Men's Journal's Blog, page 28

United Airlines 'Resolved' Tech Issue That Grounded All Flights

United Airlines is working to get passengers back in the air after temporarily grounding all U.S. flights due to a technical issue. 

"We are working with customers to get them to their destinations after a technology disruption on Wednesday evening," the airline announced hours after issuing a ground stop. "The underlying technology issue has been resolved, and, while we expect residual delays, our team is working to restore our normal operations."

United was forced to halt all flights from taking off on Wednesday evening due to an issue with their weight and balance computer system. 

"Due to a technology issue, we are holding United mainline flights at their departure airports," United said in a statement. "We expect additional flight delays this evening as we work through this issue. Safety is our top priority, and we'll work with our customers to get them to their destinations."

While the airline claimed flights already in the air at the time of disruption would not be affected, many passengers were "stranded" on tarmacs across the country. 

"You have to let people off planes soon. This is unbearable," one frustrated traveler wrote via X. "Sitting on the runway for almost 2.5 hours now at [O'hare] with two kids under 5 waiting for a gate. Get them off the plane, please," another chimed in.

Passengers from Denver, Houston, Washington DC, and Chicago shared similar stories.

"Due to a technology outage, we are temporarily holding some United flights at their departure airports to manage gate availability at destination airports," the airline responded to multiple passengers who aired their grievances on social media. "This may result in delays throughout the evening as we work to resolve the situation. Our teams are focused on restoring normal operations as quickly as possible while maintaining safety as our highest priority. We apologize for the inconvenience."

This College Student-Favorite Mini Fridge Is on Sale for $154 at Walmart, and It Comes With a Freezer

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 Deal

Parents and students going off to new dorms and apartments are looking for safe bets in addition to fair prices in the wake of mini fridge recalls. If there's an answer among all the great deals for students that come out ahead of the fall semester, it might be this mini fridge and freezer combo that Walmart is offering at 36% off.

The Galanz 3.1 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge with Freezer is now just $154, and perfect for compact spaces. This item will sell out quickly once everybody finds out about it, so get yours soon.

Galanz 3.1 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge with Freezer, $154 (was $239) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

[image error] Why Do Shoppers Love It?

The typical dorm fridge is just that, a mere fridge. Galanz offers this model as a prime example of how a mini fridge should be designed: With a freezer. The fridge portion offers storage for 2-liter bottles, cans, fruits, and more, while the freezer component gives room for ice cream, microwave meals, and other essentials.

This fridge/freezer’s interior is lined with an easy-to-clean plastic and simple wireframe holders that keep cans, bottles, and cartons secure even in the doorway. That friend who opens or slams the dorm’s fridge won’t leave an extreme mess when they leave.

Related: Urban Outfitters Is Selling Saucony's $100 Y2K-Era Running Shoes for Just $49 During Its Massive Sale

What Shoppers Should KnowFridge Dimensions: Measures 19.13" W x 21.10" D x 32.80" H.Capacity: The Galanz has a total capacity of 3.1 cubic feet.Color Options: The most appealing is the stainless steel appearance, but there’s a black option as well for the same price.Other Notables: This fridge/freezer is Energy Star rated.

The Galanz fridge/freezer sits in an approximately 19-by-21 area on the floor and rises to a comfortable height just below 3 feet, making it perfect for stuffing under a desk. This gives it an overall capacity of 3.1 cubic feet. The unit is Energy Star rated for a low power cost at the end of the year, and comes in an alternate black coloration if that matches the dorm colors better.

What Shoppers Are Saying"This mini fridge stands out as the most energy-efficient two-door option I could find." "This fridge is fire. It’s the perfect size for a gamer’s essentials."“It is extremely quiet. I slept like a baby and never heard a sound."

One shopper talked about how much value you’re able to get out of this fridge. “This is a great little fridge/freezer with lots of space for the size. Perfect size to keep snacks in and drinks in the bedroom, family game room/den, or probably a dorm room. The freezer compartment keeps ice cream frozen just right.”

The Galanz 3.1 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge with Freezer is marked down to $154 for a limited time only, so get yours now.

