Tag: Health

Canada has issued a warning to travelers venturing to and from the United States, and it’s tied to a matter involving passports. The Canadian government sent the warning to travelers in order to reflect new guidelines adopted with the new American administration.

“While the Government of Canada issues passports with an ‘X’ gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries,” says the Canadian Department of Global Affairs.

“You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the ‘X’ gender identifier.”

The Canadian government also notes that passengers may be prompted to provide information about their sex or gender identifying them as “either male or female” when traveling.

How Many Travelers Could Be Affected?

According to the CBC, the Canadian government noted that around 3,600 citizens had the ‘X’ option listed as their gender on passports, and that they’ve had the option to list it this way since 2019.

New guidelines have been administered in the United States on sex and gender based on executive orders. These guidelines are still being contested in court at the federal level, but individual institutions and government agencies are free to implement them.

Canada’s advisory states that “while the Government of Canada recognizes the ‘X’ gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries.”

The new warning to travelers comes after previous advisories from the Canadian government to travelers about anti-LGBTQ laws at a state-by-state basis, as well as a notice that those who identify as non-binary or LGBTQ could be subject to “additional scrutiny when entering the US.”

Additionally, the Canadian government advised that travelers who apply for new Nexus trusted traveller cards or who renew existing ones would no longer be able to list “X” as their gender. The Nexus system allows for expedited travel between the two countries, pre-screening travelers who enter at designated points along the border.

Trends for Canadian-U.S. Travel

Statistics show that travel to the United States from Canada has declined in 2025.

A report published by Statistics Canada showed that in July, Canadian travelers made 1.7 million trips back into the country by motor vehicle. That’s a 37% decrease in motor vehicle travel year-over-year, and January through May visits were down 17% overall in the same time period.

The United States Travel Association reported that Canadians made 20.4 million visits to the country last year. Those visits generated $20.5 billion in spending and supported 140,000 American jobs in the process.

After the warnings to passengers about their passports, we’ll see if the new guidelines have more of an effect on travel between Canada and the United States.

Peloton was once one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, supplying those who worked out from home with state of the art equipment. As remote workers returned to the office and others returned to their usual gym routines, that growth slowed.

The company hasn’t released a new product in three years, but that’s set to change as a new line of workout equipment has been introduced. Peloton recently changed its leadership structure, and they’re hopeful that the new line will bring customers back.

The new product strategy includes a cheaper base model to lower the initial cost of entry into the company’s ecosystem, as well as new AI-focused features for some of its more premium models.

Five New Peloton Models Unveiled

The Bike and Tread are the entry-level models for recumbent bikes and treadmills for Peloton. They will now retail for $1,695 and $3,295, respectively.

The “plus” versions of these items, as well as the Row+, will all include Peloton IQ. The AI-powered feature will give feedback on a user’s form, count reps and suggest workout plans or routines upon request.

The new features and products will come with an increase in Peloton’s monthly membership price, which will increase by $5 to $49.99 per month.

Peloton Chief Product Officer Nick Caldwell told CNN that the company learned from past ventures into AI, and they’ve now realized that customers want to see it integrated in more meaningful ways across their line of products.

“A lot of people still think of us as a bike company, even though our number-two modality is strength,” Caldwell said, noting that Peloton is stressing its capability as a cross-training company instead of one that just makes bikes.

“I think by putting strength right on the product, it makes it very clear that we’re multi-modality.” Each of the new models has a moving screen, allowing users to take advantage of the multitude of classes and programs Peloton offers.

Strength and yoga are at the forefront of Peloton’s shift away from focusing solely on bikes, and each of the models also features upgraded speakers and wireless connectivity.

Peloton’s First Big Move Under New Leadership

The new product launch is the first major project after new CEO Peter Stern took over the company. He inherited a brand that had lost more 90% of its value since the height of the pandemic, and has worked to reduce the company’s debt and repair its public image.

Peloton fell out of favor with the public after price increases and sweeping recalls, and a general return to gyms after the most dangerous parts of the pandemic. With its new product launch, Peloton is aiming to recapture some of the customers they’ve lost over the last several years.

We’ll see if these changes bring Peloton back to the top of the in-home fitness market.

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Why We Love This Deal

Lately, Amazon has been on a hot streak with big discounts on coveted knives. We’ve spotted multiple great deals on pocket knives from Smith & Wesson and Kershaw in just the past week. And the knife deals don’t stop there: Right now, Amazon has a solid discount on a popular fixed-blade model from Gerber that’s perfect for anyone who likes to spend time outdoors. 

Gerber’s Ultimate Survival Knife is on sale for just $49, a 21% discount from its normal price of $62. This fixed-blade knife is a great choice for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing or any activity that takes you into the wilderness, and it has earned hundreds of five-star reviews from enthusiastic shoppers.

Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife, $49 (was $62) on Amazon

What Shoppers Should Know

• Blade Style: Drop point, partially serrated
• Blade Length: 4.8 inches
• Overall Length: 10 inches
• Weight: 11.2 ounces

The Ultimate is a fixed-blade hunting knife that’s packed with additional features for outdoor survival. First, the basics: It’s built around a stout 4.8-inch drop point blade crafted from 7Cr stainless steel, and it has a full-tang construction for excellent strength and good weight balance. The blade is smooth towards the end and has a serrated section closer to the handle, so you can use it for both slicing and sawing. No matter what you’re cutting, the handle’s textured rubber grip creates a comfortable feel in the hand.

