Men's Journal's Blog, page 120

'Andor' Episode 9 Ending Sets Up a Tragic 'Star Wars' Destiny

As Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) escapes the Ghorman Massacre at the end of Andor Season 2, Episode 8, he brings a little last-minute souvenir with him. After nearly getting killed by an Imperial KX droid, Andor ends up throwing the remains of the droid into his speeder and taking it all the way back to the Rebel base on Yavin 4. And at the end of Episode 9, this same KX droid is rewired to work for the good guys.

But why is the resurrection of this specific droid so important? Well, like Andor himself, the birth of K-2SO in Andor Season 2, Episode 8 and Episode 9 is actually bittersweet. And that's because both man and droid are headed for a tragic destiny, very, very soon. Spoilers ahead.

Related: The Best 'Star Wars' TV Episode in Years Streams Sooner Than You Think

The next-to-last block of Andor Season 2 episodes all take place in 2 BBY, meaning the events we see here are just two years before the original 1977 Star Wars film, A New Hope. That also means that these episodes take place just two years before Rogue One, the 2016 film which introduced us to both Cassian (Diego Luna) and his quick-witted droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk). 

And so, at the end of Episode 9, "Welcome to the Rebellion," when Cassian and the Rebels are activating the "reprogrammed" K-2SO, what's really happening is that we're one step closer to the end of their respective journeys. K-2SO sacrifices himself to save the squad in Rogue One, and, of course, Cassian dies on the surface of Scarif, along with Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones). The end of Episode 9 of Andor is the beginning of the end of both of these characters' journeys.

In another twist of dramatic irony, although this is the first time Cassian and Mon Mothma have ever met, we know that she will outlive him well beyond the fall of the Empire. In fact, Mon Mothma is running the New Republic in the post-Return of the Jedi era of The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, meaning there's every reason to believe that Genevieve O'Reilly could appear in the upcoming movie, The Mandalorian & Grogu, and perhaps, beyond.

So, we've got two first meetings in Andor Season 2, Episodes 8 and 9; Cassian and K-2SO, and Cassian and Mon Mothma. Of these four people, only one of them will live beyond A New Hope, meaning, as Andor marches on, it becomes clear that this show is truly the most tragic Star Wars tale of them all.

Andor Season 2 streams on Disney+.

Related: 'Andor' Season 2 Review: Here's The One Thing You Need to Know

How to Get a Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut on May 7 for REAL ID Day

In recognition of REAL ID day, Krispy Kreme is offering every customer a free glazed doughnut on May 7, 2025, at participating locations.

"As Americans race to state DMVs to meet the May 7 REAL ID deadline, Krispy Kreme is sweetening the rush – and relieving the stress – with a surge of FREE Original Glazed Doughnuts," Krispy Kreme announced in a May 2, 2025, press release.

"Next Wednesday, May 7, Krispy Kreme will give all guests one free Original Glazed doughnut all day in shop or via drive-thru at participating shops, limit one per guest, no purchase necessary and no ID required!" the chain wrote.

“The DMV can be stressful enough in normal times, but we know May 7 is going to be ‘next level’ stress for many Americans trying to get their REAL ID,” said Dave Skena, Chief Growth Officer of Krispy Kreme, in the release. “So, we’re going to keep this simple. Come by on May 7 and have a free Original Glazed doughnut on us, no REAL ID – or any ID – required.”

What does the fine print say? Is there a catch?

"Offer available 5/7/2025 at participating U.S. Krispy Kreme shop locations and is subject to availability. Limit 1 redemption per guest in shop & drive thru only. Not valid in Puerto Rico, or outside of dedicated retail Krispy Kreme Doughnut shops. Not redeemable at grocery, convenience stores, or McDonald's restaurants," it reads.

Since the chain doesn't list participating restaurants, it might be worth calling ahead to your local Krispy Kreme to make sure they're participating.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, "On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities." The department has a fact sheet that answers common REAL ID questions.

Related: REAL ID Alternatives Announced as Deadline Looms for Air Travelers

Does McDonald's Have a Teacher Appreciation Week Deal in 2025?

