Category: Health & Fitness

The start to 2024’s Fat Bear Week, which was supposed to kick-off on Monday, did not go as planned after two Alaskan grizzlies engaged in a brutal fight on the livestream in Katmai National Park, leaving one bear dead. As a result, the reveal of this year’s contestants in the March Madness-style bracket has been pushed back until Tuesday evening.

The tournament has been held annually by Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve since 2014, giving bear fans the opportunity to vote on which of the park’s brown bears has had the greatest success in preparation for winter hibernation. However, this marks the first year that the competition has been impacted by bear-on-bear violence.

According to CBS News, the fight went down between a previous contestant, an older female bear known as Bear 402, and a male brown bear identified at Bear 469, at the mouth of the Brooks River in Katmai where the bears feed on sockeye salmon to fatten up for the winter months. It’s unclear what sparked the encounter, but National Park officials said that it did not appear to be a typical confrontation over food.

Mike Fritz, resident naturalist at Explore.org, the multimedia organization that hosts the livestream, explained during what would have been the annual unveiling on Monday why the competition was being delayed.

“Earlier today, a bear killed another bear on the river. It was caught live on the webcams and we thought, well, we can’t go ahead with our Fat Bear Week bracket reveal without addressing this situation first,” Fritz said. “We love to celebrate the success of bears with full stomachs and ample body fat. But the ferocity of bears is real, the risks that they face are real, their lives can be hard and their deaths can be painful.”

Fritz added that Bear 402 was “beloved” and unfortunately most likely died by drowning.

Katmai park ranger Sarah Bruce noted that when bears are in a state of hyperphagia—the period of excessive eating which takes place in late summer and fall—they will eat anything and everything they can. But still, it doesn’t explain the confrontation between the two apex predators.

“I don’t know why a bear would want to expend so much energy trying to kill another bear as a food source,” Bruce said. “It’s an uncommon thing to see a bear predating on another bear, but it’s not completely out of the question. So it’s hard to say how this started.”

“National parks like Katmai protect not only the wonders of nature, but also the harsh realities,” National Park Service spokesperson Matt Johnson in a statement. “Each bear seen on the webcams is competing with others to survive.”

The son of a collector was stunned to discover that a “junk” painting in his father’s attic was actually a Pablo Picasso painting worth more than $6 million.

Andrea Lo Rosso, 60, told The Guardian that his father, Luigi, found the painting in 1962 while he was cleaning out a house in his hometown in Italy. “My father was from Capri and would collect junk to sell for next to nothing,” Andrea explained.

But when he returned home to Pompeii, Andrea’s mother tried to convince Luigi to throw the painting away because she found it especially hideous. Despite Picasso’s signature taking up a significant portion of the top left-hand corner, the identity of the artist managed to elude the family for decades.

“He found the painting before I was even born and he didn’t have a clue who Picasso was,” Andrea explained. “He wasn’t a very cultured person. My mother didn’t want to keep it, she kept saying it was horrible.”

For decades, the painting hung in a cheap frame in the Lo Rosso’s living room. Throughout his childhood, Andrea frequently juxtaposed the signature on the painting to Picasso’s handwriting in an art encyclopedia gifted to him by his aunt. “While reading about Picasso’s works in the encyclopedia, I would look up at the painting and compare it to his signature. I kept telling my father it was similar, but he didn’t see it,” Andrea said. “As I grew up, I kept wondering.”

After his mother and father passed, Andrea turned to the Arcadia Foundation’s scientific committee, which deals in the valuations, restorations, and attributions of famous works of art. Along with the well-known art detective Maurizio Seracini, experts spent years analyzing the painting before determining the signature was legitimate.

“After all the other examinations of the painting were done, I was given [the] job of studying the signature,” Cinza Altieri, a graphologist and member of the Arcadia Foundation, explained. “I worked on it for months, comparing it with some of his original works. There is no doubt that the signature is his. There was no evidence suggesting that it was false.”

The painting, which today is valued at $6 million, depicts a distorted image of Dora Maar, a French painter and photographer who was Picasso’s mistress and muse. Experts believe it was painted sometime between 1930 and 1936. Picasso frequently visited the island of Capri during that period. The painting also bears a resemblance to Picasso’s Buste de Femme, another painting inspired by Maar which was rediscovered in 2019 after being stolen in 1999.

