Men's Journal's Blog, page 84
June 11, 2025
Popular Brewery Announces It Will Close the End of June
Local breweries are often a meeting place for friends and family in their communities. After years of a brewery being part of a local area, that place becomes a go-to for people to meet with friends, have parties or just grab a drink after work.
It's always great to see a local brewery thrive, but there's also a lot that goes into running a brewery, and sometimes, it's just time to close that chapter. Plus, the brewery business is a crowded one. According to the Brewers Association, the number of operating craft breweries in the U.S. reached a high in 2022 of 9,552, including 2,035 microbreweries, 3,418 brewpubs, 3,838 taproom breweries and 261 regional craft breweries.
Now, one locally-owned brewery is making a very difficult decision and closing its doors.
Eternity Brewing Company announced on June 4 that they'll be closing their doors at the end of the month. The brewery is located in Howell, MI, which is about 55 miles outside of Detroit.
The owner, Ethan Whitesell, stated on social media, "After much reflection, I've made the personal decision to close Eternity Brewing Company at the end of this month." In a heartfelt note, Whitesell says, "Running this place has been one of the greatest joys and challenges of my life, but in my current circumstances, I no longer have the ability to keep up the fight. This was not an easy choice, and it's one that comes with a lot of mixed emotions."
He added, "I want to invite you all to come in and help us clear out inventory over these final weeks. Let's share a few more beers, some laughs, and some great memories together before we close our doors."
Whitesell also said that anyone interested in running their own brewery should get in touch with him, because his place "is ready and waiting for a new chapter." He wrapped up the message by thanking his clientele for the years of dedication.
U.S. Issues Official Travel 'Warning' for Canada
The U.S. Department of State has already issued a plethora of travel advisories over the past month. The latest country to receive a warning is none other than Canada.
A travel advisory shares the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens in a foreign destination. The U.S. Department of State has "no higher priority" than keeping Americans safe and secure overseas. With that said, Poland, Qatar and Thailand were the first three countries to receive a travel warning in June.
"The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar," the U.S. government's advisory for Qatar states. "This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region. The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration."
On June 11, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Canada. It's still considered a "safe destination," which means travelers should exercise normal precautions.
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada this summer are advised to do the following:
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.Review the Country Security Report for Canada.Prepare a plan for emergency situations.Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.Canada has been dealing with wildfire season, as well.
"In Canada, wildfires are common in forested and grassland regions from May to September. In 2024, Canada was affected by record-breaking wildfires affecting all 13 provinces and territories. We urge U.S. citizens visiting or living in Canada to be aware of wildfire conditions in their area and follow guidance from local authorities. Please see the list of resources and emergency services below to help prepare for wildfire season in Canada," the alert states.
The U.S. State Department is recommending the following actions for anyone traveling to Canada:
Dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, ambulance, or fire services in CanadaReview the Crisis and Disaster Abroad page, which urges travellers to stock up on essentials, keep key documents handy, and make an emergency plan—including for pets and communication. Stay aware of local risks (like storms or other disasters), follow official guidance, and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updatesFollow the government of Canada’s guidance on what to do before, during, and after a wildfireReview the government of Canada’s coordinated Wildfire page for information on the emergency response, support, and health measures for current wildfire events across CanadaReview the Country Security Report for CanadaVisit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.As of this Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State has not issued a Level 4 advisory since May 14. American citizens are being told to avoid Somalia at all costs due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and other concerns.
The full list of travel advisories can be viewed here.
June 10, 2025
Forever 21 Has Announcement After Closing All Stores
Earlier this year, beloved clothing retailer Forever 21 closed all of its 354 leased stores in the United States after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in March. But it doesn't sound like the brand is completely dead.
Founded in 1984, Forever 21 offered a massive selection of trendy and relatively inexpensive clothing items both in its massive in-person stores and online, boasting one of the most extensive men's collections of any fashion retailer typically found in a shopping mall.
Despite four decades of business and establishing itself as one of the biggest names in fast fashion, the company officially shuttered all of its U.S. locations back in May after filing for bankruptcy in March.
