Men's Journal's Blog, page 20
August 14, 2025
Jeff Bezos' Mom, 78, Dead After Dementia Battle
Jeff Bezos and new wife Lauren Sanchez are mourning the loss of the Amazon CEO's mother, Jackie Bezos.
"Her adulthood started a little bit early when she became my mom at the tender age of 17. That couldn’t have been easy, but she made it all work," Jeff, 61, shared via Instagram on Wednesday, August 14. "She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity, brought my amazing dad onto the team a few years later, and then added my sister and brother to her list of people to love, guard, and nourish," he added of siblings Christina and Mark, and adopted father Mike. "
For the rest of her life, that list of people to love never stopped growing. She always gave so much more than she ever asked for."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jeff Bezos (@jeffbezos)
The Bezos Family Foundation shared an obituary for the mother of three, writing, "A quiet final chapter to a life that taught all of us, friends and family alike, the true meaning of grit and determination, kindness, and service to others."
The Bezos matriarch died peacefully in her Miami home on August 14 after a five-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. She was 78.
"Jackie’s life of service was second only to her passion for family and gathering. As a grandmother, Jackie found immense joy in watching her family grow," the statement continued. "She passed down not only traditions and stories, but also her values—kindness, resilience, and the importance of togetherness."
Jeff added, "I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever."
For her part, Sanchez commented, "We will miss her SO much. Love you."
Walmart Has a $700 Electric Longboard on Sale for Just $330
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Whether it’s street, vert, or Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, skateboarding is and always has been cool. It’s not, however, the best way to get around town, unless you like arriving at your destination tired and sweaty. So while you won’t be doing any kickflips or boardslides with an electric skateboard—like the one more than half off at Walmart right now—you will look cool and stay cool when you use it to get where you need to go.
A Hoteel 1200-Watt Electric Longboard is just $330 at Walmart right now, 53% off its normal $700 price tag. The blue model is already out of stock, but the yellow is still available (and it’s more grey and black anyway). In a category that can feel like the wild west with lots of untested products from anonymous brands, this skateboard has over 200 five-star ratings out of 238 total and reviews are calling it an “unbelievably awesome” pick for a “starter board” that “handles well,” "rolls smoothly,” and is “very durable and comfortable to ride.”
Hoteel 1200-Watt Electric Longboard, $330 (was $700) at Walmart
At 37.4 inches long, this nine-play maple wood deck qualifies as a longboard. That deck sits on top of durable 90-mm PU shock-absorbing wheels, a combination that can support up to 300 pounds. The board is powered by dual 600-watt brushless hub motors that power this skateboard to speeds of up to 25 mph and up slopes as steep as 25 degrees. The 4,000-mAh battery gives this thing a range of up to 12 miles, and it can charge in just three hours. The included remote control allows for easy speed control and movement between the four speed modes. This skateboard also has a UL 2272 certification for the electrical system of a personal e-mobility device, so you can be confident it’s safe.
One reviewer wrote that this board “is a uniquely designed high-quality long board” and “compared with other long boards on the market, the price is very affordable.” After comparing it to boards at similar price points, they found that “the quality and design of this longboard are better.”
“I use this board every day to go to college,” another shopper wrote. “I have used it on gravel parking lots, sand, rainwater, grass, and other campus ground obstacles, and it is always very effective.”
An electric skateboard is a novel way to get around town, and the Hoteel 1200-Watt Electric Skateboard is a powerful, easy-to-operate option that’s currently also quite inexpensive. One color has already sold out, so it’s not unlikely that, with a 53% discount, the remaining stock won’t last long. So if you’re interested in cruising around town without breaking a sweat, pick one of these boards up ASAP.
Europe Moving Forward With Major Change For Tourists
For decades, travelers have had their passports stamped at their various international stops. However, in the coming months and years, a physical stamp is going to become a thing of the past for many European countries.
