Men's Journal's Blog, page 17
August 17, 2025
Quentin Tarantino Shockingly Claims This Is the ‘Ultimate Quentin Movie’
Quentin Tarantino isn't shy about ranking his own films and claims Kill Bill is "the ultimate Quentin movie."
"Nobody else could’ve made it," Tarantino, 62, said of the 2003 film starring Uma Thurman. "Every aspect about it is so particularly ripped, like with tentacles and bloody tissue, from my imagination and my id and my loves and my passion and my obsession. So I think Kill Bill is the movie I was born to make."
While Kill Bill is his "ultimate" film, the Academy Award winner added that Inglourious Basterds is his "masterpiece," and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is his "favorite."
“I think Inglourious Basterds is my best script, and I think Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time In Hollywood are right behind,” he explained during a recent appearance on the “The Church of Tarantino” podcast. “But, there’s an aspect of Hateful Eight that I actually think is probably my best directing of my material, i.e., the material is written and it’s solid. So it’s not like I have to create it, like Kill Bill, it’s solid, it’s right there and I actually think it’s my best servicing [of] my material as a director.”
Tarantino has been vocal about his desire to retire after directing his 10th film, saying during a 2021 interview on the "Pure Cinema" podcast, "Most directors have horrible last movies. Usually, their worst movies are their last movies."
"So, to actually end your career on a decent movie is rare. To end it with, like, a good movie is kind of phenomenal," he added. While his final film was set to be The Movie Critic.
"I wasn’t really excited about dramatizing what I wrote when I was in pre-production, partly because I’m using the skillset that I learned from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," he said, revealing that the project had been scrapped.
His final film remains unknown.
Disappointing Rickie Fowler News Announced After BMW Championship
On Saturday, Aug. 16 Rickie Fowler sat projected No. 32 in the FedEx Cup Playoff standings - just two shots outside the necessary threshold to make the Tour Championship.
“Did what I needed to do today,” Fowler said after carding a 3-under, 67 to sit at 6-under for the tournament. “Yeah, excited for tomorrow. Know what we need to do and see if we can go get it done… In a way, I'd much rather be on the outside looking in. I know what I need to go do, versus maybe being inside trying to protect type of thing.”
Fowler began the weekend at No. 48 and well outside the top 30, but with another solid round on Sunday he'd make the Tour Championship. With just five holes left to play the fan-favorite looked well on his way to clinching a spot in the final playoff event...until disaster struck.
Fowler Shoots Hit Way out of the Playoff FinaleThe star golfer carded a bogey on No. 14, but still sat at 9-under and inside the top 30 which would have seen him play in the Tour Championship. However, he made double-bogey on No. 15 despite hitting his drive in the fairway and made par the rest of the way home to finish at 7-under.
"It's hard to look back on 15 and say I did a whole lot wrong. I hit one down the middle and thought I flagged an iron shot. Just went a long ways," Fowler said after the round. The disappointing finish left Fowler at No. 32 in the standings, meaning he won't be teeing it up at the Tour Championship next weekend.
Fowler Sends Message to FansStill trying to find the words.
— Rickie Fowler Tracker (@Rickie_Tracker) August 17, 2025
It doesn’t get more heartbreaking than that.
+3 in his last 6 holes. A bogey and a double from the middle of the fairway.
That’s how the season ends. pic.twitter.com/ixNYGqqP71
Following the disappointing finish, Fowler sent a heartfelt message to his fans.
"Heading home...It's been a fun run the last few months. We left it all out there and bummer to come up a little short of the top 30. Thanks to my team and especially all my fans...coming back stronger!!" he said in a message posted to his Instagram story.
Related: Rickie Fowler, Wife Got Honest About Their Relationship
Stephen Colbert Isn’t Going ‘Away’ After Cancellation, Conan O’Brien Says
Conan O'Brien sees big things in Stephen Colbert's future, despite his talk show being cancelled.