"Forever 21 is one of the most recognizable names in fast fashion. It is a global brand rooted in the U.S. with a strong future ahead," Jarrod Weber, global president for lifestyle at Authentic Brands, told USA Today back in March. "Retail is changing, and like many brands, Forever 21 is adapting to create the right balance across stores, e-commerce and wholesale."
Needless to say, this left the future of the company rather uncertain. But it does not sound like the fast fashion giant is completely disappearing.
In a recent social media post, Forever 21 claimed that the brand "isn't going anywhere," though it did not share specifics about what would be coming next.
"We know there's been some buzz, and we want to clear things up. Forever 21 isn't going anywhere and we are still committed to bringing you the styles you love. Right now, we're evolving, refreshing and building what's next," the company wrote in a statement on its Instagram account last month.
"We get that change can feel unexpected, but we're excited for what's ahead, and we'll be sharing more with you soon. Thanks for sticking with us, you're the heart of everything we do."
Obviously, there are still a lot of questions about what the future holds for Forever 21, but it seems like the beloved brand is not dead yet.
New ‘John Wick 5’ Update Reveals Keanu Reeves Isn’t Onboard With a Prequel
While the ending of John Wick 4 left the obvious impression that we had seen the last of Keanu Reeves in his popular role, fans were given a Christmas present in early April.
At CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Adam Fogelson, the chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, revealed that Reeves and director Chad Stahelski were working on John Wick 5. The news came a bit out of left field, but the initial belief was that it'd come after spinoffs such as the recently released Ballerina and Caine.
Regardless, given how John Wick 4 ended, it was bound to be a tall task for Stahelski and Reeves to finalize a game plan quickly. That's proven to be the case, and since the announcement, the comments from Stahelski about the fifth movie in the series have been candid, but they have also led to some concern for fans.
Actor Keanu Reeves poses upon his arrival at the Japan premiere of 'John Wick' in Tokyo on September 30, 2015. The US action movie will be screening from October 16 in Japan. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP via Getty Images)YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/Getty Images
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, a question was posed to Stahelski, citing the director's plan not to renege on the ending of the fourth film, meaning John Wick will still be dead, and whether it's "evolved."
Stahelski first discussed the writing, but mentioned that "it's a matter of whether we crack [the story]."
"I’m not going to lie to you, it’s a bit of a conundrum. Me and Mike Finch — the writer on 4 who’s also writing 5 — we’ve got a pretty good story that I think is cool," Stahelski said.
"Once we have a 50-page book, and if we’re feeling it, we’ll sit with Keanu and shape this thing. Look, everybody seems to want it. It’s a matter of whether we crack it. We’re actively working on it. It’s just … is it going to be satisfying?"
Related: ‘John Wick’ Was 24 Hours From Collapse. Until One Actress Saved the Series
Along with a mildly worrisome comment about "cracking" the story, the director also tossed out the hypothetical that they "go down the road of John Wick 5" but "decide this isn't right."
"If we go down the road of John Wick 5 and build this story and decide this isn’t right, there are probably going to be 10 other things we’ll discover that we’ll use for other things," he said. "It’s a great creative exercise. It’s being in the room riffing with people we love. That’s nothing but wins."
The general approach leaves the feeling that there's plenty of uncertainty around John Wick 5, at least from Stahelski and possibly Reeves. He ultimately told The Hollywood Reporter that "the studio would very much will [the movie] into existence" at some point, and that "we're going to try" while citing that they do have a couple of really good ideas already.
Could John Wick 5 Go the Prequel Route?
(L-R) Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski attend the "John Wick" 10th Anniversary Fathom Screening Q&A at AMC Century City 15. So by this point, fans are likely thinking about what you may consider the obvious route for the fifth installment of the John Wick series—a prequel. To the credit of THR, the question about a possible prequel was posed to Stahelski, but was promptly turned back.
Stahelski revealed that Reeves isn't interested in a John Wick prequel, and that he's in the same boat.
"Keanu and I are not interested in going backwards," Stahelski said of a possible John Wick prequel.
With Reeves and Stahelski both out on the idea of a prequel, and the latter planning to stick with the storyline that leaves John Wick dead, the director needs to formulate a highly unique game plan.
It's easy to understand why Stahelski is approaching John Wick 5 in the fashion he is. Fortunately, it doesn't appear there's a reason to sound the alarm at this point, but we also shouldn't expect significant news about the fifth movie anytime in the immediate future.