Luca Marcante, the Arcadia Foundation’s president, believes that the recently discovered painting and Buste de Femme might be two versions of the same artwork. “They could both be an original,” Marcante told local outlet Il Giorno. “They are probably two portraits, not exactly the same, of the same subject painted by Picasso at two different times.

Marcante plans to take the recently discovered painting and present it to the Picasso Foundation for appraisal. The foundation is particularly thorough in its evaluations, as it receives hundreds of messages every day from people claiming to have an original piece. “I am curious to know what they say,” Lo Rosso said. “We were just a normal family, and the aim has always been to establish the truth. We’re not interested in making money out of it.”

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.

A great pair of work boots ensures that a hard day on the job isn’t spent in hours of agonizing foot pain. High-quality models with premium materials are known for longevity, but they can cost upward of $300, and when you try to find something cheaper, they’re not guaranteed to last long. Thankfully, Dick’s Sporting Goods has a shocking under-the-radar discount on a popular pair of tough but comfortable Wolverine work boots, and they’re nearly $100 off.

• Sign up for Men’s Journal’s newsletter to get gear, fitness, and more deals delivered straight to your inbox

Wolverine’s Durbin 6-Inch Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boots are only $60 at Dick’s Sporting Goods right now—a 61% discount on the normal $155 price tag. These boots have earned a 4-star rating at Dick’s after more than 130 votes from shoppers who say they provide “excellent comfort” and “lighter than most” steel-toe boots. The Durbin is only available in brown, but there’s still a full selection of sizes from 8.5 to 14 available—for now.

Wolverine Durbin 6-Inch Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boots in Brown, $50 (was $155) at Dick’s Sporting Goods

This pair of Wolverine work boots is rated ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH, which means it’s compliant with protective footwear performance laws, can resist impacts up to 75 foot-pounds and compression up to 2,500 pounds, and is built with electrical shock-resistant soles. They’re made from waterproof nubuck leather and have a breathable lining to help expel sweat while the outsoles keep feet planted firmly thanks to a multi-directional lug sole. The 6-inch mid-height shaft, padded collar, and steel-toe construction help keep feet protected from bumps and scrapes throughout the day while the cushioned (and removable) insoles provide all-day comfort through hours of work.

Work boots are typically worn for 10 or more hours at a time, so great performance is mandatory, but shoppers say this pair of Wolverines can easily keep up with them. “Durable, waterproof, and comfortable,” one shopper said. “I drive a box truck and have to load/unload with a pallet jack, so comfort on my feet is important…I recommend buying two at a time so they last longer.” Another shopper agreed, saying, “I bought these boots a month ago and wear them almost every day…By far, the most comfortable steel-toe work boots I have ever owned.”

Related: Thousands of DeWalt, Levi’s, and Asics Deals Are Live Ahead of Amazon’s October Prime Day—Shop These 6 ASAP

Other shoppers have been pleased with the waterproof leather. “I worked a 10-hour day in them and spent most of that time washing various things at work,” a shopper began. “They got soaked, but I didn’t feel a drop on my socks. The steel toe helps so much—I’ve dropped many things on my feet already and haven’t felt a thing.”

Great work boots are hard to come by—especially at this price—but Wolverine is a trusted brand for both performance and comfort and that’s exactly what’s baked into the Durbin work boot. Make sure to pick up a pair for yourself soon, because at just $60, they’re likely to sell out.

John Amos, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Roots and Good Times, has died at the age of 84. 

Amos died of natural causes on Aug. 21, a representative for Amos confirmed to Variety today. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, mourned his dad’s passing in a statement. 

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” he said. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.”

“Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor,” he continued. “My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life… Most recently in Suits: L.A. playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, America’s Dad.” Amos spoke about the docuseries with People earlier this year. 

“He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero,” his son concluded. “Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”

Amos’ big break came in 1970 when he began playing Gordy the Weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, his first major TV role. In 1974, he began starring as father James Evans on the beloved sitcom Good Times. When his role on the show wrapped up after three seasons, he took on another iconic role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the legendary miniseries Roots, playing a grown-up version of the character made famous by a young LeVar Burton. Amos went on to earn an Emmy nomination for his work on Roots. 

Amos went on to star in movies like Let’s Do It Again and Coming to America. Later in life, he had roles on shows like The West Wing and guest spots on 30 Rock, Two and a Half Men, and more. He continued acting until recently with appearances on The Righteous Gemstones in 2022 and last year’s The Last Rifleman. 

Original Saturday Night Live star Laraine Newman told People that creator Lorne Michaels didn’t expect the show’s success. Initially, he believed it would only run for a few weeks, at the most.