Shop More Deals Like ThisGalanz 3.3 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge, $133 (was $190) at WalmartGalanz 4.6 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge with Freezer, $188 (was $270) at WalmartAuseo 1.3 Cubic Foot Mini Beverage Fridge, $110 (was $300) at Walmart

Costco Drops Sale on 4 Varieties of Fan-Favorite Kirkland K-Cup Pods

The Costco beverage aisle is brimming with a variety of coffee, everything from organic blends to big brand bags to cans of cold brew. If you’re a coffee fan, they surely have something for you.

One of their fan-favorite brew lineups happens to be Costco’s own Kirkland brand. Between bags of their ever-popular Colombian Supremo, French Roast and House Blend Whole Bean Coffees, their Sumatra and Ethiopia organic varieties, and their medium roast and espresso blend bags, their coffee options all have high average ratings on Costco’s website.

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Shoppers also love their mega packs of Kirkland Signature Coffee K-Cup Pods. These 120-count boxes come in 4 varieties - Pacific Bold, Summit Roast, Breakfast Blend and House Decaf. They’re currently $6 off per box, with a sale price of $35.99. They’re each certified organic, fair trade certified, kosher and made from 100% Arabica beans.

Kirkland Signature Coffee Breakfast Blend K-Cup Pods

Costco

If you’re not familiar with each of these varieties, here is the lowdown, per Costco’s website.

Pacific Bold is a smoky dark roast with low acidity and heavy body with notes of chocolate.Summit Roast is a balanced, yet complex medium roast with notes of stone fruit, dark chocolate and roasted nuts.Breakfast Blend is a light roast with toasted walnut and malty brown sugar aroma.House Decaf is a decaffeinated medium roast with bright acidity and notes of white fruit and brown sugar.

Most reviewers are smitten with the Kirkland K-Cup varieties. “Better, smoother flavor than Pike’s Place roast from Starbucks, and obviously way more pods for less money”, stated one reviewer regarding the Summit Roast. “Very good coffee. We were buying Starbucks before and this is going to be a staple in our house”, said another fan.

Featured Story: Costco’s New Smokeless Grill Brings the Backyard Barbeque Indoors

“My boyfriend and I started drinking this coffee a few months ago to cut back on buying coffee out and will never go back”, said another in reference to the Breakfast Blend. “Kirkland's Breakfast Blend is the perfect balance of smoothness and acidity. My husband and I have been buying it for several years, and it hasn't let us down yet! The price is very good when compared to other coffee pods”, exclaimed another.

As with most Kirkland products, they stand up against many, if not all, of the name brand versions, and we’re certain their coffee is no exception.

If you’re a Keurig user and are in the market for refills, this lineup may be for you. The $6 off sale ends August 24, so you may want to stock up soon.

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Related: Costco Just Dropped the Price on This 'Extremely Effective Blender' That Shoppers Say Is 'Great for Smoothies, Shakes and Dressings'

Cruise Ship Failed CDC Inspection, 'Soiled With Grease'

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship sailing a 3 ½-year around-the-world itinerary, has failed a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health inspection. The vessel received a score of 81 on its July 9 inspection, well below the passing mark of 86, raising questions about onboard sanitation and safety as it continues its journey.

Dream Cruise Hits a Dirty Reality

The CDC report flagged numerous violations, including food preparation issues, unsanitary storage practices, and missing pool safety features. One example: a grease-covered waffle iron stored alongside clean equipment in a galley. Elsewhere, inspectors noted pooled water under a refrigerator in the wine cellar and dead fruit flies inside a light fixture.

Pool Problems and Food Prep Concerns

The ship’s pools were cited for lacking safety signs, visible depth markers, and properly equipped rescue rings. These basic lapses in passenger safety protocol stood out alongside other issues, like refrigerators leaking without a known source and debris buildup in food areas.

The inspection is part of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, which enforces hygiene standards for cruise ships making U.S. port stops. Villa Vie Odyssey, originally built as MS Braemar in the 1990s, hadn’t been to the U.S. in over two decades before its recent arrival.