Yes, some McDonald's do have a free deal for teachers on Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, but only in a few states and locations.

Missouri teachers are particularly in luck. However, if you don't live in one of the lucky states (list below) but can prove you're a teacher, there are a host of other freebies available elsewhere, including a free donut from Krispy Kreme or a free breakfast item from Whataburger. Here's a roundup of other deals. Chipotle is giving away 100,000 free burritos.

Teachers in Houston, TX, can get a free breakfast combo meal at McDonald's on May 5-9, 2025, according to Alief ISD. One Texas franchisee is offering a freebie or deal to teachers each day this week.

It's worth checking with your local restaurant. "Teachers who present their ID can get free coffee or breakfast products at many locations," The Commercial Appeal in Tennessee reported.

On Tuesday, May 6, which is part of National Teacher Appreciation Week, "Teachers will have the option to select one Any Size Soft Drink or Sweet Tea, Hot or Iced Drip Coffee with a valid educator I.D at a participating McDonald's restaurant," the McDonald's Mo website says. 

The week runs from May 5-9, 2025.

The website contains a list of participating restaurants in that deal. They are:

Arkansas:

Ash Flat, Gassville, Hardy, Harrison, Mountain Home

Illinois:

Pittsfield & Quincy

Iowa:

Keokuk

Kansas:

Baxter Springs, Chanute, Columbus, Fort Scott, Iola, Parsons, Pittsburg

Missouri:

Ashland, Aurora, Ava, Battlefield, Berryville, Bolivar, Boonville, Bowling Green, Branson, Branson West, Buffalo, California, Camdenton, Cape Girardeau, Carthage, Cassville, Centralia, Charleston, Columbia, Dexter, Doniphan, El Dorado Springs, Eldon, Forsyth, Fulton, Hannibal, Hollister, Holts Summit, Houston, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kingdom City, Kirksville, Lake Ozark, Lamar, Lebanon, Linn, Macon, Malden, Marble Hill, Marshfield, Miner, Moberly, Monett, Mount Vernon, Mountain Gove, Mountain View, Neosho, Nevada, Nixa, Osage Beach, Ozark, Piedmont, Pineville, Poplar Bluff, Republic, Rogersville, Rolla, Salem, Sedalia, Seymour, Sikeston, Springfield, Strafford, St. James, St. Robert, Thayer, Van Buren, Versailles, Warsaw, Waynesville, Webb City, West Plains, Willard, Willow Springs

Oklahoma:

Grove, Jay, Miami

Men's Journal has reached out to McDonald's press office for more information.

There are about 3.8 million public school teachers in the United States, according to Pew Research Center, with 23% of them being men.

Related: Teacher Appreciation Day 2025: Weeklong Deals Include Free Chipotle Burrito

Teacher Appreciation Day 2025: Weeklong Deals Include Free Chipotle Burrito

It's National Teacher Appreciation Day all week from Monday, May 5, 2025, through Friday, May 9, 2025, and that means discounts and deals.

The freebies include the chance to get a free Chipotle burrito, although there's a catch. The giveaway is capped at 100,000 teachers.

Other free items for all teachers include a breakfast entree from Whataburger, a milkshake from Shake Shack, a Krispy Kreme donut, and a free appetizer from Applebee's.

Chipotle is "awarding 200,000 professionals with free burrito e-cards, equivalent to over $2 million in free food," the chain wrote in a press release on April 30. After Teacher Appreciation Week, the chain will offer the same deal to nurses from May 6 through May 12.

Teachers can enter their information on the Chipotle website for a chance to get one of the 100,000 free burritos. There is a second web page for healthcare workers.

"Teachers and healthcare professionals are such important members of the communities we serve," said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer of Chipotle, in the release. "To express our gratitude, we're scaling up our recognition efforts and launching our largest free burrito giveback program in history."

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It's not only burritos. USA Today has a lengthy list of discounts and deals available to teachers during the week. Teachers of Tomorrow also has a lengthy list of deals.

