Men's Journal's Blog, page 100

'Grey's Anatomy' Star Jason George Pitches Denzel Washington to Join Show

Denzel Washington has worn many hats throughout his career. However, one role he took on that may have flown a bit under the radar or remained back of mind for many came in 2016 with one of the most popular shows on television.

Washington directed an episode of Grey's Anatomy during Season 12, titled 'The Sound of Silence.' Not surprisingly, it was a memorable day for everyone, including Jason George, who has played Dr. Ben Warren since Season 6, while also joining the show's spin-off, Station 19.

While George joked that "everybody was on their best [behavior]" for the episode, during an interview with The New York Post, he's also trying to speak Washington joining the show into existence.

A$AP Rocky, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington pose during the Highest 2 Lowest photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals.

JB Lacroix/Getty Images

"...But I would love to see him in front of the camera on the show. It’s never going to happen, but you’ve got to put it out there," George said of Washington.

“I’m hoping he does it,” George told The Post. “It’s Denzel. He’s got to come in as the doctor who is that dude, and everyone’s geeked out and excited about him. He’s got to come in as the expert.”

George is keeping his fingers crossed that Washington will make the leap and join the popular show, which has run since 2005, racking up an impressive 21 seasons.

It's obviously a long shot, but one thing that's apparent is that Washington made a lasting impact during his short time on the Grey's Anatomy set.

Related: A$AP Rocky Left in Disbelief After Learning Denzel Washington's Music Preference

AI Keanu Reeves Reportedly Scammed Woman Out of $160K

Word of advice: if Keanu Reeves hits you up online, be very, very suspicious.

That’s a lesson a Florida woman unfortunately learned the hard way. In an interview with Fox 13 in Tampa Bay, Dianne Ringstaff shared that the grift began when she was innocently playing Words With Friends. Out of nowhere, she received a message from the John Wick star—or at least someone claiming to be him.

Ringstaff was understandably skeptical. Her initial reaction to the unsolicited message was that “It can't be” Reeves, she told Fox 13. “Until he videoed me,” she explained. “And I was like, oh my God, that’s him!”

Related: Watch Ana de Armas Beat the Crap Out of Keanu Reeves

"I couldn't believe it,” Ringstaff continued. “It was him, but it was far away. But I thought it was him."

While she still felt the whole scenario was a bit implausible, that video call and a series of phone calls over a two-and-a-half year period eventually convinced Ringstaff that she was indeed talking to The Matrix star himself.

The two became phone friends and would chat here and there. This was the case for a long time before things took a scammy turn. But when they did, the Not Reeves’ requests for cash became persistent.

The person posing as Reeves claimed that he was being sued by a former manager and that he was facing a potential legal headache after the FBI allegedly planted drugs in his home. Bottom line, claimed the grifter, his assets had been frozen and he was in desperate need of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

Related: Keanu Reeves Makes Exciting Career Announcement

Ringstaff says she did press a bit further: “I said, but why don’t you have a bank account?” Whatever the answer, it was enough to convince her to help.

“I was vulnerable,” she said. “I just lost my boyfriend. And then later that summer in 2022, my dog died.” So she decided to help—which entailed taking out a home equity loan and selling her car. All in all, she estimates that the perpetrator, who is believed to be using AI to pose as Reeves, collected approximately $160,000 from her.

Just a month ago, local sheriffs came knocking at Ringstaff’s door to let her know that she wasn’t the only person being scammed—and that some of the other victims’ money was actually being funneled through her bank accounts.

“I just broke down and cried,” admitted Ringstaff. Until she decided to take back control.

“I’m by myself,” she said. “I didn’t have anybody to talk to, to give me guidance. So then I got mad, and I started getting my things together, and now I’m on track to get back on track.”

Ringstaff is also bravely speaking out and telling her story in order to prevent others from falling into the same trap. According to Fox 13, these so-called “romance” scams are one of the most common types of fraud being perpetrated right now. And the easy availability of AI makes it possible for determined fraudsters to impersonate just about anyone, including one of the world’s most popular action stars.

“Knowing what I know now and all the technology that’s out there, [people] can fake voices and everything else,” Ringstaff warned. “It will never happen again. But I just want to let people know not to be naive and stupid and do your research and don’t give anybody your personal information unless you already know them.”

Warning Signs for Tesla: New Model Y Struggles to Find Buyers

Tesla’s latest Model Y release was supposed to be a game-changer. Instead, it’s raising eyebrows across the automotive industry for all the wrong reasons.