Company Responds to Inspection

Villa Vie Residences founder Mikael Petterson responded to the failed score, emphasizing that most deficiencies stemmed from structural issues tied to the ship’s age and original construction. “Unlike modern vessels designed specifically for regular U.S. operations, the Odyssey was not originally built for this market,” Petterson said in a statement to USA Today.

He added that since its 2023 purchase, the ship has passed multiple inspections abroad, and improvements have already been made in response to the CDC’s findings. “We’re confident that a follow-up inspection would result in a passing score,” he said.

A Rocky Start to a Long Journey

The Odyssey was slated to begin its three-and-a-half-year cruise in May 2024, but delays pushed the timeline. Petterson previously acknowledged the difficulty of restarting a 30-year-old vessel after a long layup, calling the reactivation process humbling.

Related: Uber Announces Major Change for Women Riders, Drivers

Starbucks Moves Forward With Limited-Time Menu Change

About two years ago, Starbucks quietly discontinued its beloved raspberry syrup. Now, it's officially back – complete with a few new menu options to go with it.

Last week, Starbucks officially announced the return of the fan-favorite syrup in a limited-time, late-summer menu change. With the addition of the new syrup to the menu, Starbucks also announced a few new menu items using the new syrup.

Starbucks announced the new raspberry cream cold foam, which can be added to the top of any beverage on the menu. Using this new cold foam, Starbucks announced the introduction of the Raspberry Cream Cold Brew.

"The team created a new raspberry signature beverage, Raspberry Cream Cold Brew. The rich and refreshing beverage features a frothy layer of raspberry cream cold foam that complements the smooth and bold Starbucks® Cold Brew, sweetened with vanilla syrup," Starbucks wrote in a press release.

That's not the only new item Starbucks has added to the menu with the new raspberry syrup, however, as the company also shared three new beverages that can be made:

White Chocolate Mocha with Raspberry Syrup: The juicy raspberry flavors paired with rich and creamy espresso and white chocolate sauce come together for an elegant beverage. Available hot and iced. Strawberry Acai Refresher with Raspberry Syrup: Sweet strawberry flavors with passionfruit and açaí notes get a rich boost from raspberry syrup, shaken with ice and real strawberry pieces. Iced Green Tea with Raspberry Syrup: A refreshing combination of raspberry and iced green tea blended with mint, lemongrass and lemon verbena.  

It's worth noting that these aren't the only beverages that can be made with the new raspberry syrup. The syrup and the cold foam can be added to any Starbucks beverage on the menu, so let you're mind run wild. My personal favorite is an iced matcha latte with raspberry syrup and raspberry cold foam.

However, the raspberry syrup is only back for a limited time – so don't miss out.

‘Weapons’ Director Details the ‘Turmoil’ the Movie Faced Amid Pedro Pascal’s Exit

Pedro Pascal has understandably earned the reputation of being the busiest man in Hollywood, and it’s easy to see why. Pascal’s name feels like it pops up in every significant movie or television show of late. However, the 50-year-old Fantastic Four: First Steps star’s loaded schedule actually did cause an issue for one specific movie.

As Weapons director Zach Cregger explained, following strike delays in Hollywood, Pascal had to drop out of the movie due to scheduling issues, as Entertainment Weekly revealed. Unfortunately for Cregger, Pascal's departure flipped much of what was initially planned for Weapons on its head, and he explained the "turmoil" it caused.

'Weapons' Director Had to Recast 'Entire Movie' After Pedro Pascal Dropped Out Pedro Pascal attends the World Premiere of Marvel Studios' 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' in Los Angeles.

Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Pascal was initially slated to play the role of Archer in Weapons, the father of one missing child, a part that's now played by Josh Brolin. As Cregger explained to Entertainment Weekly, that was just the start, revealing that he had to recast almost the entire movie.

"I had a whole different cast for this movie," Cregger explained. "And then we had the strike, and then Pedro Pascal's schedule threw us into turmoil. I had to recast the entire movie."

"This is what happens, right?" Cregger continues. "The strikes delayed us, and then when you delay, people's schedules get conflicts, and then you're back at square one. I bear no ill will towards anybody. We just kept getting delayed and delayed. It's like a domino effect. So I had to start over again."