Beginning this fall, 29 countries in the European Union are set to switch to a biometric and electronic border entry system, which means that passports will no longer be physically stamped.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to be rolled out gradually beginning on Oct. 10.
What is the Purpose of EES?According to the European Union website, the new system has multiple purposes.
Modernises border management across the European countries using the system; by electronically registering non-EU nationals’ entries and exits, or entry refusals;Makes border checks more efficient, gradually improving the experience for travellers;Effectively combats identity fraud by collecting biometric data;Improves security within the EU;Helps combat terrorism and serious organised crime by acting as an identity verification tool.The new system will allow for more precise information on each traveler, eliminate the need for passport stamping, and reduce wait time during border crossings.
When Does EES Go into Effect?According to the European Union website, the new system will be deployed gradually over the course of six months, inwhat the EU is calling a "progressive start."
"These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual," the EU website reads.
"This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system."
Amazon Is Selling a $90 Hydroponic Growing Kit for Only $56
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why We Love This DealIt’s the height of summer, and garden planters everywhere are filled with envy-inducing yields. And though it'll soon be time to start throwing garden scraps in the composter, that doesn't mean you need to give up growing altogether. This indoor hydroponics garden, which shoppers are raving about, was just marked down by 38% on Amazon.
LetPot LPH-Air Hydroponics Growing System Kit, $56 (was $90) on Amazon
The idea of fresh-picked herbs and farm-to-table food is incredibly alluring, but rarely acted upon. However, the LetPot LPH-Air acts as a countertop solution for easy herb delivery. One hand can stir the pot while the other picks fresh oregano, basil, and more, for the most intense of flavors. Plus, as hydroponic units let plants focus on growth over root development, so herbs and small fruits will develop quicker than expected, giving a constantly emerging supply of new, edible bits to munch on.
This kit comes with everything you need to install 10 seedlings (or germinate your own) and start growing, including nutrient mixes and full-spectrum lighting that meets plants’ needs. Largely plug and play, the LetPot LPH-Air has a water meter on the side to remind you to periodically refill the unit. Plus, there’s an app that will help guide you through the process, provide notes about your plants, program the lights, and more.
What Shoppers Should KnowSize: 15-by-5-by-7 inches.Plant Pod Sites: 10.Tank Size: 4 Liters.Materials: The LetPot base is made from BPA-free resin. Best Use Case: Small herbs and plants that stay under 17 inches.The LetPot has a small body under 4 pounds before filling. It holds 10 plant pods and up to 4 liters of water (enough for two to three weeks in a fully-filled unit) in its BPA-free body. The lights above the station are raisable to 17 inches, making this unit excellent for kitchen herbs and small fruiting plants.
What Shoppers Are Saying"I'm less than two weeks in and have healthy-looking sprouts for broccoli, parsley, basil, cilantro, and squash." "Setup took maybe 10 minutes, and everything felt intuitive and well-designed."“The system is sleek and modern, fitting nicely into my space."As can be expected, comparisons to the AeroGarden were everywhere in shopper reviews. “I bought the Aerogarden Harvest and the LetPot system, and planted the same seeds. This hydroponic system grew everything planted so quickly, while the Aerogarden harvest took double the time,” said one. Another added that it's “a fraction of the cost of the Aerogarden and all the supplies are compatible with both.”
The LetPot LPH-Air Hydroponics Growing System Kit is down to $56 for a limited time. Don’t let your garden envy go to waste.
Shop More Deals Like ThisAeroGarden Harvest Elite, $64 (was $120) on AmazonLYCereal Vertical Hydroponics Tower, $110 (was $149) on Amazon166-Piece Hydroponics Pod Kit, $17 (was $24) on AmazonChilling Video Shows Break-in at Austin Shelter That Left 1 Dog Dead
Austin animal shelter employees are mourning the loss of one of their beloved dogs after a nightmare break-in late at night on Aug. 13. The suspect released numerous dogs from their kennels, leading to multiple dog injuries and one heartbreaking death.
Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) said on Aug. 14 that all the dogs that went missing were recovered, but one of the dogs died. The suspect has not been identified as of the time of this article's publication.
Video Shows the Suspect Releasing Dogs from Their Kennels
Courtesy of Austin Pets Alive
The break-in occurred at the APA!'s Town Lake adoption center in Austin, Texas. According to APA!, the suspect damaged the keypad entry system in order to gain access to their facility. Once inside, they released most of the dogs from their kennels.
The incident happened around 1:20 a.m. on Aug. 14, KXAN reported. Austin Police responded around 5:19 a.m., KVUE reported.
Men's Journal reached out to APA!, who provided chilling footage from their security cameras showing the suspect calmly releasing the dogs one by one. The suspect goes from one kennel to the next, opening the doors and letting the dogs run free.
You can see the same moments in this video below from KXAN.
A longer surveillance video has also been released by APA! and shared by CBS Austin. In the video, you can see the suspect walking through the parking lot with two of the dogs following close behind. In another clip, the suspect can be seen walking through the parking lot and motioning. Later, it appears that one of the released dogs is wearing a cone.
The Missing Dogs Were Found Thanks to Alert Residents on Social Media
Courtesy of APA!
When staff responded to the incident, multiple dogs were still missing. Social media groups quickly sprang into action, posting photos and details about the missing dogs and relaying any information they heard about possible matches.
KVUE reported that, according to APA!, the suspect went to a bar with two of the missing dogs (later identified as Fish Stick Jones and Lynette). Two people at the bar convinced him to give the dogs to them, and they posted about the dogs on a local Austin Facebook group for missing pets.
Men's Journal located the posts on Facebook about the missing dogs, Fish Stick and Lynette. When the kind people who took in the dogs first posted about them, they didn't realize they were the dogs that APA! was looking for. They posted in a Facebook group that they were "with a houseless individual" and needed to find homes for the two pups.
Multiple people realized the dogs in the photos were the same dogs on APA!'s missing flyers.
The person who found the dogs later updated the post, writing, "I'm with APA now!"
APA! has since reported that all their missing dogs have been recovered.
According to APA!'s website, Fish Stick Jones is a Lab pup available for adoption, described as a "wiggly, tail-wagging bundle of joy."
None of the cats at APA! were harmed.
'The Dog That Passed Was Surrounded by People Who Loved Him'According to APA!, an on-site security officer tried to find and return the dogs, but could not locate all of them. The APA! staff was notified at about 6 a.m.
Several dogs got into an altercation after they were released, APA! reported, and at least five were injured. One of the dogs died.
Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President & CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, said in a statement:
This is an incredibly difficult morning for our team. The dog that passed was surrounded by people who loved him, and we will be honoring his life in a separate internal announcement. Right now, our priority is the safety of the remaining dogs ... and moving terrified dogs to foster homes as fast as we can where they can recover.
According to KXAN, the security guard on duty sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was later released from the hospital.
APA! wrote on their website that anyone who wants to help can "come in person or email foster@austinpetsalive.org. We'd love help with both the dogs directly affected that could use a quieter place than the shelter to recover, and also our other areas busy right now for staff so they can be given some space (like our kitties with ringworm at our Tarrytown location.)"
If you have any information on what happened, please call APA! at 512-663-8643.
August 13, 2025
Mr. Bevilacqua, Real-Life Gym Teacher Immortalized in 'Seinfeld' Episode, Dead at 85
Al Bevilacqua, the real-life coach and teacher who was name-dropped in season 6 of Seinfeld, has died. He was 85.
According to the New York Post, Bevilacqua died on Sunday. The cause of death is not known. But the name is forever synonymous with Seinfeld, after its creator and star, Jerry Seinfeld, name-dropped "Mr. Bevilacqua" in episode 10, season 6 of "The Race."