Related: 'John Wick' Director Breaks Silence on Keanu Reeves' Role in 'Caine' Spinoff
Aldi Recall Alert: Hidden Allergens in Two Products Sold in 16 States
If you've shopped at Aldi recently, it might be time to double-check your freezer. The budget grocery giant has issued two new food recalls affecting 16 states. The recall comes after potential allergen risks were discovered in products sold under its private label brands.
The first recall involves Casa Mamita Churro Bites Filled with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the product may contain undeclared milk, a major allergen.
The affected churro bites come in 7.05-ounce cardboard boxes marked with UPC Code 4061459561807 and a "Best If Used By" date of July 14, 2026. While no illnesses have been reported, customers with milk allergies are advised not to consume the product and instead return it to Aldi for a full refund.
This product was distributed in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The second recall affects Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing, manufactured by Santa Monica Seafood. This item was sold in 16-ounce packages with UPC Code 4061459716313 and a use/freeze-by date of June 2, 2025. It was distributed to Aldi locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The product may contain undeclared soy, another top allergen that can cause serious reactions for sensitive individuals.
For customers with food allergies, these undeclared ingredients pose a serious health risk. Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, a New York-based allergist, explained to Newsweek that even trace amounts of allergens like milk or soy can trigger immune responses in susceptible individuals. They could lead to potentially life-threatening reactions.
Aldi emphasized its commitment to consumer safety in a statement, directing concerned customers to their recall page and offering full refunds on returned products.
Whether you have known allergies or not, it’s worth taking a moment to check your fridge and freezer. Recalls like these are a reminder of how vital food labeling and consumer awareness are, especially when it comes to the ingredients we can’t see.
The Meteorologist Who Made Weather Personal: Gary England Dies at 85
Gary England, the legendary Oklahoma meteorologist who brought calm in the eye of the storm for over four decades, has died at age 85. Revered for his pioneering approach to severe weather forecasting, England wasn’t just a weatherman—he was a lifeline for a state defined by its tornadoes.
Born in Seiling, Oklahoma, England developed a fascination with storms as a teen. They terrified him, but they also drew him in, according to The Oklahoman. After serving in the Navy and earning a degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma, England began his career in broadcasting in 1971 at KTOK radio. A year later, he joined KWTV, where he'd remain a fixture for 41 years.
England helped revolutionize the way weather was reported. In 1981, a true pioneer, he became the first meteorologist in the world to use commercial Doppler radar to issue warnings to the public. His innovations, like storm arrival times, corner-screen maps, and mobile video transmission, are now industry standards.
More than the technology, it was his steady voice and plainspoken delivery that endeared him to Oklahomans. He made complex weather science accessible, often peppering forecasts with colloquialisms and familiar turns of phrase. “It’s Friday night in the big town,” he'd say—words that became both comfort and signature.
England's legacy is woven into the fabric of Oklahoma's identity. He earned national accolades, including the Edward R. Murrow Award, multiple Emmys, and an honorary doctorate from OU. He also made a cameo in Twister and served as the keynote speaker for the opening of the National Weather Center in Norman.
Through it all, England’s goal remained unchanged: keep people safe. Whether it was a flash flood or an EF5 tornado, Oklahomans trusted him to guide them through it.
He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Molly, and grandchildren Chloe and Cassidy, but his legacy lives on in every storm tracked and every warning he helped inspire.
Related: This Week’s 'Strawberry Moon' Will Look Wildly Different. Here’s Why
Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony's Sister Turns Heads During MLB Attendance
Roman Anthony, the No. 1 prospect in Major League Baseball, made his highly-anticipated debut on Monday night at Fenway Park. Unfortunately, he went hitless and committed an error in right field.
But Tuesday was a whole different story. He recorded his first major league hit -- a two-run double in the bottom of the first inning -- to help the Red Sox beat the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, 3-1.
A huge accomplishment for the highly-touted 21-year-old, for sure. It was even sweeter that his entire family was there to witness the milestone.
In attendance were his mom, Lori, who choked back tears watching her son realize his dream. Also there was Anthony's dad, Anthony (yes, Anthony Anthony), and Anthony's little brother -- you ready? -- Anthony (yes, Anthony Anthony Jr.).