"Stephen is going to evolve and shine brighter than ever in a new format that he controls completely," O'Brien, 62, said during his acceptance speech into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. "There’s a lot of fear about the future of television, and rightfully so. The life we’ve all known for almost 80 years is undergoing seismic change."
He added, "This might just be my nature. I choose not to mourn what is lost, because I think in the most essential way, what we have is not changing at all."
According to the former talk show host, "if the stories are good, if the performances are honest and inspired, if the people making it are brave and of goodwill," audiences will engage.
"It’s all electrifying a new generation of viewers," he added of streamers. "Yes, late-night television, as we have known it since around 1950, is going to disappear. But those voices are not going anywhere. People like Stephen Colbert are too talented and too essential to go away."
Colbert, 61, revealed last month that CBS was pulling the plug on his long-running late-night talk show.
“It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS," he told viewers. "I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away. And I do want to say ... that the folks at CBS have been great partners. I'm so grateful to the Tiffany Network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home. And of course I'm grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night."
The Late Show host confirmed that the iconic series, which first premiered with host David Letterman, will come to an end in May 2026.
Target Shoppers Say This ‘Exceptional’ Coffee Grinder Is Top Value
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Coffee drinkers appreciate that freshly ground coffee beans offer a more robust flavored beverage. Target shoppers recommend this coffee grinder. With multiple uses, this kitchen gadget will be put to good use.
Kitchen gadgets are designed to make cooks’ tasks easier. From multi-functional cutting boards to smart pantry storage, shoppers are always looking for that efficient, cost-effective item.
The Hamilton Beach Coffee Grinder is one of those items. Currently on sale for $15.99, Target shoppers appreciate its versatility. While the product makes quick work of grinding coffee beans, it has other uses, too.
According to the specifications, the kitchen gadget will grind enough beans to make 12 cups of coffee. The grinding bowl is dishwasher safe. Additionally, the removable bowl makes it easy to fill and pour.
Hamilton Beach Coffee GrinderTarget
The press and grind design is simple to use. With stainless steel blades, the sharp edges make quick work of coffee beans, spices and herbs.
Reviewers shared their opinions of this coffee grinder. One person had high praise and said, “I am totally impressed with the features especially the removable grinding bowl and the fact it didn’t cost an arm and leg.” Cost is a purchase driver for kitchen gadgets. Since shoppers appreciate value combined with multi-functional design.
Related: Multimillionaire Has Blunt Message for People Who Spend $7 per Day on Coffee
While many people praise how smoothly it grinds coffee beans, other reviewers shared alternative uses. For example, one person said, “This coffee grinder is great for grinding dried ghost peppers and Jalapeños for my spice jar.” Another person said, “Great for dry grinds in small quantities curry powder!”
Using a coffee grinder for spices, herbs and other small ingredients can be quite useful. Freshly ground spices are more flavorful. For example, it is a simple way to create a personalized spice blend. Additionally, larger kitchen appliances can be too cumbersome to use for small quantities.
If this grinder is used for various types of food, it is essential to clean it well. No one wants curry spices mixed into their morning coffee. A few users warned people of the sharp blades. Everyone should take care when using and cleaning the kitchen tool.
For anyone who is considering a coffee grinder, this Hamilton Beach option at Target is a smart buy. After just a few uses, cooks appreciate its value.
Related: Target's New Mini Coffee Maker Is a 'Great Option' for Dorm Room Living
Bob Odenkirk Candidly Speaks Out on Possibility of ‘Better Call Saul’ Revival
Actor and comedian Bob Odenkirk has been on a blistering run ever since making his debut as Saul Goodman in Season 2 of Breaking Bad back in 2009.
The 62-year-old Odenkirk would ultimately take that same character into a starring role in the popular show's prequel series, Better Call Saul, that ran for six seasons and earned high praise from both critics and fans alike.
While making the media rounds for the release of his latest film, Nobody 2, Odenkirk found himself discussing the potential for some kind of Better Call Saul revival.