Bevilacqua was a longtime wrestling coach at Massapequa High School, where Seinfeld was among one of his students. Bevilacqua got the Seinfeld shout out despite the family telling The Post that he never watched the NBC hit series. Seinfeld fans, however, know the Bevilacqua name all too well from "The Race."
In the episode, Seinfeld reveals to Elaine Benes he got an illegal head start in a 9th grade race against his nemesis, Duncan Meyer. The race was officiated by the gym teacher, "Mr. Bevilacqua."
Years later, Seinfeld runs into Duncan, who always suspected Seinfeld cheated by taking off before "Mr. Bevilacqua" blew the whistle. After winning the race by a wide margin, Seinfeld refused to race again. He harped throughout the episode, "I choose not to run!" He eventually relents and agrees to a rematch, with "Mr. Bevilacqua" officiating the race.
But "Mr. Bevilacqua" never pulls the trigger on the starting pistol. Instead, Seinfeld, again, gets an illegal head start thanks to Kramer's car backfiring at the most inopportune moment, for Duncan, anyway.
In real life, Bevilacqua was Seinfeld's driver's ed teacher. The family told The Post that Bevilacqua thought of Seinfeld as "a nice kid."
When the episode first aired in 1994, one of Bevilacqua's sons, Kevin, recalled the moment he heard the family name on NBC.
“I was a contractor one time, I was in my bed with plans open, and Seinfeld on in the back, and I go, ‘Did they just say Bevilacqua?’" Kevin told The Post. "Then my phone just started ringing."
In real life, Bevilacqua was wrestling icon. He wrestled at NYU, where he was enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He went on to coach six Olympic champions in his career. He'd go on to coach wrestling at Hofstra University, and he was even a member of Team USA's wrestling coaching staff from 1983 to 1991. He also coached the U.S. teams at the Junior World Championships.
In 2022, Bevilacqua was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Related: 'Seinfeld' Star's Dad Sent Long, 'Disappointed' Letter After First Episode
Among Bevilacqua's wrestlers was none other than Born on the Fourth of July author Ron Kovic, whose 1976 memoir was adapted into the 1989 anti-war drama directed by Oliver Stone and starring Tom Cruise, Kyra Sedgwick, Raymond J. Berry, Jerry Levine, Frank Whaley and Williem Dafoe.
According to The Post, Stone and Cruise paid Bevilacqua's home a visit to do research for Born on the Fourth of July.
Bevilacqua is survived by his two sisters, six children, 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Caitlin Clark’s Priceless Response to Taylor Swift's ‘New Heights’ Livestream Crashing
For at least one night, Caitlin Clark wasn’t the face of the WNBA; she was in full Swiftie mode. The reigning WNBA rookie of the year was tuned in to watch Taylor Swift’s debut appearance on a podcast. Obviously, since the podcast was Travis Kelce and his brother Jason’s New Heights, it’s not all that surprising.
Even less surprising was the fact that Swift's impressive fanbase showed up in full force, with 1.3 million people tuned into the livestream at one. Roughly an hour and 45 minutes into the in-depth conversation featuring the Kelce brothers and Swift, though, the stream went dark.
The New Heights X account posted they had "hit a glitch but will be back shortly." Not long after came their great response to the situation.
Caitlin Clark Can See the Future, Had a Perfect Reaction to Taylor Swift's 'New Heights' Episode CrashingShoutout all the 92%ers and swifties for actually helping us break the internet https://t.co/5cLK4skkjp
— New Heights (@newheightshow) August 14, 2025
While the Swifties and followers of the New Heights podcast may have brought such a crowd that it caused a bit of a technical error, Clark impressively made that prediction earlier in the day on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
"Are we sure YouTube isn’t going to crash tonight?" Clark joked.
In perfect fashion, after the livestream went down, Clark then quote-tweeted her initial prediction while giving a tip of the cap to fellow Swifties.
"Swifties so powerful we broke the internet," Clark said.