According to MassLive, the cheering section also included Anthony's grandparents, uncle, agents and two friends.
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 10: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with family after hitting his first Major League Baseball career base hit after the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) All the feels for Roman Anthony's family after his first Major League hit 🥹 https://t.co/VzmarQVar4 pic.twitter.com/ge4WOsb75u
— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2025
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 10: The family of Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox reacts as he steps up to bat during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images
"I didn’t even notice they were there until I went up for my first at-bat,“ Anthony told the outlet. ”Nobody really gave me the heads-up that they were gonna be that close.
As they were all being interviewed by NESN, the Anthony family couldn't help but smile ear to ear and share how excited they were to watch the future MLB star (he hit a 497-foot home run this week in Triple-A) collect his first MLB hit. They showered Anthony with praise at his ability to remain not only composed but also humble amid the bright spotlight.
But while all eyes were initially on Anthony getting ready to take the field for the second time in his major league career, the attention quickly shifted to Anthony's sister, Lia, when cameras zeroed in on the family sitting right next to the Red Sox dugout.
Roman Anthony got his first career hit but his sister stole the show pic.twitter.com/HynZFF9NdW
— TMSPN.com (@sportsgossip) June 11, 2025
Hey @RedSox what do we say we keep Roman Anthony and his sister around? pic.twitter.com/ybn7pImBYD
— Mikey Mulligan (@mikey_mulligan) June 11, 2025
According to reports, Lia is currently in medical school at Florida State University and following in her mother's footsteps, who works as a physician assistant.
Following her appearance on NESN's broadcast, Internet sleuths raced to find more information about Lia. Suffice it to say, baseball fans are smitten.
One Rays fan tweeted, "We lost, I’m in love with Roman Anthony’s sister." Another added, "Petition to make Roman Anthony’s sister a permanent part of the game day roster."
And just like that, Lia Anthony went viral.
L.A. Thrift Store Was Randomly Hiding a Famously Haunted Painting, Priced at $250
Only a Carpathian would end up in a thrift store! Seemingly by random, on Ghostbusters day this past week (June 7, 2025), a reproduction of the famous painting of Vigo, the Scourge of Carpathia and the Sorrow of Moldavia, was discovered in a Los Angeles thrift store by a man with the handle @razimus on X. This painting is 100 percent a replica of the painting from Ghostbusters II (1989), in which the spirit of Vigo the Unholy (or Vigo the Cruel) is trapped in an old oil painting, and eventually, is released on New York City.
The news was picked up by the fan site ghostbustersnews.com, and revealed that the painting itself is pretty convincing as the real thing. To be clear, this is not the original painting from Ghostbusters II, but rather a collectible replica that somehow made its way into this particular thrift store. The price tag? An affordable $250 dollars.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by GhostbustersNews.com (@ghostbustersnews)
The original Vigo painting was a real painting. Sort of. The painter specifically responsible for the portrait that inspired the one in the film was named Lou Police, and he was who was hired by another artist named Glen Eytchison, who had been tasked by Industrial Light and Magic to create the "living painting" special effect in the movie.
However, as Mental Floss revealed back in 2023, the actual Vigo "painting" we see in the movie is a blown-up photograph made to look like an oil painting, and based on the portrait that Police created with Eytchison and director Ivan Reitman's input.
The "real" Vigo painting in Ghostbusters II is doubly fake; not only was it created for the movie, but the painting we see in the movie isn't really a painting, even though a different real painting was created at some point.
So, if you squint, finding a giant Vigo painting in a thrift store is just as authentic as the faux painting used in the movie. And this means, if we're being honest, the chances of any Vigo paintings being haunted are all equally high.
Ghostbusters II streams for free on the Roku Channel and PlutoTV.Related: Beloved '80s TV Classic Is Suddenly Streaming 100 Episodes Totally For Free
These 'Versatile' USB Wall Outlets Are Now Only $20 on Amazon, and Shoppers Say They're 'a Breeze' to Install
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The "U" in USB stands for universal, and with everything from toothbrushes to screwdrivers now charging via USB, the standard technology is clearly living up to its name. That’s why it makes sense to turn at least one outlet in your house into a USB outlet, eliminating the annoyance of keeping a charger on hand. If you want one that's easy to install, Amazon has it for over 30% off.