Would Odernkirk Be Willing to Reprise His Starring Role on 'Better Call Saul'?Whether or not there's more story to tell from Better Call Saul co-creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, isn't exactly clear.
However, what's entirely clear is that Odenkirk would absolutely be onboard should such an opportunity present itself.
Bob Odenkirk at the "Nobody 2" Vacation Event held at Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles. "That part [Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill] turned my life around, and I've given more to that part than anything I've done," said Odenkirk. "Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould created that show. They are some of the best writers who ever worked in TV. So if they were to think of something in that world, of course I would do it."
Odenkirk's open willingness to reprise the iconic role despite having since moved on to great success in movies with his breakout action pivot in Nobody (2021), along with its sequel that just released on Aug. 15, has to serve as music to the ears of Better Call Saul fans.
Odenkirk Offers Blunt Opinion on Backdrop 'Better Call Saul' RevivalThe series finale of Better Call Saul left us with the beloved character being sentenced to 86 years in prison.
With that rather significant roadblock in the way, at least from Odenkirk's perspective, the prospect of reviving the series would have its limitations:
"He's [Saul] not getting out [of prison]. If there's another Saul show, it takes place inside prison."
While that's a completely fair statement, given the way the seedy character of Goodman/McGill almost always found his way out of next to impossible situations—paired with the endless creativity of Gilligan and Gould—one would have to assume they could collectively find an ingenious way to get Saul out of prison and back in action.
Speaking of Gilligan and Gould, the 62-year-old actor also added that "they've moved on to some more amazing projects that you'll soon see."
But, who knows, it's possible that learning of Odenkirk's blunt devotion to playing the unmistakeable character could be enough to get that Better Call Saul engine started again.
Odenkirk earned six Emmy nominations during his six-season run as Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, but never won the award.
Related: Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, Reveals How Old He Actually Feels
August 16, 2025
Andrew Huberman Reveals 1 Science-Backed Trick for Long-Lasting Focus and Motivation
Everyone has their own unique approach to starting off the day. Whether it's a cup of coffee that jumpstarts your engine or eating a healthy breakfast, some ways surely work better than others. The same stands true for getting over the always dreaded afternoon lull to push through the second half of the day. Both of these are areas where many seek ways to improve motivation and focus.
Fortunately, neuroscientist and host of the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman, detailed one specific approach that's science-backed and has shown the ability to significantly increase dopamine levels. Best of all? It's effectively free, as long as you have a way to utilize some very cold water.
Andrew Huberman Explains the Significant Impact Cold Exposure Has on Dopamine Levels
A member of the "Submergents" group comes out of the water after taking the plunge in a "pool" carved from the ice at Lake Harriet.Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images
If you're a fan of YouTube shorts or TikTok, you may have come across various videos of people taking part in cold exposure approaches in a large ice bath or any cold water. There are several reasons for this; however, one is the impact it has on dopamine levels.
Not only does the impact from cold exposure help increase dopamine levels, but it can help maintain them for long periods as well, which Huberman detailed.
"There are activities that we can do that will give us healthy, sustained increases in dopamine," Huberman explained. "Both the peaks when they happen, and to maintain or even increase our baseline levels of dopamine."
"In recent years, there's been a trend toward more people doing so-called cold exposure. In part, this was popularized by Wim Hof, the so-called 'Iceman.' Getting into cold showers, taking ice baths, exposing oneself to cold water of various kinds, can, in fact, increase our levels of dopamine."
How Much of an Impact Can Cold Exposure Have on Dopamine Levels, Motivation & Focus?After highlighting a study that detailed the increase in dopamine can be upwards of 2.5 times above baseline due to cold exposure, Huberman explained just how significant that is.
"The increase in dopamine from a cold water exposure of this kind was comparable to what one sees from cocaine," Huberman surprisingly explained. "Except in this case, it wasn't a rise and crash. It was actually a sustained rise in dopamine that took a very long time, up to three hours, to come back down to baseline, which is really remarkable."
