episode three I know their names and I have a plan.” That was really important That scene is also the first time Dina and Ellie see each other after Ellie gets out of the hospital Did you shoot that before or after shooting Joel’s death but we ended up reshooting that scene because of the choreography When we were initially filming episode three “I don’t think there’s anything we need to change really except for where we’re sat.” It changed everything You see the cookies being slid across the table It wasn’t as compelling as us being on opposite sides of the table Dina also reveals a little bit more in the initial version they wanted less information or for the information to be more vague because there’s no way Dina would’ve processed all of that with frostbite and meeting all these new people and getting drugged and being under extreme stress I was going to cut all my hair off after the season ended because I would’ve just had a wig on during that day having gone through the whole journey already and then bringing us back I think I had a patience and understanding of Ellie’s character after the fact and it actually really helped with the scene the way we redid it In the scene at the table they’re being very mature and serious but they become more playful again on the road and the tension comes back in a bigger way when they’re in the tent Was there ever a version of their time in the tent that was more intimate?Yeah The most difficult part of that scene was the timing of turning the lamp on and off That was a huge prop in the scene and added to its playfulness But there was a version where Ellie was fully checking Dina out You obviously want that fun playfulness and relatability and I think they were right to get rid of that and leave us wanting more I’m actually glad they got rid of the weed scene But I really appreciate the care being put into this sapphic relationships in media are overly sexualized I appreciate them really making this more of an emotional connection and a real love story Dina will always be a channel for Ellie to access that joy and that feeling of whimsy and community They bring out this really silly side in each other I read that you and Bella Ramsey didn’t do a chemistry read before you got the part of Dina Did it take any time to settle into your characters when you were first onscreen together?Yeah The first time we acted together was in the garage in episode one but the first time we saw each other in character was during the camera test You could feel us relax a little bit and realize this is right and it was really cool to have that immediate comfortability because camera tests are usually so awkward I know you have other experiences working on horror and sci-fi projects and adapting animated characters into live action What was different or unexpected about shooting The Last of Us What was most interesting was how much of it is practical effects but I really love that I’ve been able to work on several projects that are as practical as possible Most of the VFX in this show are just for the background when they use the green screen I actually got a really rare opportunity to join the VFX meetings I asked Craig Mazin one night when I was tipsy on the plane back from work and then actually followed through with it and it’s so fascinating how they add everything the scene in episode two where they’re running into battle but a lot of it is actual hordes of people running I’ve never gotten to see it under such a close lens I love that the people who are playing the Infected are actually trained dancers That’s why they’re able to move their bodies in such fascinating ways I would watch them rehearsing and it looked like the “Thriller” music video Since you addressed some online rumors earlier, I have to ask if you’re keeping up with the fun stuff too. Do you go online when the episodes air to see the reactions and memes? Yeah, I love the funny stuff. Ariela Barer and I exchange TikToks that we find funny. There was one about the horse that gets left behind in episode two after Jesse comes to pick up Dina and it was to the song “Jessie’s Girl.” That was one of my favorites Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York UC Merced dedicates a week to highlight some of the significant research being conducted at the university Research Week is an opportunity for the wider campus and the public to see projects in various subjects The 2025 Research Week celebration has special significance because UC Merced recently earned R1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education The university is one of only 187 accredited doctoral-granting universities in the United States - out of nearly 4,000 - with "very high research spending and doctorate production." "Earning the highly coveted Carnegie R1 benchmark exemplifies UC Merced's status as a comprehensive research university and our unwavering commitment to discovery access and academic excellence," Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said A celebration of the R1 milestone is among the events planned for this year's Research Week set at sites on campus and in downtown Merced from March 10-14 Monday's events kick off with a research symposium in the Dr Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Ballroom of the Conference Center from 10 a.m the symposium will showcase presentations by faculty and graduate fellows whose research pushes the boundaries of knowledge ranging from space exploration to the human psyche A poster showcase on Tuesday in the Lakireddy Ballroom will feature research posters from undergraduate and graduate students celebrating the diverse research community on campus The event will include three poster sessions and networking opportunities to foster engagement across disciplines Tours of the vivarium and the Borg Cube computational research facility will be offered that day On Wednesday, a tour of the university's Experimental Smart Farm will be offered. The annual Grad Slam competition will be held that day as well in which graduate students explain the methods results and significance of their research via three-minute presentations to a non-specialty audience and panel of judges The winner will go on to compete at a UC-wide event A campus celebration of the R1 designation is planned Wednesday at 4:30 p.m and a career and internship fair will be held in the ballroom from 10 a.m A reception for community-engaged research is planned Thursday evening at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center The week concludes Friday with a symposium on demystifying AI in academia in Room 316 of the Leo and Dottie Kolligian Library More information is available on the Research Week website How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Fuel Record-Breaking Wildfires in 2020? New Study Explains The diligent yeoman’s work done by Merced’s New Beginnings is about to be revealed to a much wider audience who work in tandem with other nonprofits and government agencies to find loving homes nationwide for Merced County’s stray animals were recently visited by a crew of filmmakers making a documentary on the topic of animal transport while spreading awareness about adoption New Beginnings works in coordination with other groups and government agencies to fly and transport unadopted animals to other states where there is a higher likelihood they will find new homes told The Merced FOCUS the film crew spent a total of six days with the nonprofit’s volunteers She also said the documentary, once completed, is expected to stream on Netflix. The film is being produced by RandomGood Films and is expected to be released within the next eight months when asked about her experience with the film crew “One of the things they were amazed (about) is we have done this for 21 years and we are all volunteers.”  Lohman said the crew filmed her group working alongside nonprofits like Kitsap Humane Society in Washington and Los Angeles-based Wings of Rescue with the mission of saving dogs in need of homes One of those dogs included “Grace,” a great pyrenees who was found injured in Merced’s Loughborough area The crew chronicled how New Beginnings worked to help find a loving home for Grace a pit bull-mix who came close to being euthanized because no one showed interest in adopting the dog Percy was also saved after a caring animal lover was found The crew followed Lohman around at her home and spotlighted all of the legwork that goes into transporting and saving animals. That included taking animals to health checks and visiting Franklin Elementary School where kindergarten students raised more than $4,000 to benefit the organization They did it all,” Lohman said of the camera crew “They wanted to see everything that went into a transport and the overabundance of dogs out there.” A release date for the documentary has not been set Lohman said the documentary is a television pilot the filmmakers plan on doing six more shows Lohman’s nonprofit was featured in a Merced FOCUS story last year about how Merced County was experiencing a surge in unwanted animals and how folks like New Beginnings were stepping up to address the issue Lohman says New Beginnings has also raised about $730,000 so far with the goal of building a low-cost spay/neuter clinic The organization already has the land for the building and needs between $4 million to $5 million to make the clinic a reality For information about how to financially support that effort, visit the New Beginnings website and specify the donation is going toward the spay/neuter clinic About Photo #5152515: Warning: This post contains spoilers from the most recent episode of The Last of Us season two! Isabela Merced is speaking out about the fourth episode of The…Read More Here