Men's Journal's Blog, page 159

MLB Legend Shares His Real Opinion on Travis and Jason Kelce

Former New York Yankees star, Alex Rodriguez, is one of the best players in the history of Major League Baseball. But it sounds like he is even in awe of everything that Travis and Jason Kelce have accomplished in their careers.

During a recent interview with Parade, Rodriguez – a former MVP and World Series Champion – was asked what sort of advice he would gave Travis and Jason. He gave his honest opinion on the brothers as he made it clear that they don't need his advice, but he might need theirs.

"They have built a wonderful media business. I think Jason (and) his wife do great work [and make] great content," Rodriguez said. "[Travis] is a natural. He really is a natural-born leader and a great advocate, and they're both Hall of Fame [worthy] players. They have it all working. I think they don't need any advice from me. I may reverse it and ask them for some advice."

Rodriguez spoke highly of both brothers, calling them "modern-day superstars" with all that they have accomplished.

"I'm a big fan of both their games. And I'm a big fan of the way they carry themselves. They're literally like the modern-day superstar, almost like our version of what The Rock has been for a long time. I think both those guys can even take it to a bigger level."

Rodriguez spoke highly of Travis and his relationship with Taylor Swift, too, revealing that his daughters are huge fans of the pop sensation.

"I'm a big fan of both of them. My daughters absolutely adore and love her as a performer and everything she stands for," he explains. "I wish him well, and I'm interested to see how he closes his last few years of his career because she might be the greatest performer of all time, and he may be the greatest titan of all time. So it's fun to watch."

Clearly, the MLB star likes what he's seen from both Travis and Jason.

Kermit the Frog Will Be the Commencement Speaker for a Major University This Year

High-profile commencement addresses that are frequently delivered at college graduation ceremonies, year in and year out, can run pretty far and wide in terms of the celebrity or public figure of choice who's been tasked with sending off graduates with wise words of advice to carry with them into the real world.

But when a university can stake claim to a legendary Muppet doing such a thing, it kind of feels like the bar has once again been raised—or perhaps entirely reset, for that matter.

Amazingly, come commencement time in May, the University of Maryland's graduating class of 2025 will be getting precisely just that in Kermit the Frog.

The Kermit and Jim Henson statue at the University of Maryland. pic.twitter.com/kLC9l7Sq0g

— WEIRDLAND TV (@WeirdlandTales) March 12, 2019

The somewhat unusual announcement shouldn't really come as a total surprise out of nowhere, with the school aptly noting that the legendary puppet's speaking appearance will honor "the long history between UMD and Muppets creator Jim Henson," who graduated from the University of Maryland in 1960.

Nonetheless, Kermit the Frog sounded enthused by the honor to do such a thing:

"Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland. I just know the class of 2025 is going to leap into the world and make it a better place, so if a few encouraging words from a frog can help, then I’ll be there!” the unmistakable Muppet said in a statement released by the school.

Despite how amusing it might sound for Kermit the Frog being crowned as the keynote speaker, the sentiment behind the choice does carry some serious weight:

"Our pride in Jim Henson knows no bounds, and it is an honor to welcome Kermit the Frog to our campus, 65 years after Mr. Henson graduated from the University of Maryland," said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. "I sincerely thank The Muppets Studio, Disney and their creative teams for making this possible."

Kermit the Frog is scheduled to deliver the university’s commencement speech on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Did the CIA Find the Ark of the Covenant?

A two-decades-old document claims the Central Intelligence Agency has found the Ark of the Covenant. However, the CIA's use of supposed psychic abilities to locate sparked mockery online.

The search for the Ark of the Covenant was mythologized in the Indiana Jones films. According to Britannica, the Ark is supposed to be "the ornate, gold-plated wooden chest that in biblical times housed the two tablets of the Law given to Moses by God."

There are many different stories suggesting the location of the Ark of the Covenant.

According to USA Today, the documents, which were released in 2000 but are trending now, show that the CIA used "experimental intelligence methods" in an attempt to local the Ark, but the findings are about 25 years old.