Jared Romero, left, takes part in a Finnish-style cold plunge during the Outside Festival at Civic Center Park.Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Huberman added that this is a highlight of the positives that people who use this approach detail from both a mental and physical standpoint. He also revealed that most people report feeling calmer and focused after getting out of the cold water.
"This does appear to raise the baseline of dopamine for substantial periods of time. And most people report feeling a heightened level of calm and focus after getting out of cold water," Huberman added.
It's worth noting that while the cold water exposure approach can be extremely beneficial, Huberman highlights the need for people to find the right level for their body and avoid overexposure. He also addresses the need to remain in for shorter periods initially to avoid overdoing it and risking hypothermia.
Before doing any cold plunge or cold exposure, be sure to do your research and find the safest and most effective approaches that work for you. There is also additional information in the video above and guidance/tips regarding cold exposure.
Related: How to Help Yourself Fall Asleep Faster: Andrew Huberman's 1 Key Tip to Sleep Better
Hurricane Erin Spaghetti Models & Live Tracker: Where Will the Storm Hit?
Early on Aug. 17, Hurricane Erin's outer rainbands were "producing gusty winds and heavy rains across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico," according to the National Hurricane Center.
Where will the hurricane hit? Will it hit the U.S.? Spaghetti models and other trackers and forecasts give a sense of the hurricane's predicted path. According to Newsweek, recent spaghetti models show that the storm is "unlikely" to directly strike the East Coast of the U.S. That's a change from earlier models that showed it might hit Florida, Newsweek noted.
ABC News concurred, writing, "The majority of meteorological modeling continues to keep Erin well off the East Coast of the U.S. by hundreds of miles." However, hurricanes can shift, so nothing is certain. ABC published a spaghetti model showing the near miss, however.
Cyclocane also has a page of spaghetti models that show Erin tracking just off of the coast. See a live tracker for Hurricane Erin here.
Dangerous Riptides From Hurricane Erin Are Expected to Hit the U.S. East CoastThe National Hurricane Center is warning of dangerous rip tides on the U.S. eastern seaboard. ABC News says that could hit between Aug. 20 and 27.
The Outer Banks and "other parts of North Carolina could see waves of 8 to 12 feet," ABC News reported, with parts of South Carolina and Virginia possibly "seeing waves reaching 6 feet next week."
Latest early morning spaghetti models on Hurricane Erin. pic.twitter.com/oRcaNlnlTk
— PC Weather Boy (@PC_WeatherBoy) August 16, 2025
A tropical storm watch was in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands at 2 a.m. on Aug. 17. You can see updated forecast information for Hurricane Erin on the National Hurricane Center's page for the storm.
A map shows the areas of the United States' East Coast in peril for rip tides. Other maps show the arrival time of tropical-storm-force winds. Other maps show wind-speed probabilities. A cone map shows the storm's path.
The site Spaghetti Models.com also has a page with spaghetti models showing Hurricane Erin's path.
National Hurricane Center
At 2 a.m., the storm was moving west-northwest near 14 miles per hour. The motion with a "decrease in forward speed" was expected to continue throughout the day, with the hurricane turning "to the north" on Monday Aug. 18 and Tuesday Aug. 19. That's according to the National Hurricane Center.
The core of Erin "is expected to pass to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas" on the evening of Aug. 17 and into Aug. 18, the center wrote.
The hurricane was listed as a category 3 but was expected to fluctuate in intensity, the National Hurricane Center wrote.
Fresh Saturday 12z spaghetti models on Major Hurricane Erin on https://t.co/3cvwpvVJ22. Still confidence on that curve back N/NE, splitting the eastern US and Bermuda gap. Recent satellite showing some SW bumps but overall steering currents ahead favor these tracks. New NHC track… pic.twitter.com/aAMvmJccyz
— Mike's Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) August 16, 2025
Swells from the hurricane are expected to spread to the East Coast of the U.S. and "Atlantic Canada" by the "early and middle portions of the week." The swells "will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip currents," the site noted.