Anker's USB Wall Outlet is just $20 right now for Prime members, a 33% discount off of its normal $30 price tag. For the money, you get an easy-to-install outlet that’s earned nearly 600 five-star ratings out of 750 total. Reviewers say it’s a “top of the line” outlet that's "incredibly versatile" and has “the cleanest look” among other available options. They also described installation as “a breeze,” which should take much of the stress out of getting one.
Anker USB Wall Outlet, $20 (was $30) at Amazon
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This isn’t a charger that simply plugs into an outlet; it’s a replacement for the outlet itself. And while that might be intimidating to non-electricians, installation is simply a matter of using a screwdriver and attaching three color-coded wires (and maybe a video tutorial for safety). It fits neatly into a standard single-gang electrician wall box and replaces the top outlet with two USB-A and one USB-C charging port, the latter of which is a 30-watt charger that can get an iPhone 12 from zero to 59% in half an hour. It has a 7-point safety system that includes fire-retardant casing, internal safety shutters, grounded protection, and more.
One reviewer who claimed to have “installed a lot of receptacles” said this is their favorite integrated USB option for a few reasons. One, “replacing the second plug with USB looks so clean,” as opposed to other models that squeeze too many ports into one box. Two, it’s easy to put in. “The terminals install easily…I didn't have too much of an issue with this one.” Three, the USB-C port can put out up to 30 watts, making this outlet “suitable for any device” and “actually quicker than most.”
While they would’ve preferred two USB-C and one USB-A outlet, another reviewer wrote that the 30-watt capability and neat appearance of this outlet are part of a “near-perfect configuration.” They added that “the flexibility of two kinds of USB and a regular 120-volt outlet is perfect. Don’t be fooled by others that cram two 120-volt and multiple USB ports, you won’t be able to fit them all in at the same time.”
Ditching the charging bricks is a simple way to make your device-dependent life a bit simpler, and the Anker USB Wall Outlet is a simple way to do so. The chance to score this endlessly useful outlet for just $20 is one all non-luddites won’t want to miss.
Walmart Is Selling a $243 Pop-Up Gazebo for Only $104 Right Now, and Shoppers Say It Offers a Ton of Shade
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.
Right now, Walmart is offering great deals on carports, pergolas, and sheds—large, outdoor structures meant to protect people (and things) from the elements. It couldn't come at a better time, with many folks preparing to add shade to their yards ahead of summer. Now, you can do it for just over $100 with this absolutely gorgeous pop-up gazebo.
The Cobizi 12x12 Outdoor Gazebo is on sale for as low as $104, 57% off its usual $243 price tag. That's true for its stylish khaki color, though its three other colors are also on sale, just for a tad more. This is a Walmart bestseller—the most popular of Walmart’s gazebos with netting—and it has nearly 500 five-star ratings and looks way more classy than its price tag would suggest.
Cobizi 12x12 Outdoor Gazebo, $104 (was $243) at Walmart
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Cobizi’s 12-by-12 gazebo is a pop-up-style structure that's similar to pitching up a tent. The vented canvas top goes across a secure metal frame that extends and gets locked into place, then everything gets tied down. Even the legs have three stake holes, giving you multiple options for securing the gazebo. Optional zip-up mosquito nets act as transparent walls, keeping you, your guests, and your food safe from insects. This is a highly transportable gazebo, too, at only 45 pounds, so you can bring it to a park, a campsite, or a family barbecue.
In case you’re worried that sounds like a lot, you should take a look at this shopper's review. They said it's a “nice sturdy and quick shade,” that's “very easily put together." They mentioned that "it did take two adults, but less than 30 mins. And that was without reading all the instructions.”
One shopper, a Floridian, confirmed that this could be a great pick for climates with questionable summer weather. “Easy two-person setup. Withstands Florida's regularly windy rain storms.”
Grab this gazebo while it is only $104 to effortlessly upgrade your family’s outdoor experience at a low cost. But don’t be too slow about it, as this deal could end at any moment, and the gazebo is rather popular and could be gone soon.
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