“When Lorne pitched the show to me, he said, ‘It’s 13 weeks with a five-year option,’” Newman recalled. “I thought, like that will ever happen.”

The birth of the legendary sketch show, which held its 50th season premiere on Saturday, is the subject of the new movie Saturday Night. Newman is played by Emily Fairn, while Gabriel LaBelle plays Michaels. Reflecting on the show now, Newman admits that no one thought it would make a significant cultural impression.

“No one could have imagined it would last this long,” she marveled. “Nothing lasts 50 years!”

Newman’s assessment is more or less accurate. Saturday Night Live was originally conceived to replace Saturday reruns of The Tonight Show after Johnny Carson and NBC became embroiled in a dispute. Carson wanted the reruns to air during weeknights so that he could have more time off, and NBC wanted to show the talk show giant that he was replaceable.

Michaels was approached by the network’s vice president of late-night programming, Dick Ebersol, to create a variety show for the coveted 18–34 demographic. Michaels and Ebersol developed the series over just three weeks, its cast assembled from a rag-tag group of local improvisers, playwrights, and actors. When it premiered the show was largely an experimental curiosity that no one, least of all NBC execs, expected to last more than a few months at most.

Newman joined SNL fresh out of The Groundlings. She was the youngest member of the show’s cast but quickly became one of the ensemble’s most treasured players with characters like Connie Conehead and Valley-Girl Sherry.

“It’s surreal. The Groundlings, like SNL, has shaped so much of modern comedy,” Newman said of the improv troupe, which includes fellow SNL alums Phil Hartman, Will Ferrell, and Kristen Wiig. “I would have never imagined we’d be looking back at five decades of influence from both.”

Of her time on Saturday Night Live, Newman said, “It was such a unique experience, and I’m proud to be part of something that’s had such a lasting impact…I’ve always thought about how TV reflects the anxieties, beliefs, and values of culture. It also helps shape them. Presenting issues through storytelling can be really effective on a systemic level.”

Bruce Willis has, by all accounts, been surrounded by the support of his loving family since he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. However, seeing a family member grapple with a cognitive disease is not easy, as the actor’s adult daughter, Tallulah Willis, suggested this week.

The 30-year-old provided an update in an Instagram post on Monday, sharing a few candid photos of herself and her dad from recent years, presumably before his condition deteriorated. In the first photo, Willis can be seen standing behind his daughter giving her a sweet kiss on the head. In the second, the pair are seen sitting at a restaurant adjacent to a bowl of soup; while in the third, Willis smiles as Tallulah flips through a scrapbook of magazine articles.

“Hey, I love this guy so much and feeling feelings is tough stuff, but I’m so grateful to let them flow through me now instead of disconnecting from it! From the forever archives,” she wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by tallulah willis (@buuski)

In addition to his daughters, Willis’ ex-wife Demi Moore has been providing fans with updates on his condition. While speaking with Drew Barrymore last month to promote her buzzy new horror movie, The Substance, Moore was asked how the Die Hard star was doing, all things considered.

“Given the givens, he’s in a stable place,” the 61-year-old shared. “What I say to my kids is you meet them where they’re at. You don’t hold on to who they were or what you want them to be, but who they are in this moment. And from that, there is such beauty and joy and loving and sweetness.”

“When I’m in L.A., I go over every week and I really treasure the time that we all share,” she added.

With such a successful career in the NFL, Tom Brady has been able to buy quite a few expensive watches over the years. Now, some of those luxury timepieces could be yours—for a pretty penny, of course. 

On Dec. 10, auction house Sotheby’s will be selling Brady’s watches as part of the “The GOAT Collection: Watches and Treasures from Tom Brady” event. The biggest luxury brands will be represented, from Rolex and Patek Philippe to IWC and Audemars Piguet. For Brady, the sale represents his sharing pieces of his decades-long legacy with a few lucky fans. 

“I’ve been so fortunate to have such an amazing journey in my career, and these watches and collectibles really capture those unforgettable moments and all the hard work behind them,” Brady said in a statement, per NBC News. “I’m excited to give fans and collectors a chance to own and cherish these special pieces from my journey just like I have.”