The Cool Down reports that industry analysts reveal a troubling pattern: Tesla’s new Model Y models are sitting untouched on dealership lots across the country, a surprising twist for a vehicle hyped as one of the year’s biggest EV launches.

The telltale signs are there. Tesla is already offering 0% financing on the Model Y—an unusually aggressive tactic for a model so fresh out of the gate. “Why would you discount and have all these incentives and offers literally out of the gate?” asked Loren McDonald, chief analyst at EV data firm Paren. “That just doesn’t make sense when your margins are already at multi-year lows. That suggests very strongly that there is a demand problem.”

While Tesla’s global EV dominance remains intact, the cracks are showing. Sales of competing EVs from rivals like Ford, Hyundai, and even upstarts like Rivian and BYD have surged, while Tesla’s numbers have been slipping. Some blame the growing competition, while others point to the controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk that have cast a shadow over the brand.

Related: Elon Musk Changes Everything After X (Twitter) Outage

With Model Y sales stalling, Tesla isn’t sitting idle. The company has been promoting the model with heavy incentives and continues work on future projects like the much-discussed Cybertaxi. There are also whispers of cheaper versions of the Model Y and Model S in the pipeline.

But for now, the Model Y’s underwhelming launch highlights a new reality for Tesla: the days of instant sellouts and long waitlists may be numbered.

Vanishing May Beetles: Scientists Issue Dire Warning

Costa Rican scientists are sounding the alarm as a once-abundant insect species edges toward collapse. Known locally as abejones de mayo, or May beetles, these beetles have long been a sign that the rainy season is near. But this year, they’re conspicuously absent.

According to The Cool Down, the May beetle population has reportedly plummeted by as much as 95% over the past 40 years, University of Costa Rica biologist Andres Arias told The Tico Times. “For many Costa Ricans, spotting abejones buzzing around porch lights marked the start of the rains,” he said. “Now, they’re a fleeting memory.”

Researchers point to a combination of rising global temperatures, rampant pesticide use, and rapid urbanization as the culprits behind this sharp decline. Costa Rica’s heavy pesticide use, reportedly the highest per capita in Latin America, has been especially damaging. As warming alters rainfall patterns and disrupts seasonal cues the beetles depend on, their population struggles to recover.

Arias and his colleagues warn that if action isn’t taken soon, May beetles could vanish entirely. “Losing them means losing a piece of who we are—and a warning we can’t ignore,” he emphasized.

Their disappearance mirrors a troubling global trend: insect populations worldwide have been dropping at alarming rates. A 2023 study from the University of California, Riverside, found that insect numbers globally have fallen by approximately 45% over the last four decades. The World Wildlife Fund has warned that as many as 40% of insect species could face extinction by century’s end.

Insects make up roughly 80% of Earth’s animal life and play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems. They pollinate plants, feed on pests, and provide nourishment for countless other species. The loss of a single species can ripple through entire ecosystems.

Costa Rican lawmakers are now considering a bill to ban pesticides deemed highly toxic by the World Health Organization, a move conservationists hope will help preserve the May beetles and other threatened insect species.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. As Arias put it, “Losing them means losing a piece of who we are.”

TSA Has No Issue With REAL ID Despite Record Travel

For the past several weeks, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been warning all travelers about the new REAL ID requirements that went into effect earlier this month, especially with the agency expecting a busy weekend of travel for Memorial Day. Based on a recent TSA announcement, it sounds like those warnings worked.

In the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, TSA predicted that up to 18 million passengers and crew to flood airport security over the long weekend, warning all travelers to make sure they complied with the new REAL ID requirements or face the possibility of long delays.

“TSA is ready for the additional passenger volume, and we look forward to welcoming families traveling during this peak period,” TSA Acting Administrator Ha McNeill said in a statement leading up to Memorial Day weekend. “As a friendly reminder, to ensure a smooth screening experience, bring acceptable forms of ID like your REAL ID.”

Those predictions seemed to hold true as the TSA revealed over the weekend that it had screened more than 3 million passengers on Friday, marking the third-busiest travel day of all time.

But despite the record travel, it sounds like the new REAL ID requirements did not present much of a problem for the agency, as the TSA announced over the weekend that 93 percent of passengers showed up for their Memorial Day weekend travel with a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.

This announcement is telling as it indicates that despite all the concerns and warnings about the REAL ID changes, it does not seem to be posing an issue even on one of the busiest travel periods of all time.