The New York Post reported that the documents describe "remote viewing" activities. The remote viewing exercise was part of a "secret project called Sun Streak," according to The Jerusalem Post.

The strange methods used in the document sparked jokes online. "We’ve known where the Ark of the Covenant has been since 1981 because it was shown at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark," joked one person on X.

"I can claim the Ark of the Covenant is in my garage, if no one is ever allowed to see it or verify my claim," joked another X user.

Many others mocked the use of psychics.

The CIA allegedly ran a "remote viewer" program where "psychics" were locating objects.

Apparently, the Ark of the Covenant was located by such a psychic, known as "remote viewer #032" ...

Well, I'm sold! The stick figures by remote viewer #032 did it for me. Proof! pic.twitter.com/yXcN2hdpxa

— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin)

According to Daily Mail, the project utilized people "alleged to have paranormal capabilities means of acquiring intelligence about 'distant events.'"

Project Sun Streak involved the "ability to describe remote areas or concealed data via unknown mental processes," USA Today reported.

The CIA document is dated Dec. 5, 1988.

"Training target #0209 is the Ark of the Covenant," it says.

"Viewer #032 attained excellent site contact. Doing very well with stage IV structure viewer and exhibits the ability to keep AOL to a minimum. Have to be careful with editing though. This does not seem to be a problem at this time, just something to watch for.”

Target "is a container. This container has another container inside of it. The target is fashioned of wood, gold and silver. The target is similar in shape to (AOL) a coffin and is decorated with seraphim," the document continues.

"This target is located somewhere in the Middle East as the language spoken by individuals present seemed to be Arabic. Visuals of surrounding buildings indicated presence of Mosque Domes. Individuals in the area were clothed in virtually all white, had black hair and dark eyes – one figure I homed in on wore a mustache."

King David bearing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, Early16th cen.. From a private collection.

Heritage Images/Getty Images

"The target is hidden underground. Dark and wet were all aspects of the location of the target. The purpose of the target is to bring a people together… It has something to do with ceremony, memory, homage, the resurrection. There is an aspect of spirituality. Information, lessons, and historical knowledge far beyond what we now know," the document says.

"The target is protected by entities and can only be opened (now) by those who are authorized to do so – this container will not/cannot be opened until the time is deemed correct. Once it is time to open the container – the mechanics of the lock system will be found to be fairly simple. Individuals opening the container by prying or striking are destroyed by the container’s protectors through the use of a power unknown to us."

Duke Cheerleader Turns Heads With Vacation Photos Before Sweet 16

In just over an hour the Duke Blue Devils will take to the court for a bout against No. 4 seed Arizona as both teams look to punch their ticket to the Elite Eight.

Duke is still looking for its first fight of the tournament after winning its first two games by a combined 67 points, tied for the eight-largest margin through two games in tournament history. The Blue Devils have won 13 straight games and 21 of their 33 wins have come by at least 20 points.

Head coach Jon Scheyer has brought the Blue Devils to the NCAA Tournament in each of his three seasons, with a showing in the Elite Eight last year the further they've gone in the tournament under the Duke alum. With a win over the Wildcats on Thursday night, he could at least match that mark.

While the game tips off in just over an hour, cheerleaders like Christa Twyman, are getting prepared for the big game. Shortly before the NCAA Tournament kicked off, she took a little vacation, getting away for spring break.

"took the week off," she said simply in the caption of the photos

View the original article to see embedded media.

The post racked up over 100 comments from her followers.

"these pictures are so fire 🔥," one person said.

"Ur life is my Pinterest 😍," said another.

"LORDY LORDY gorgeous!" offered a third.

Duke enters tonight's game against Arizona as a nine-point favorite. The Blue Devils and Wildcats tip off at 9:39 p.m. EDT on CBS - following the conclusion of a game between Alabama and BYU.

Related: McNeese State Cheerleaders Turn Heads With Outfit Choice Amid Clemson Upset

Meet the Wife of Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer

In just under two hours the Duke Blue Devils will take the court for a battle against the Arizona Wildcats with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.