"Despite being hundreds of miles offshore, Erin will likely bring dangerous rough surf, deadly rip currents, and possible erosion issues to beaches along the East Coast. The Outer Banks and Atlantic Canada could see some of the roughest beach conditions next week," AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said in an advisory obtained by Newsweek.
Related: Milwaukee Flooding & Weather: Aug. 10 Forecast Shows 'Dangerous' Torrential Downpours
James Gunn Says 'Superman' Sequel to Be Filmed ‘Much Sooner Rather Than Later’
Superman director James Gunn doesn’t have a pause or stop button when it comes to his work with DC Studios. After Superman’s tremendous run at the box office, his switch is flipped over to the upcoming series Peacemaker, along with multiple movies on the horizon that are reportedly already moving forward.
Yet, amid all the heavy lifting of getting everything rolling forward, his latest update highlights the plan for the 2025 film starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult.
James Gunn Says the 'Superman' Sequel Will Come 'Much Sooner Rather Than Later'While it'll still likely be a good while until the sequel to this summer's biggest DC hit in years, there is good news for Superman fans. While speaking with Collider, Gunn revealed that he anticipates the sequel will come "much sooner rather than later.
James Gunn attends the 'Superman' Fan Event in London's Leicester Square.Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Warner Bros
“We’re scheduling it now. I’m totally done with the treatment," Gunn said. "My treatments are incredibly intense. They’re not regular treatments. They’re 60-page treatments with dialogue and everything. And so, now I’m just turning that into a script. We’re planning out when we’re going to shoot that. It’s going to be much sooner rather than later.”
He continued by describing what he calls the "Superman Saga," as Gunn told Collider, and the timeline for that appears to be a quick one.
“I’ve already finished the treatment for the next story in what I’ll call the ‘Superman Saga’. The treatment is done, which means a very, very worked out treatment. I’m working on that and hopefully going into production on that not too far away from today," Gunn added.
It's an eye-opening timeline for Gunn and the next addition to the Superman series, but after seeing his approach to the new DCU as a whole, it can't be considered all that surprising. He's moving things forward at a rapid rate, and fans of the many popular DC characters should have a lot to look forward to.
'Superman' Makes Strong Box Office Run With Impressive Reviews
Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, David Corenswet at the 'Superman' World Premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre.River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images
While Superman brought a renewed sense of excitement to DC fans, it also pulled in strong numbers at the box office. As ScreenRant highlighted, it surpassed two of the other most popular recent films from DC Studios in terms of domestic earnings, 2018's Aquaman and 2019's Joker.
Superman currently sits with a cumulative domestic total of $335.6 million, meaning that only four DC movies have outperformed it at the box office in the United States currently. That list includes The Batman (2022), Wonder Woman (2017), The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and The Dark Knight (2008).
Along with its strong box office pull, Superman continues to earn impressive reviews from critics and fans alike. It holds an 83 percent rating based on 479 critics' reviews and a 91 percent score on more than 25,000 verified fan reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Related: James Gunn Won’t Let Anyone See 'Peacemaker' Season 2's Ending. Here's Why
American Airlines Called Out After Embarrassing Mistake
It's not uncommon for an airline to promote international flights with photos or iconic imagery from the destination, like the Eiffel Tower for a flight to Paris, the Colosseum for a flight to Rome. However, some basic fact-checking should probably be done first.
This week, American Airlines used some beautiful imagery of a castle to promote its new flight to Prague in the Czech Republic.
The only problem is that the castle the airline used in its advertising is actually located nowhere near Prague.
American Airlines Launches New Flight to PragueEarlier this month, American Airlines officially announced a new flight from Philadelphia to Prague, along with a new flight to Budapest, Hungary.