That suggests that moving forward, the new REAL ID requirements should not be much of an issue or cause much of a delay at airport security lines going forward, either.

Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley’s Romantic Debut Turns Heads in Rome

Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley made their red carpet debut as a couple this weekend, stepping out in stunning fashion during a star-studded event in Rome.

The country music icon, 63, and the British actress, 59, attended a dinner celebrating the opening of the Orizzonti/Rosso exhibition at Palazzo Barberini on Saturday. Their public appearance marked the first time they were officially seen together since rumors of their relationship began swirling last month.

Hurley embraced bold color, wearing a form-fitting bright pink gown. Her silver platform sandals brought hints of her Austin Powers days. Cyrus matched her energy with his signature rocker-meets-cowboy style.

The couple’s Italian evening was also a family affair, as they were joined by Hurley’s son, Damian, 23, who sported a red suit and sunglasses for the occasion. Hurley later posted a snapshot of their night out on Instagram, simply captioned “Roma 💞💞💞💞.”

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A post shared by Elizabeth Hurley (@elizabethhurley1)

Their debut comes amid details that their relationship blossomed after working together on the 2022 holiday film Christmas in Paradise. Last month, Cyrus confirmed the romance during an interview on Apple Country Music’s The Ty Bentli Show, sharing how their on-set chemistry carried over off-camera.

According to People, sources say the couple plans to spend Hurley’s upcoming 60th birthday together in June. Insiders also noted that Hurley “doesn’t care” about public skepticism surrounding their relationship, emphasizing their shared love of country music and relaxed lifestyle.

For fans of both stars, this red carpet reveal marks an exciting new chapter. Their effortless chemistry made it clear that Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley aren’t just making headlines. They’re stealing the spotlight.

Related: Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Movie Night With Hayley Atwell’s Dogs Took a Hilarious Turn

'The Boys' Colby Minifie on Series Finale: ‘Extremely Satisfying’

If you weren’t excited enough about how one of television’s most chaos-loaded shows opts to bid farewell in its series finale, this should do the trick.

Among the characters in the hit show The Boys, who dislikes (anti) superhero Homelander the most outside of the core group of Butcher, Hughie, Annie and the gang, Ashley, played by Colby Minifie, is high up on the list.

Ashley has been bullied and pushed around by Homelander, among others, in Vought since Season 1, so when she spoke about how the season finale plays out, it turned a few heads. This is mainly because she summed it up in a way that could tease what many fans of The Boys are hoping to see—the end of Homelander's reign.

(L-R) Laz Alonso, Valorie Curry, Antony Starr, Susan Heyward, Colby Minifie and Chace Crawford attend Prime Video's "The Boys" screening and conversation at 92NY.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

During an interview with ScreenRant, two words effectively summed up Minifie's thoughts after learning how the series finale plays out.

"Extremely satisfying."

"I just read the finale last night. It's an extremely satisfying finale," Minifie said. "That's what I will say. It's extremely satisfying. I was getting emotional reading it."

Considering Ashley took Compound V at the end of Season 4, the same thing that has sent Butcher into a tailspin, but also allowed him to go toe-to-toe with Homelander and other superheroes, it makes the comments even more interesting.

Fans will have to continue speculating for a good bit longer before we finally receive an answer on how the creators will end the series, as the expected premiere for Season 5 is in 2026. However, if the first four seasons are any indication, the last hurrah won't disappoint.

Related: 'The Boys' Antony Starr Reveals the 1 Robin Williams Movie That Gets Him Emotional

Are Walgreens & CVS Open or Closed on Memorial Day 2025?

Is Walgreens open or closed on Memorial Day 2025? What about CVS?

Some people may need a pharmacy or just to pick up a spare item on Memorial Day. Will they find Walgreens and CVS with their doors open or closed?

According to USA Today Network, Walgreens stores are open on Memorial Day 2025, and they are open for regular hours.

Most CVS stores will likely be open, but some might vary, depending on the location (that's true also of Rite-Aid, USA Today Network reported.

"Many CVS stores will be open regular hours on Memorial Day. However, some stores may be closed or have reduced hours. Check with your local pharmacy for their specific holiday hours," the news site added.

Walgreens' website only discusses Christmas Day and Eve, and New Year's Day and Eve on its most recent holiday hours page. Walgreens was even open on Christmas Day last year.

Walgreens also has a store locator to assist customers on its website.