Related: Rolex Prices Are Falling and Supply Is Increasing, Experts Say

The watches are worth between $12,000 and $800,000 depending on model. Among them are a custom-made white gold and diamond-set flying tourbillon Audemars Piguet Royak Oak watch that Brady wore during his infamous Netflix roast earlier this year. The timepiece is expected to sell for $400,000 to $800,000. He’ll also be selling his blue quartz-encased Richard Mille 35-03 “Baby Nadal,” which could sell for as much as $500,000. Brady’s rose gold Patek Philippe Nautilus and IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun edition “SFTI” are also hitting the market; the IWC piece in particular is notable as he wore it during his final Super Bowl Championship parade in 2021. 

Needless to say, the seven-time Super Bowl champ has amassed quite a collection over the years. 

“Just as he mastered the language of football, he has devoted himself to understanding the intricacies of watches, curating a world-class assortment of exquisite timepieces in recent years that reflects his deep passion for collecting,” Sotheby’s luxury watch expert Richard Lopez said. 

The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady live auction takes place Dec. 10 at Sotheby’s in New York. 

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.

A well-designed inflatable sleeping pad is paramount for a great night’s sleep at the campsite, but the kind of sleeping bag you choose is just as important. Traditional rectangular sleeping bags might not be as sleek or lightweight as today’s mummy-style bags, but they offer extra space and are much more comfortable for those who sleep in different positions. Good ones can be expensive, but right now, one of REI’s top-rated models from Nemo is half off the original price.

• Sign up for MJ’s newsletter to get gear, fitness, and more deals delivered straight to your inbox

Nemo’s Jazz 30 Sleeping Bag is on sale at REI for $150—a sweet 50% off of the regular cost of $300. Satisfied campers have called it “silky soft” and say it’s “very spacious.” It comes in one color and one size, but a shopper who is 6 feet tall and 212 pounds said the sleeping bag was “massive,” even for their stature.

Nemo’s Jazz 30 Sleeping Bag in Lagoon/Lumen, $150 (was $300) at REI

Sleeping bags are, of course, an essential outdoor item to have when heading out for an overnighter or two in the wilderness, but some of the mummy bags made for backpacking can be confining. This Nemo bag is rectangular, which makes it a whole lot more comfortable. It might look simple, but the brand added a few quirks and features to the recycled synthetic Jazz that make it stand out. Extra touches include a built-in bedsheet that you can take out and wash, a lightly insulated pad sleeve to give you a little more cushion and to keep your sleeping pad in place all night, double zipper pulls on both sides, and a soft draft collar to help regulate temps. The overall design has a slight taper to both the head and foot of the bag to keep weight and bulk down while still allowing for maximum roominess and warmth.

Happy customers raved about how roomy and comfortable the bag is, with one commenting that it had “plenty of room and was just as comfortable as being at home.” One dog lover noted that it’s big enough to sleep with a large pet: “Me and my 55-pound dog fit in this one just fine.”

Related: A Ton of Camping Gear Is Already on Sale Ahead of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days—These Are the 6 Biggest Scores

Others praised the size and warmth, but noted that it’s not for backpacking: “It is quite large, but for car camping, it is perfect.” And this satisfied car camper gave it top marks, saying that it’s a “10 out of 10 for car camping.”

REI is consistently the best place to shop for deals on quality outdoor gear, and this sleeping bag is a super deal for a car camping champ. And it’s one of the best deals we’ve seen on Nemo’s high-quality outdoor offerings at an impressive $150 off. Just don’t get caught sleeping on this deal—as more folks find out about REI’s steep camping deals ahead of the incoming season, they’ll be sure to snap this one up.

Could Daniel Day-Lewis be putting a hiatus on his retirement? That’s what new photos seem to suggest, as the three-time Academy Award-winning actor was seen looking nearly unrecognizable while filming a new movie this week.

In the photos, obtained by The Daily Mail, Day-Lewis was seen riding on a motorbike in Manchester on Tuesday with English actor Sean Bean (Game of Thrones) sitting on the back. The 67-year-old was wearing a khaki-colored jacket and white helmet in the photos, along with a grey handlebar mustache. The publication notes that there was a large film crew along the street for what was described as an “action-packed” scene.

Although there’s no mention of the film online, the pair are reportedly filming an “under-the-radar” project called Avelyne. Deadline notes that the likelihood is that Day-Lewis was likely filming a cameo or a favor for a friend, as opposed to fully coming out of retirement. Reps for both actors were unavailable for comment.