Of the four initial cast members that were confirmed to be in the movie, a group that included Pascal, Brian Tyree Henry, Renate Reinsve and Austin Abrams, only Abrams made it to the final cast. Cregger praised Abrams, who plays James, a homeless man struggling with addiction in the movie.

"He hung tough with me. That's my dude right there," Cregger comments.

Even Without Pedro Pascal, 'Weapons' Is Earning Incredibly Strong Reviews Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, Julia Garner, Zach Cregger, Josh Brolin, Cary Christopher, Alden Ehrenreich, June Diane Raphael and Amy Madigan attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema's 'Weapons' at The United Theater on Broadway.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Cregger and the rest of the crew deserve praise for the handling of the recasting, and it's even more noteworthy when considering just how strong the reviews of Weapons have been thus far.

While the movie officially releases in theaters on August 8, early viewings and critics' reviews have been coming in for days. And to put it as bluntly as possible, many of them are almost as perfect as the 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes score that Weapons currently boasts.

Cregger's film, which stars Julia Garner in the lead role of Justine Gandy, was turning heads when it was at 100 percent based on 10-15 critic reviews. Now, that number is up to 35 reviews, and it's yet to get a tally in the loss column.

Next up for the horror/mystery movie is the fan feedback, which should begin pouring in over the weekend.

Related: Ice Cube's Newest Movie Receives 0 Percent on Rotten Tomatoes

NFL Issues Major Ban Ahead of 2025 Season

Just a few weeks before the start of the 2025 NFL season, the NFL has issued a pretty significant ban on one particular substance regularly used by players during games and practices.

On Tuesday, the NFL sent an official memo to all teams, banning the use of ammonia packets, commonly known as smelling salts.

The decision comes following an FDA warning to producers and consumers about a lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of ammonia inhalants marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy, while also citing some negative effects of the substances.

The NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee recommended the move to the league, citing the FDA warning and concerns that the smelling salts could work to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of a concussion.

“In light of this information, effective for the 2025 NFL season, clubs are prohibited form providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games,” the NFL wrote in the memo to teams via Pro Football Talk.

“For clarity, ‘ammonia’ refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup and any form of ‘smelling salts.’ This prohibition applies to call club personnel (including but not limited to team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and coaches or other personnel). This prohibition applies through the entirety of all NFL games, including during all pregame activities, and halftime, and applies on the sideline and in stadium locker rooms.”

While the decision is obviously backed by science and is in the interest of player safety, at least one player is not happy about the move as San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle revealed that he has previously used smelling salts on every drive.

“I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground,” Kittle jokingly said.

Bass Pro Shops Is Selling These $273 Costa Del Mar Polarized Fishing Sunglasses for 50% Off Right Now

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 Deal

Spend any time on the water and it quickly becomes apparent that the surface acts like a mirror for the sun’s rays. That’s why fishermen, boaters, and other water-goers look for the best polarized sunglasses to keep things visible. They work wonderfully, but true sportsman's polarized sunglasses can cost well over $250. That's why we're excited to see that Bass Pro Shops is selling the Costa Del Mar Rincondo Polarized Sunglasses for 50% off right now. 

Costa Del Mar Rincondo Polarized Sunglasses, $137 (was $273) at Bass Pro Shops

Courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

[image error] Why Do Shoppers Love It?

These glasses use the Costa Del Mar 580G lens. That “G” denotes that they’re made of glass, not some polycarbonate plastic concoction. They’re also scratch resistant and have a mirror coating that gives the wearer an edge over those pesky sunbeams refracting over every ripple in the water.

Meanwhile, the base of the sunglasses’ frames is made from an environmentally friendly bio-resin that’s both lightweight and tough. Recessed rubber pads line where the glasses rest on the bridge of your nose and ears, providing a sweat-resistant grip and added comfort.

Related: Bass Pro Shops Is Selling Humminbird's $2,700 Fish Finder for $1,500, and Anglers Say It's Very Easy to Use

What Shoppers Should KnowColor: The frames are a dark but shiny black with a silver Costa Del Mar logo, and the lenses are mirror blue.Protection: The lenses provide 100% UVA, B, and C protection.Extras: A case and cleaning cloth come with the glasses.