Duke is still looking for its first fight of the tournament after winning its first two games by a combined 67 points, tied for the eight-largest margin through two games in tournament history. The Blue Devils have won 13 straight games and 21 of their 33 wins have come by at least 20 points.

"That's not what we're focused on," Duke star Cooper Flagg said. "We're just out here playing each possession, trying to beat teams as best we can."

Head coach Jon Scheyer has brought the Blue Devils to the NCAA Tournament in each of his three seasons, with a showing in the Elite Eight last year the further they've gone in the tournament under the Duke alum. 

Head Coach John Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Scheyer and his wife, Marcelle, met while attending Duke in 2010 and he later popped the question in 2015 before they eventually married two years later near his home town in Illinois.

"Happy Birthday to my WIFE! So lucky to be by your side! Thank you for being the most unselfish, fun, caring, loving wife! 30 looks great on you!!! Love you!" he said just a few weeks later as they celebrated her 30th birthday.

View the original article to see embedded media.

In 2018 the couple welcomed their first chidl, Noa Marie, before adding to their family with sons Jett James in 2019 and James Russell in 2022.

"Happy Mother’s Day to the two most important women in my life. I’m amazed every day by the love, care, attention you show our kids. Beyond thankful for the both of these women. Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms out there! 💙💙💙," Scheyer said about his wife before the birth of their third child.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Provencial graduated from Duke's nursing program in 2016 and works as a registered nurse in Durham, NC.

She and the rest of the Duke faithful will be watching as the Blue Devils attempt to punch their ticket to the Elite Eight. Duke and Arizona tip off at 9:39 p.m. EDT on CBS.

Related: Matt Damon Looks Jacked in Stunning Transformation for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'

I've Tried Hundreds of Whiskeys. This Surprisingly Affordable Bourbon Is an Experiment That Paid Off

Some distilleries tout experimental releases, but there are varying degrees of what makes these spirits actually experimental or not. Craft distillery Chattanooga Whiskey, for example, has a deep bench experimental releases that actually seems to meet the qualifications. The whiskeys are made from different mash bills, aged in different types of barrels, and even have infusions that stray far from the norm. 

Then, there are distilleries that claim a new release is the result of a fortuitous accident, something that's always best taken with a grain of salt given how carefully brands control their stocks of new and aging whiskeys.

Sometimes, however, both of these things are based in reality. Such very well might be the case with the new Remus Bourbon Master Distiller Experimental Series, the first whiskey in a new collection that's produced at Indiana distillery MGP. According to MGP, this new series is all about exploring the effects of different grains, mash bills, and maturation methods on whiskey. The first release was the result of a "happy accident.”

In 2015, some whiskey at Ross & Squibb—the in-house production arm of MGP—was put into lightly charred, heavily toasted Seguin Moreau barrels with staves that were seasoned for 24 months. That differs from the usual barrels used by MGP, which are char number four staves with char number two heads. Seguin Moreau is a cooperage with outposts in Napa, Bordeaux, and Cognac that makes casks that are used to age wine and cognac. According to master distiller Ian Stirsman, the bourbon was aged for a full nine years in these barrels, so it wasn't a finish. 

Want the latest whiskey news, deals, and reviews? Sign up for the Whiskey Wednesday newsletter.

“They were not wine barrels,” Stirsman said. “The accident was that when we purchased the barrels, they were not intended to be different from our standard barrel.” 

It's indeed unlike most other whiskeys I've tried from MGP. The bourbon was bottled at 107 proof, so there’s a nice flash of heat that starts each sip. There’s a rich intensity of flavor on the palate, with prominent notes of dark fruit, caramel, red berries, spiced apple, leather, and multiple layers of oak. A little bit of water opens this bourbon up to reveal even deeper layers, softening its initial assertiveness and bringing more citrus and vanilla notes into the mix.