Swifties so powerful we broke the internet. https://t.co/dIaL1YorLb
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) August 14, 2025
So once again, here's the proof that Clark was just another Swiftie on Wednesday night and surely loved the detailed conversation with Swift about everything from her new album, Swift and Kelce's relationship, football and much more.
Even Jason Kelce Couldn't Believe the Turnout for Taylor Swift's 'New Heights' EpisodeWhile it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that Swift's fans poured in to watch her podcast debut, the incredible turnout did leave Jason Kelce in a bit of shock.
The former Philadelphia Eagles seven-time Pro-Bowler posted on X during the show, admitting his own shock before the number of viewers even hit one million.
"Oh my God, there's already 976k watching this live, what in the actual f---," Kelce posted.
Roughly 19 minutes later, Kelce posted again, quote-tweeting his original message, stating "1.2M" with three exploding-head emojis.
Jason had one more viewer update when the number hit 1.3 million.
I mean this video being 1.3 million views is the epitome of numerology
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) August 14, 2025
Although Kelce had to expect a big turnout, it apparently even exceeded his own expectations for Swift's episode of the podcast. Not surprisingly, for one of the most beloved podcasts, featuring a guest who's one of the world's most popular names, Wednesday's New Heights episode didn't disappoint.
Related: Travis Kelce Gives 5-Word Response to Jelly Roll's Comments on Taylor Swift
Travis Kelce Has 1 Word to Describe New Taylor Swift Album
On Tuesday morning at 12:12 a.m., pop superstar Taylor Swift officially announced her new album, The Life of a Showgirl. While most of the world will have to wait about two months before hearing the songs on the album, there is at least one person who got to hear all of the songs, and he's a pretty big fan.
On Wednesday evening, Taylor Swift joined her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, on his New Heights podcast with his older brother Jason to discuss her new album, among other things.
While Taylor obviously had a lot to say about the upcoming album, Travis did, too.
During the interview, Taylor revealed that she worked on the new album with iconic record producer and songwriter Max Martin, who has worked with Taylor extensively on albums like Red, 1989, and Reputation – some of her more pop-forward albums.
Previously, Martin has written and produced for artists like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Pink, Katy Perry, Usher, Kesha, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Selena Gomez, The Weeknd, and more.
Taylor is also working with Shellback, a Swedish record producer with whom she has worked before, alongside Martin. Shellback has worked with Adam Lambert, Britney Spears, Usher, Avril Lavigne, Ariana Grande, Adele, and Maroon 5.
Needless to say, it's pretty clear that the upcoming album will be much more pop-forward than her previous album. And it sounds like Kelce approves.
Kelce had one to describe the songs on the upcoming album: "Bangers."
Throughout their conversation on the podcast, Kelce repeatedly used the word "bangers" to describe the songs on the album, describing it as more fun and upbeat than her previous album, The Tortured Poets Department, which she released last year.
"It's so much fun," Kelce said of the upcoming album. "Obviously, I've been fortunate enough to hear every single song on here, so I know they're all 12 bangers."
Earlier in the podcast, Kelce made it clear that it's an album you can't help but dance to.
"It's a lot more upbeat and it's a lot more like, fun pop – like, excitement," he continued. "I think it's a complete 180 from a lot of songs on tortured poets."
Taylor concurred with this assessment from her boyfriend.
"Oh, yeah," Taylor said. "Life is a lot more upbeat."
Everyone will obviously have to wait before hearing any of the songs. But based on the early reviews from Kelce, it sounds like fans should be excited.
Sam's Club Shoppers are Stocking Their Cart with This On-Sale Chef-Crafted Protein Bar That Tastes Like a 'Guiltless Candy Bar'
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Dozens of protein bars are lining the shelves at membership warehouses, and the selection continues to grow. Consumers seem to be seeking a bar that’s tasty, high in protein, low in sugar and budget-friendly. That’s why we love to see a sale on one of our favorites.
At Sam’s Club, Chef Robert Irvine’s FITCRUNCH High-Protein Baked Bars in an 18-count variety pack are on sale for $15.98, $4 off the original price of $19.98. The box comes with a mix of Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavors.