Among the top deals for National Teacher Appreciation Week:

Smoothie King: "There will be a two-day celebration exclusively available on Smoothie King’s Healthy Rewards App. From May 6th to May 7th, use promo code “THANKS2024” to enjoy $2 off your order," according to the chain.McDonald's: On National Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 6, "teachers will have the option to select one Any Size Soft Drink or Sweet Tea, Hot or Iced Drip Coffee with a valid educator I.D at a participating McDonald's restaurant," the website says. The website contains a list of participating restaurants. They are only in a few states, and the deal is most prevalent in Missouri.Krispy Kreme: According to KTLA, "On Tuesday, May 6, Krispy Kreme is offering teachers a free Original Glazed doughnut in stores." Whataburger: "Teachers can swing by from 5 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday for a free breakfast entrée," a press release from the chain says.Sonic Drive-In: "From May 5 to May 9, Teachers’ Circle members can redeem deals: "Free Sonic snack or side with purchase," a free Soni Blast after buying one, and a $1.99 quarter-pound double cheeseburger," according to a Sonic press release.To get the deal, you can join the free rewards program "exclusively for educators and is available through the SONIC App," the release says.Atomic Wings: "Teachers who stop by their local Atomic Wings locations on May 6 can enjoy a free 5-piece order of boneless wings with fries," Delish reports.Norwegian Cruise Line: 20 educators will get a free cruise. "From May 5 to May 31, 2025, the public is invited to nominate certified or accredited educators at www.nclgivingjoy.com by submitting heartfelt stories on how their favorite teacher is making a lasting impact on the lives of students and their community," the press release says.Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers get 20% off their order from May 5-11, according to Today.Burger King: On May 6, Burger King is offering teachers "a free Whopper Jr. with a purchase of $1 or more," Food Network says.Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: According to Today, teachers with a valid ID at participating locations get 15% of all orders from May 5-9.Applebee's: According to The Democrat & Chronicle, teachers get a "free appetizer with purchase of entree with a valid school ID."Shake Shack: "Free milkshake with a valid teacher ID," The Democrat & Chronicle reports.Insomnia Cookies: "Free classic cookie when you purchase a cookie, with proof of employment," The Democrat & Chronicle reported.Chick-fil-A: The chain allows individual locations to decide what deals to offer. One restaurant in Orlando, FL, is offering a free food item to teachers each day of appreciation week.Eddie Merlot's: "From May 5 through 9, Eddie Merlot’s is offering all teachers a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée," Food Network reports.J. Crew: Teachers get 20% off purchases, the store' website says.

There are about 3.8 million public school teachers in the United States, according to Pew Research Center, and 23% of them are men.

Related: Beloved Convenience Store Chain Plans to Open 700 New Locations

Why Taylor Swift Skipped the Met Gala

The Met Gala is one of the most high-profile events for celebrities every year. But for the ninth straight year, one of the most high-profile celebrities on the planet skipped the event as Taylor Swift was not in attendance. And thanks to a recent report, we now know why.

Taylor and her football star boyfriend, Travis Kelce, have been keeping a relatively low profile since the end of his football season and the conclusion of her record-breaking Eras Tour as they enjoyed some time alone together out of the public eye.

"They have been traveling nonstop and very much enjoy it," a source recently told People. "They are making the most of their time off together. They are hanging out with friends, too. It's a special time for them... They value the same things. Right now, the focus is very much on private time out of the spotlight."

Given how much they have been out of the spotlight recently, it was not clear whether or not they would attend the Met Gala, even though they were invited. But when the night came on Monday, neither of their names was listed on the guest list provided by the Met, and they did not show up to the event.

While neither of them spoke publicly about why they chose not to attend the star-studded event, TMZ reported on Monday night that the decision to skip the event was simply because of their busy schedules.

"Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were invited to Monday's Met Gala in New York City, but they could not make it work as a result of their schedules," TMZ reported on Monday night.

This marks the ninth consecutive time that Swift has skipped the event. The last time she was in attendance was back in 2016. We'll have to see whether or not she breaks this streak of absences next year.

Yes, Some Men Are Really Shaving Their Eyelashes Off

This is not a joke. Some men are really shaving their eyelashes off as part of a style trend.