“The Experimental Series is our new creative playground, where distilling heritage meets bold innovation," said Stirsman in a statement. “Our goal is to make our chapter in the long legacy of Remus Bourbon one that’s worth reading. I look forward to bringing something new to bourbon drinkers year after year.” 

I’d say he’s succeeded in reaching those goals, because this new whiskey really does offer something different from the stable of bourbon and rye whiskeys that make up the Ross & Squibb lineup. You can find the new Remus Bourbon Master Distiller Experimental Series available now in select states around the country with a price tag of $80 per bottle.

Related: Don't Listen to Whiskey Snobs. Here Are the Best Ways to Enjoy Bourbon

Singer's 'Embarrassing' National Anthem at Yankees Game Ignites Controversy

Broadway singer Betsy Wolfe's rendition of the National Anthem at the March 27 game between the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers has ignited controversy.

Some thought it was embarrassing. But other people defended Wolfe.

"Wow! How embarrassing singing of National Anthem for Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. And she also needed her cell phone to remember the words. Really! Is this the best you could get/afford for Opening Day?" a man wrote on X.

"Who ever singing the anthem for the Yankees game gotta be embarrassed," wrote another fan.

"The young lady singing the national anthem at the #Yankees game is reading the lyrics off of her phone….YIKES," another fan griped.

However, some people defended Wolfe. "I seriously don’t see why people are complaining. She put her heart into it and did a decent job. not the best rendition ever, but most assuredly not the worst," a woman wrote on X.

A man wrote, "I mean, it was bad, but I have definitely heard worse. Much worse."

The pregame ceremonies conclude. pic.twitter.com/9a2hGQhHV0

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 27, 2025

A fan on Daily Mail's comment thread nominated Roseanne Barr for the worst National Anthem performance ever, not Wolfe.

But another person wrote on X, "I hate to be mean but if that anthem wasn’t a bad omen I don’t know what it was? #Yankees." He wrote that she was "reading it off her phone and missed some notes."

Betsy Wolfe attends the special screening of Disney's Snow White at The Whitby Hotel on March 20, 2025 in New York City.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

According to her website, Wolfe "was most recently seen in the hit musical & Juliet as Anne Hathaway where her performance was nominated for the 2023 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical."

BYU Cheerleader Turns Heads With New Video Before Sweet 16

On Thursday night the Alabama Crimson Tide took the court for a battle against the BYU Cougars as the teams look to punch their ticket to the Elite Eight.

The Crimson Tide entered as the slight five-point favorite, but the Cougars have already pulled off one upset so far in this NCAA Tournament. BYU took down No. 3 seed Wisconsin in the Second Round to set up a date with Alabama, who defeated Robert Morris and St. Mary's to make the Sweet 16.

While all eyes will be on the court tonight, a BYU cheerleader stole some of the spotlight in the hours leading up to the game with a routine in the middle of Times Square. Aislee Meacham just couldn't wait for tonight's game to show off a little school spirit.

"Crosswalk Cupie in Times Square, NYC!! 🍎#nyc #timesquare #cheer #cheerleader #stunting #byu #nca #varsity #collegecheer #cheerleading #coed #coedstunting #ncastunting #cheersquad #cheerteam #partnerstunt #acrobatics #acro," she said in the caption of the video a few hours before the game tipped off.

View the original article to see embedded media.

The comments section was filled with messages - and a few questions - from family, friends and followers.

"Can I be the professional snack bringer/videographer on these trips! Let me know if Coach is accepting applications! I miss traveling with Ais!!" one person said.

"I love the photographer guy running in hot knowing he’s about to miss a photo opp to make him some money.😆," joked another.

"If i were in traffic, id be thrilled to see this ngl," offered a third.

Alabama and BYU can be found on CBS.