“Customers continue to tell us that Europe is where they want to go each summer and these new routes make it even easier to cross the Atlantic in 2026," American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning said in a statement earlier this month. “We are excited to grow our network to new destinations like Prague and Budapest and offer even more premium travel experiences on our flights to Tokyo.”
The new flight will begin in May of 2026, but the airline has already begun advertising the new flight.
American Airlines Begins Advertising Prague FlightsAfter American Airlines announced the new flight to Prague, it immediately began advertising the route across multiple channels, including a full database e-mail blast, which was captured in a screenshot by Gary Leff of View From the Wing.
"Vacation in Prague: Wander through Prague’s timeless beauty with castles, cafés and cobblestone streets," the advertisement reads.
Those words accompanied a photograph of Český Krumlov Castle, which is undeniably beautiful. However, it isn't in Prague, as the language suggests.
In fact, it isn't even particularly close to Prague.
An Embarrassing MistakeAs Leff pointed out, the castle is actually located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.
"American’s marketing of 'Prague’s timeless beauty' and Prague’s 'castles and cobblestone streets' do not show either. Instead, that’s Český Krumlov Castle complex overlooking the Vltava River, with the town’s historic center and signature red-tiled rooftops," Leff wrote for View From the Wing.
Further, Leff pointed out that the ad makes even less sense, considering Prague isn't even the closest or most convenient airport to the castle, and American already operated a flight to a city that is just as close to the castle as Prague.
"Prague isn’t even the closest airport to Český Krumlov, since Linz (with good air connections via Frankfurt, train from Vienna, and plenty of low cost carrier service especially seasonally) is much closer. (Salzburg is just as straightforward a journey though it’s a few kilometers farther away. Munich is about half an hour farther away – American already offered equally convenient service to Český Krumlov!)," Leff wrote.
More than that, there is a castle in Prague that would have made much more sense for American Airlines to use in its marketing.
"If American wanted an image of a castle for their Prague service, then maybe use… Prague Castle? That’s the most the most significant Czech monument. It’s one of the city’s main landmarks, visible from much of central Prague, and the office of the President of the Czech Republic. And it’s actually in Prague!" Leff wrote.
Clearly, Southwest should have verified the location of the castle in the marketing before rolling it out.
This Best-Selling Keto Cereal Is On-Sale at Costco Right Now—But Not For Long
Shoppers are seeking higher in protein, lower in sugar options across the board. Whether that’s in the snack aisle, the beverage section or on the cereal shelves, there are nutritious options popping up left and right.
A fan favorite that’s been adorning the aisles for awhile, Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast Cereal, is available at Costco in a 24-ounce bag, and it’s on sale. It generally retails for $13.99, and with $3.90 off, its current price is $10.09.
This keto-friendly, higher in protein and fiber cereal is made with a special blend of flour. Its main ingredients include pea protein, potato, corn and chicory root fiber, cinnamon, stevia and monk fruit extract for sweetness and sea salt.
Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast Cereal Costco Drops Price Of Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast CerealEach 1/2-cup serving has 9-grams of fiber, 0-grams of sugar and 11-grams of protein. The founder of Catalina Crunch, who also makes snack mixes, cookies and chocolate, was on a mission to create foods that met the needs of individuals who have a need and desire for better-for-you snacks, cereals and treats.
Featured Story: Shoppers Say Costco's 'Lightweight' and 'Easy to Clean' 3-Piece Sheet Pan Set Is Great For 'BBQ Prep'
According to reviews on Instacart, consumers love Catalina Crunch. “Definitely the best healthy cereal I've had”, said one commenter. “Definitely the best healthy cereal I've had. “I recently tried this healthier alternative, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations! The taste is well-balanced, and the texture is incredibly satisfying. The packaging keeps it fresh and is convenient for on-the-go”, said another person. “Great option for managing blood sugars”, exclaimed another.
If you regularly stock up on this cinnamon toast cereal or if you’re interested in trying it out, now is the time to give it a try. The sale ends soon.
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