The goal is to appear more masculine, according to an April 30, 2025, article by CNN that explored the trend.

The eyelash-shaving trend went viral after social media videos showed men "braving blades very close to their eyes," according to CNN.

Sure enough, it's not hard to find TikTok videos capturing the trend, including this video of a man getting his eyebrows shaved with a clipper.

Some TikTok users who watched that video were horrified.

"DO NOT DO THIS. LIKE EVER," wrote one.

"Why just why. This is naturally your eye protector," wrote another person. "This just breaks my heart seeing it," another person wrote.

CNN reported that men are embracing this look "in barber shops from Turkey to New Zealand," and the goal is to end up with "stubby lashes."

@ahmadrezanikzad

Really? #plankton #Eyelashes #cut #shave #fyp #viral

♬ Originalton - ᴀʜᴍᴀᴅ ʀɴ

A TikTok user sent the video viral, writing, "This is a whole new level of stupid."

Before shaving off their eyelashes, people might consider that they have a function. Many of them.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eyelashes function "as dust catchers, protecting the eye from debris that can obstruct vision or cause infection or injury. They are like human whiskers. Lashes act as sensors for objects coming close to the eye—like insects—and trigger a reflexive and protective blink."

Ivan Schwab, MD, professor of ophthalmology at the University of California, Davis, said on the Academy website that eyelashes are “unique among body hair. Healthy lashes are believed to never go gray. They are among the shortest hairs on the body with the longest lifespan. And the melanocytes (pigment cells) at the base of eyelash follicles rarely, if ever, become malignant.”

Related: Scientists Announce Big Breakthrough in Race to Cure Men's Baldness

Harley-Davidson Turns Heads With Jaw-Dropping New Custom Bike

Harley-Davidson is showing off a new jaw-dropping custom bike.

It's based on the video game DOOM: The Dark Ages.

The motorcycle is a collaboration between Harley and Bethesda Software ANZ & SEA.

Bethesda shared a video showing the bike on its YouTube page on May 4, 2025, labeling it "DOOM: The Dark Ages x Harley-Davidson Sportster S."

"RIDE IN H*** 🔥 Check out this INCREDIBLE custom #DOOM: The Dark Ages x ‪@HarleyANZ‬ Sportster S motorbike! Should we give it away? Like = YES. Repost = H*** YES," the caption reads.

Fans responded positively in the comment thread.

"It’s the Freaking Dragon!" wrote one. Another fan responded, "This is cool as f*** man!"

Another fan wrote, "I volunteer as tribute to take care of this bike if the company does a giveaway. I have several motorcycles, all in well condition and this unit appears simple to maintain. On top of the fact I'm a huge DOOM fan that's been collecting DOOM apparel and merch for years now."

According to Bethesda's website, "DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against H***."

The video game is available for pre-order on May 15, 2025.

According to GamesHub, Bethesda "commissioned" the bike from Harley to "celebrate the upcoming release" of the game.

The motorcycle was "designed by the folks at id Software and created with the support of Harley-Davidson," GamesHub reported, adding that it features the "Doom Slayer’s mechanised dragon, and sports neon and custom LEDs that 'project the dragon’s glowing wings onto the ground.'” 

The site called the motorcycle "fantastic-looking" and "sure to turn heads."

Related: Beloved Motorcycle Company Announces Bad News as Sales Plunge

Jennifer Aniston Suffers Major Scare After Gate Crash by 'Intruder'

Actress Jennifer Aniston suffered a major scare after a man was arrested following a gate crash at her Bel Air home.

According to ABC 7, the "intruder" is accused of driving through the front gate at Aniston's home on the afternoon of May 5, 2025.

Making the incident even more frightening, Aniston was home when it occurred, the Los Angeles Police Department told ABC 7.

According to the television station, after the man "crashed through her front gate," a private security guard "pulled him out of the vehicle and detained him until police arrived."

Aniston's security guards held the man "at gunpoint" until police arrived, TMZ reported.

Although the driver was not named, he's believed to be in his 70s, TMZ reported. The motive for the incident is not clear.