CVS also has a store locator on its website.

An exterior view of a CVS pharmacy in Danville, Pennsylvania.

SOPA Images/Getty Images

What is Memorial Day honoring?

"Memorial Day is an American holiday on the last Monday of May. It honors fallen service members of the U.S. military. While most know Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, many don’t know its exact history, importance, or how to properly pay tribute," according to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Memorial Day 2025 falls on Monday, May 26.

"Americans began to recognize Memorial Day in 1868, and the country established it as a federal holiday in 1971. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the holiday started with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who died during service," the Wounded Warriors Project explained.

Related: Largest Fast Food Restaurant Chain Closed Over 600 Stores, New Data Reveals

Phil Robertson's Wife Kay Robertson Described Their Care for Each Other

Phil Robertson's wife, Kay Robertson, posted a loving tribute to him just over two months before he died.

"Phil takes care of me, and I take care of him. Sometimes he fixes a little makeup smudge for me, and I comb the chicken biscuit crumbs out of his beard. I’m getting over being sick, and I can’t wait to get back to taking care of my pioneer man," she wrote on March 22 on her Instagram page. 

"I love Phil, and I really want y’all to know that the hard years were worth it to get to where we are today. Our early years were messy, and I never dreamed our family would turn that story into a movie," she added. She then urged people to watch The Blind movie, saying,  "But the Lord really does turn messes into messages, and The Blind movie is proof of that. If the story of Phil’s wild, godless years can help point people to Jesus, that’s the story we’ll keep telling."

Phil Robertson's son and daughter-in-law confirmed in social media posts on May 25 that the Duck Dynasty patriarch has died.

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A post shared by Kay Robertson (@officialmisskayrobertson)

Robertson's cause of death was not given, but he was dealing with a well-known Alzheimer's diagnosis as well as other health issues.

According to Shreveport Times, Phil Robertson's "early adult life and marriage to Kay Robertson were depicted in the movie" The Blind.

In April, the couple's son Jase Robertson revealed on a podcast that his dad's Alzheimer's disease was worsening, and that his mom, 77, was also struggling with health issues.

He revealed that his mother "recently spent 11 days in the hospital after a fall in which she suffered a cut became infected," according to Shreveport Times.

In 2024, Robertson wrote on Instagram, "Miss Kay, you were the perfect girl for me back when we were teenagers, and you still are. There was a time when I was a low-down, out-of-control drunk. But there you were, cleaning up my messes and believing with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength that Jesus would be there to wash away my sins. I repented and came to know Jesus as Lord. And you forgave like he did."

Related: Phil Robertson's Cause of Death Unclear, But Health Issues Were Escalating

Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Movie Night With Hayley Atwell’s Dogs Took a Hilarious Turn

Hayley Atwell’s dogs made an unforgettable introduction to Mission: Impossible co-star Tom Cruise thanks to a bout of unplanned canine flatulence.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Atwell shared the hilarious story of how her two French bulldogs, Wolfie and Iris, got a little too comfortable during movie nights with Cruise. The actress explained that while filming "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," Cruise often hosted the cast at his home to watch movies together and build camaraderie. When he learned Atwell had dogs, he invited her to bring them over.

"The first time he said, 'Oh, I hear you have dogs. You should bring them over,'" Atwell recalled. "And I thought, 'Well, that’s quite a good test of character,' because if a dog likes you, then you’re a pretty solid guy, I think, right? They don’t lie."

Wolfie and Iris certainly approved of Cruise. They insisted on sitting on his lap throughout the entire movie. But as Atwell humorously revealed, “French bulldogs are very potent farters.” Her pups did not hold back.

“We’re watching [the movie], and they were sitting on [Cruise], and they were farting on him the whole way through the movie,” Atwell admitted, cringing at the memory. “And I’m sat there and I’m like, ‘Oh my God.’ And I’m looking around and there’s some other people who are gagging.”

Cruise, the consummate professional, didn’t let on that he was bothered, quietly continuing to enjoy the film. But Atwell couldn’t leave it unaddressed. “I just turned to him at one point and I went, ‘Sorry for all the tootin’!’” she said. Cruise’s response? A simple, slightly awkward acknowledgment: “Uhh, yeah,” before returning his focus to the movie.

It turns out, making a movie with Tom Cruise is a lot like movie night with your most embarrassing pets—just with a little more Mission: Impossible flair.

Related: Disney Makes Major Decision on 'Avengers: Doomsday'