This version of the Rincondo has an attractive, jet black appearance with a dash of silver for the logo and reflective blue lenses that provide 100% UV protection. They come in a case with a proper cleaning cloth.

The Costa Del Mar Rincondo Polarized Sunglasses are usually $273, but you can now get them for just $137 while this deal lasts. Don’t wait, though, as there’s no telling when they'll completely sell out.

Shop More Deals Like ThisArnette Cortex Polarized Sunglasses, from $46 (was $98) at Bass Pro ShopsArnette Fry Polarized Sunglasses, from $66 (was $98) at Bass Pro ShopsSunglass Hut HU2007 Sunglasses, from $42 (was $96) at Bass Pro Shops

Taylor Swift Nominated for Artist of the Year at 2025 VMAs

Taylor Swift has not had a public performance or released new music in all of 2025. However, she is still clearly one of the most relevant and popular artists on the planet.

The global pop sensation has not had a public performance since ending her record-breaking Eras Tour back in December of 2024 and has not released new music of her own since April of 2024.

Taylor has kept a relatively low profile through most of 2025, spending most of her time out of the public eye with boyfriend Travis Kelce, with relatively few major announcements, outside of her acquiring the master recordings of all of her previously recorded music.

That's why Tuesday's announcement from MTV's Video Music Awards came as such a surprise.

On Tuesday, Taylor Swift was officially announced as a finalist for Artist of the Year at the 2025 Video Music Awards, joining Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, and The Weeknd.

"Taylor swift power is insane. She didn't even drop a new album and already get nominations like this. Life is too easy for her unlike other celebrities who have to reinvent," one fan wrote in a post on X.

"Didnt think she was gonna be nominated since she didnt release anything this year but hey we’ll take it," another fan wrote.

"Mind u she hasn’t moved at all this year and she’s still getting a nom," someone else wrote.

"Artist of the year nom without a release that’s impact," someone else added.

"In her inactive year is crazy," someone else wrote.

"This is hilarious," another fan added.

"No new music, no re-recording, no video, hardly even proof of life and she still that girl," someone else wrote.

It's a surprising nomination, but given that fan voting is a significant part in determining the victor and Taylor has the biggest fanbase of any of the artists nominated, it seems like there's a good chance she could even win, too.

Christina Applegate Hospitalized With Severe Kidney Infection Amid MS Struggles

Christina Applegate is no stranger to health battles, but her latest hospitalization brought a new wave of challenges. The Married... With Children alum, 53, revealed she was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital after a kidney infection, initially isolated to her right kidney, spread to the left as well.

Speaking from her hospital bed on the August 5 episode of her MeSsy podcast with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate didn’t mince words about the severity of her condition. “So much pain. I'm screaming,” she said, describing the moment doctors rushed her for an emergency CT scan in the middle of the night. The results confirmed a kidney infection that had begun to radiate from her back to her front.

‘I Want Every Test You Can Think Of’

Applegate, who has been candid about her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, said the infection surfaced while she was in Europe visiting family. Rather than risk an emergency at home, she went straight to the hospital after landing in L.A.

“I’m staying here because I want answers,” Applegate told Sigler. “I want every test that you can possibly think of or ones that you haven’t even thought of, and I want them done.”

She has been receiving intravenous antibiotics since, spending seven days in the hospital. Though she managed to inject humor into the ordeal—quipping about doctors questioning her wiping technique—Applegate admitted, “I’m holding in a bag o’ tears right now.”

An Emotional Toll Beneath the Jokes

The Dead to Me star confessed to leaning heavily on hospital nurses for emotional support. “I sometimes fall into the nurse’s arms like a freako, just like crying,” she shared.

“I’m home and have been treated for the kidney infection," Applegate's representative told People in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. "As far as my ongoing stomach thing, it’s a work in progress. I was there 7 days."

Applegate's transparency about her health challenges, from MS to frequent hospitalizations, continues to resonate with fans. “I’m just gonna be here,” she said of her hospital stay, acknowledging that her recovery is still a work in progress.

Related: Christina Applegate Gets Brutally Honest About Living With MS