The man was "checked out by an ambulance" after the crash, according to TMZ.

According to KTLA, police received a call about a "burglary suspect" and ultimately took the man into custody.

That station also reported that a "security guard on the scene held the man in a prone restraint."

After the crash, the "retractable arm of the front gate was broken off" at the Friends' actress's home, KTLA reported.

“There was a victim who was home at the time, who was not injured,” the LAPD told KTLA, without naming Aniston.

Celebrities, of course, must be very security-conscious due to past incidents in which stars were even murdered by obsessed fans. John Lennon, singer Christina Grimmie, and actress Rebecca Schaeffer are among them. However, in the case of the Aniston gate-crash, it's not clear whether the man intended any harm to Aniston or even knew that it was her home.

Related: Kim Kardashian's Tense Response to Met Gala Mishap

Buckingham Palace Cleverly Rebuts Prince Harry’s Comments About King Charles’ Health

England’s Royal Family has suffered a number of blows over the past few years—but it’s not ready to lie down yet.

Late last week, Prince Harry gave an interview to the BBC in which he stated that he had discovered some “shocking truths” about the royal institution he grew up in. Yet also claimed that he would “love a reconciliation,” especially as he does “not know how much longer my father [King Charles] has.”

Related: Prince Harry Unloads About 'Shocking Truths'

Given the number of people whose sole job is to keep statements like this from members or people close to members of the royal family out of the press, Harry’s got the Palace’s PR crisis team working overtime. But Buckingham Palace opted to take the high road in responding to Harry’s interview—by not really responding to it at all.

Instead, on Sunday, Buckingham Palace took to Instagram to share an incredibly well-timed—perhaps suspiciously so—video of a vibrant-looking King Charles busily preparing for his coronation celebrations. In one particular video, he is shown meeting with several artists who have been commissioned to create one-of-a-kind art for the occasion.

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The King previous stated that “The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion."

In late March, the King was briefly hospitalized once again after he was dealing with “temporary side effects” of his treatment. The King was well enough to attend Easter Sunday services at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, while Princess Catherine, who announced her own cancer diagnosis in March 2024, stayed home.

Simone Biles, NFL Player Husband Capture Attention in 'Bizarre' Met Gala Outfits

Gymnast Simone Biles and her NFL player husband, Jonathan Owens, captured attention at the 2025 Met Gala.

DailyMail.com labeled their outfits "bizarre" and reported that they "divided opinion."

However, some people loved their looks. "They look great!!!" wrote one fan on X.

"That’s a power duo, J.J. Owens and Simone Biles bringing the heat on the Met Gala red carpet is pure style and star power. Simone Biles, with her athletic grace, and J.J. Owens undoubtedly owning the fashion game, definitely turning heads," a fan wrote.

The NFL shared a photo of the couple on X, sparking a round of commentary.

But others were less kind, filling the NFL's comment thread with negative takes. "BHAhahahahaha. huge failure," wrote one. Another person called the outfits "ridiculous," and one person wrote that they were "a bad look."

.@jjowens_3 and @Simone_Biles on the Met Gala red carpet 🔥 pic.twitter.com/G23jSg3SjM

— NFL (@NFL) May 6, 2025

The Met Gala, of course, is about taking style chances.

Owens wore a white suit with a fur stole and fringed bell-bottoms. He carried a cane. Biles was dressed in a bright blue gown with a large train and white collar.

Biles frequently posts photos showing her with Owens on her Instagram page.

According to People, Owens and Biles served on the host committee for the Met Gala, and it was their debut at the iconic event.

The theme for this year's Met Gala was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

(L-R) Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens attend the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Mike Coppola/MG25/Getty Images

According to People, Biles' dress was from Harbison Studio.

Owens topped off his suit with a "white gold Margot McKinney Atlantic pendant featuring a 119.44ct aquamarine, a South Sea pearl and several diamonds," People reported.

The couple joked that getting ready for the Met Gala was "more stressful to get ready for than the Olympics," People reported.

Related: Kim Kardashian's Tense Response to Met Gala Mishap