Daniel Day-Lewis is back pic.twitter.com/3PKke6LwDQ

— The Oscar Race (@TheOscarRace) October 1, 2024

Day-Lewis shocked fans when abruptly announcing his retirement in 2017, months ahead of the release of his last film, Phantom Thread, which reunited him with There Will Be Blood director Paul Thomas Anderson. He did not give a reason for the decision, releasing only a brief statement through his spokeswoman, Leslee Dart. 

“Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor,” Dart said at the time. “He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”

Even before fully retiring, Day-Lewis took a five year break from acting shortly after winning his third Best Actor Oscar for the 2012 biographical historical drama, Lincoln. “I don’t have any projects lined up—I haven’t got anything planned for a length of time,” he told the Daily Star in 2013. “I can’t imagine what I would try to do after playing Lincoln.”

Rob Schneider hasn’t been shy about his anti-vaccine views in recent years. Yesterday, the Saturday Night Live alum took the opportunity to share his opinion on the COVID-19 vaccination following the death of NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo. 

Mutombo died of brain cancer at age 58 on Sept. 30. Almost immediately after his death was announced, Schneider took to X to share one of Mutombo’s posts from 2021 where the eight-time NBA All-Star encouraged his followers to get vaccinated against COVID.  

“Rest in peace,” Schneider wrote before making his point. “I’m sure this is just (another) coincidence. But I took a pass on the jab and I’m gonna not let anyone I know (and who will listen) get it either!”

Rest in Peace…
I’m sure this is just (another) coincidence.
But I took a pass on the Jab and I’m gonna not let anyone I know (and who will Listen) get it either! https://t.co/iVMOu9lTfr

— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) September 30, 2024

Former NBA star Rex Chapman, a contemporary of Mutombo’s, called out Schneider’s heartless comments in the wake of the acclaimed basketball player’s death. 

“This is monstrous. Dikembe fought hard for the past year. He died from brain cancer. He lived beyond an honorable life,” he wrote. 

“Just don’t understand the value in doing something like this,” Chapman added in another post. “Dikembe Mutombo was one of the finest people you’ll ever meet. Google him. He spread nothing but good in the world. At its core, stuff like this (above) is simply just mean.”

This is monstrous. Dikembe fought hard for the past year. He died from brain cancer. He lived beyond an honorable life. pic.twitter.com/lr3U6gmlSn

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) October 1, 2024

Just don’t understand the value in doing something like this. Dikembe Mutombo was one of the finest people you’ll ever meet. Google him. He spread nothing but good in the world. At its core — stuff like this (above) is simply just mean.

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) October 1, 2024

Commenters online didn’t take kindly to Schneider’s remarks on Mutombo’s death. Some made note of his daughter Elle King’s public disowning of her father due to his political views. 

No wonder your daughter hates you.

— AskAubry 🦝 (@ask_aubry) October 1, 2024

No wonder your daughter wants nothing to do with you.

— Greg Manuel (He/Him: GIFT SHOP IN BIO!) (@WriterComicNYer) September 30, 2024

Others said he was “taking someone’s death to make it about this anti-vax s–t again.” “He had brain cancer. Which he got because (unlike you) he had a f–king brain,” one person said.

taking someone’s death to make it about this anti vaxx shit again…

— Angelica Reed (@Angelica_Reed1) September 30, 2024

He had brain cancer. Which he got because (unlike you) he had a fucking brain.

— JD Vyvanse (@Thrashachusetts) September 30, 2024

In a follow-up post on Oct. 1, Schneider brushed off any criticism of his ill-timed comments, insisting those upset should direct their anger toward U.S. public health professionals.

“Dear fake outrage warriors, save your anger for the liars who promised the jab was the only cure, that if you took it you wouldn’t get COVID or give it: [Joe] Biden/[Kamala] Harris, [Dr. Anthony] Fauci, [Rachel] Maddow, Pfizer, your liberal media, the cowardly teachers’ union, masking two-year-olds, [governors] who closed schools.”

Dear Fake Outrage Warriors,
Save your anger for the liars who promised the jab was the only cure, that if you took it you wouldn’t ‘get covid or give it: Biden/Harris,Fauci,Maddow, Pfizer, your liberal media, the cowardly teachers union,masking 2 yr olds, Govs who closed schools pic.twitter.com/QSfuB04bxZ

— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) October 1, 2024

There is no scientific evidence that any COVID-19 vaccine causes or accelerates cancer. The vaccines have been linked to cases of anaphylaxis, myocarditis, and pericarditis, although these adverse outcomes remain rare according to the CDC.

Schneider’s next comedy show is Oct. 4 in Sacramento.