Each bar has 16-grams of protein and only 3-grams of sugar. The protein is sourced from whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate as well as soy protein isolate.

Given these bars are crafted by a celebrity chef, we expect them to taste great, and they do. Each bar has a unique combination of soft and crunchy layers. The Chocolate Peanut Butter starts with a soft baked cookie bar, is layered with peanut butter, crunchy roasted peanuts, a peanut buttery coating with protein crisps, a chocolate top coating, finished with a peanut butter drizzle. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough also starts with a soft baked cookie bar, layered with cream, chocolate chips, a chocolatey coating with protein crisps, another layer of chocolate and drizzled with more chocolate.
An 18-pack of FITCRUNCH High-Protein Baked Bars Are $15.98 At Sam's ClubPer the packaging, the sale of each box helps support the Robert Irvine Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that raises money for people serving in the military, veterans, first responders and their families.
FITCRUNCH bars have a cult following and rave reviews on Sam’s Club’s website. “My husband and I both love to keep these on hand for days when we're running around and might not get the chance to stop for something to eat. With us both being diabetics, it's important to keep the sugar low and the protein high. These are perfect to tide us over until our next meal”, exclaimed one fan.
Featured Story: This 'Clean' Protein Powder That Shoppers Say 'Blends Well' and ‘Stands Apart From the Competition’ Is On-Sale Right Now at Costco
“My new fave candy bar (wait, this is a protein bar)”, said one person. “These are some of the best protein bars I've had. They are smooth, creamy and rich tasting. They aren't dry and don't have too many nuts! I will buy these again!”, stated another person.
We’ve tried these protein bars and have to say, they’re delicious. We’ll be stocking up on a few boxes at Sam’s Club while they’re on sale.
Up Next:
Coach's 'Super High Quality' Leather Crossbody Bag Is Now 70% Off, and It's 'Perfect for Travel'
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
It may surprise you to learn that the leather goods company Coach got started making high-quality leather wallets for men in the 1940s, and the label continues to craft some of the best luxury leather goods in fashion. Coach’s selection can be a little pricey, though, so it’s always nice when something like this leather sling bag goes on sale for 70% off.
The Coach Track Pack retails for $398, but thanks to this sale over at Coach Outlet, you can grab it for just $119 in black and tan Signature Canvas. Track Pack owners say it’s a “great bag for all occasions” and “perfect for vacation.”
Coach Track Pack, $119 (was $398) at Coach
The Track Pack is made using Coach’s signature coated canvas and smooth calf leather, and lined with soft fabric on the inside. Storage-wise, it has a spacious main compartment with a small zippered pocket on the inside that can easily fit your everyday essentials, and a buckled pocket on the outside big enough to fit an iPad. The 42-inch adjustable strap ties everything together, with clips on the bottom left and right of the bag for a custom fit.
The quality is felt immediately, with shoppers saying, “Very stylish, and the material is nice and thick. Gives me a sense of security that the material is not flimsy.” A second reviewer wrote, “This is the perfect bag for work, travel, and any outdoor event if you like being hands-free. I love the fact that it has plenty of space inside the bag, and it has that latch outside the bag for more space.”
It’s really convenient for day-to-day use and travelling as well: “Bag for everything. Durable, good design, and comfortable. Best option.” Another shopper wrote, “Great purchase! Was looking for something this size and it was perfect for the items to carry around for my trip!” A third shopper commented that it’s the perfect “dad-bag”, saying, “Great quality “dad-bag” / cross body bag that securely holds all the items I need as a father. Not too small, not too large. Fits good, but wish the crossbody strap had the ability to get a little larger. The leather and zippers are super high quality, and the bag isn’t too flashy, yet it is still stylish.”
It’s challenging to find quality designer goods for a price this impressive, which is why the Coach Track Pack is undoubtedly a steal for just $119— just be sure to grab one before they run out.
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