Related: McNeese State Cheerleaders Turn Heads With Outfit Choice Amid Clemson Upset

The Secret Meaning of Jack's Shotgun in the 'Reacher' Season 3 Finale

In the Season 3 finale of Reacher, our hero Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) doles out his brand of hardcore justice, not just on his old enemy Quinn (Brian Tee) but also blasts anyone else who stands in his way. And, while there are a lot of different types of firearms available to Reacher, thanks to the illegal gun shipment central to the story, he doesn't choose an automatic weapon or anything fancy. Instead, in choosing his gun for the big showdown, Reacher opts for a slick shotgun. 

But this choice isn't random. In fact, Reacher picking that exact shotgun has a very specific meaning. Here's why Reacher's weapon of choice has a secret meaning. Spoilers ahead for Reacher Season 3, Episode 8, "Unfinished Business."

Related: How to Read the Jack Reacher Books in the Correct Order (Hint: It's Not What You Think)

Reacher's shotgun is an Easter egg for the original book upon which Season 3 is based, Lee Child's 2003 novel Persuader. And that's because the shotgun that Reacher decides to use is called a "Persuader."

The exact kind of gun is called a Mossberg 500 Persuader, which is a .410 shotgun. That means, as shotguns go, it's on the smaller side. On page 400 of the paperback version of the book, Reacher describes the gun like this:

"It was an M500 Persuader. It was the Cruiser model. No shoulder stock. Just a pistol grip...It was a nasty, brutal, close-up street weapon."

The name of the book obviously has multiple meanings, but just like in the show, Reacher gets his hands on a Persuader shotgun toward the end of the book. In the book, prior to that, he's using all sorts of different guns: Duffy's Glock, a pair of Colt Anacondas, and at one point, a Beretta. (Funnily enough, a Beretta was James Bond's original gun in the novels, before he switched to a Walther PPK in the novel version of Dr No.)

Reacher (Alan Ritchson) with his M500 Persuader in the Season 3 finale.

Amazon

In the show, Reacher uses just one shotgun in the final fight, though in the book he has two. This interestingly parallels the opening episode of the series, in which Reacher had just one Colt firing blanks, rather than two in the book.

In some ways, the gun action in Child’s books is more hardcore than in the series. But, in this Season 3 finale, Reacher had plenty of reasons to blow away some bad guys, including his final revenge on Quinn.

Why does Reacher choose this lightweight shotgun instead of an automatic? Other than being an old-fashioned guy, Reacher also wants something that will kill Quinn on the first shot, without anyone else getting hurt. Like he says in the book, it's a close-up gun. And, in the end, Reacher gets his vengeance on Quinn with the same weapon whose name inspired the entire story that’s just ended.

Reacher Season 3 streams on Amazon. Season 4 is expected in 2026. 

Related: Sonya Cassidy Talks 'Reacher' Girls, Says Jack Is 'A Very Lucky Man'

Professional Dating Coach Reveals Her 3 Texting Rules

A professional dating coach is here to help you with your texting game.

Texting can be one of the most difficult parts of an early relationship or dating pursuit. You don't want to text too much and come across as overeager or desperate. Of course, you don't want to text too little and possibly indicate a lack of interest.

Blaine Anderson, a professional dating coach who launched her own dating platform, has come up with three strong texting rules for her clients when they are early on in the dating or relationship process. 

The former University of Arizona student, who previously worked in the travel industry, launched Dating By Blaine a couple of years ago.

Blaine Anderson's texting rules.

Blaine Anderson.

Here are Anderson's three texting rules to live by right now.

1. Ditch the emojis

While emojis can be fun, Anderson believes they are too risky. They can make you come across as childish or immature or just downright weird.

"They can make you come across as immature and even less masculine," she says.

2. End on a high note

The conversation, especially early on, does not need to drag on forever. 

"When you feel the conversation reach its peak, end the conversation and leave her wanting more."

3. Never double text

Ah, the constant question for people in the dating world. Can you text someone twice in a row if they didn't respond to the first text? Anderson's answer: no.

"If she left you on read, it's a choice. She's not interested, so keep it moving."

That might be a tough pill to swallow for some, but it's true. If someone hasn't responded to your first text, it doesn't mean that they haven't seen it. It just means that they are not interested in responding. 

Never double text.

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