This knife really sets itself apart thanks to its helpful additional features for bushcraft and outdoor survival. The knife ships with a sturdy sheath that has an integrated blade sharpener and a ferrocerium rod for creating sparks to light a fire (the knife blade has a dedicated spot for striking the rod to create sparks). In addition, the handle has a lanyard with a whistle for getting rescuers’ attention in an emergency. 

Related: One of Kershaw’s Best-Looking Pocket Knives Is on Sale for $20

What Shoppers Are Saying

Over in the reviews section, the Ultimate has blown away Amazon shoppers with its top-tier craftsmanship, durability, and overall usefulness. One shopper called it “fantastic” and marveled at its cutting power: “It can cut through just about anything and never lose its sharpness.” Another shopper agreed, saying “this blade’s quality is unparalleled.”

Other shoppers appreciated its sturdy case and surprisingly useful accessories, like the built-in blade sharpener. Multiple shoppers appreciated its nice heft and balanced feel in the hand, and several were amazed at its bargain price, even without a discount. “It’s practically a steal at this price point,” said one.

Hopefully you won’t ever have to put the Ultimate Survival Knife to the test in an emergency survival situation, but if you do, you’ll be glad to have it with you—and it’ll be a reliable companion for all kinds of outdoor adventures in the meantime. Scoring this knife for 21% off is a serious bargain, so act fast: Grab yours today before Amazon bumps the price back up.

Shop More Deals

• SOG Adventurer LB, $18 (was $22) on Amazon
• Workpro Premium Utility Knife, $9 (was $12) on Amazon
• Craftsman Screwdriver Set, $29 (was $37) on Amazon

Shaquille O’Neal wants to set the record straight on rumors he’s dating a woman 32 years his junior.

Last week, Tik Toker/social media creator Noah Glenn Carter posted a video with the caption of “People are not happy that Shaq attended Sophie Rain’s birthday party.” Rain is an internet model and social media influencer who just turned 21.

At her birthday party, Rain posted a photo of herself in Shaq’s lap. The picture sparked dating rumors, though the NBA legend was reportedly just DJ’ing at Encore Beach Club at the time.

As it turns out, Shaq isn’t dating Rain, and he didn’t take kindly to Carter’s video.

Shaq claps back

According to TMZ, in a since-deleted comment, O’Neal left no doubt about his lack of relationship with Rain.

“I don’t [date] that young but I will date your mom and give u a brother,” he wrote to Carter.

Carter went along with the bit, writing “My mom said no” in response to O’Neal’s comment. Shaq had one more arrow in the quiver though.

“Stop tryna create rumors don’t make me slap you dude. your mom is hot tell her to hit me on my sky tell pager,” he said in another since-deleted remark.

O’Neal has been candid about dating in the past

O’Neal actually shares four children–sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and Me’arah–with his ex-wife Shaunie, as well as another child from a previous relationship.

The four-time NBA champion has been open about his role in the dissolution of the marriage, even admitting his inability to stay faithful.

“Once I say I commit to you, I’m supposed to do that as a man. I didn’t do that. That’s why all s–t has always failed,” O’Neal explained during an episode of his podcast this past summer.

““But if you live a tiger lifestyle and then you try to become a tame tiger — it ain’t going to work. It’s not going to work. So, you know, there’s a reason why the divorce rate is high. Because we live a — and not all of us — but like, we live a certain lifestyle. And a lot comes with it. And then when that’s all stopping, and you trying to go out and look for that, if you don’t understand their rules and understand their laws — it’ll never work.”

It’s one of those heavy mornings at Cloudbreak where the reef feels alive, the wind is fresh, and every set rolls in like clockwork. No longboarders, no casuals, just the guys who are willing to throw themselves over ledging lefts and trust they’ll come out the other side. Yago Dora is one of them, sitting patiently in the pack, reading the swell like he’s seen this exact rhythm before. A few feet away is Griffin Colapinto, the Californian who’s finished twice in the top three of the World Surf League Championship.

Colapinto goes first, drives off the bottom, pulls up under the lip, only to have the section clamp shut. Dora doesn’t wait. He takes the next one, commits with a last-second swing, loads up, and throws a top-turn carve that cuts through the moment. At 29 years old, he wins the 2025 Lexus WSL Finals after narrowly missing out on competing the year before.

“It feels unreal still, remembering the day and the moment when it happened,” he says now that almost a month has passed. “I just remembered that a film started playing in my head after the buzzer sounded of this whole season, and all the ups and downs…it’s a dream coming true.”

Dora grew up in Florianópolis, the capital of Brazil’s Santa Catarina state, a place known as much for its seafood as its surf. He wasn’t an early prodigy, only getting on a board at 11 despite his father being a respected surf coach. But once he did, he moved quickly. By 15, he had signed with Volcom, a brand he still represents today and one he’d idolized as a kid. Six years later, at 21, he was on tour trading heats with the sport’s biggest names.

Related: How to Surf in 5 Simple Steps

But even after claiming a world title, Dora hasn’t lost sight of where he started or the work still ahead. One wave this season in particular reminded him of that. At the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro in Burleigh Heads, Australia, in May, he needed a 3.5 to advance, a tiny score by professional standards. The conditions were rough and the waves unpredictable. With less than a minute on the clock, he paddled back out, caught a wave, and nudged his score just high enough. It was a tense, almost out-of-control moment, the kind that tests every ounce of a surfer’s focus.

“There’s a lot of moments that were really important this season for me, but I feel like one that put me in a really good position was a hit in Australia,” he recalls. “Usually, the Australian leg is a little challenging for me because of the wave types; they’re hard waves to surf for my kind of surfing.”

For Dora, the work never stops. While surfing is obviously a huge passion of his, something he admits he’s lucky enough to do as his job, he’s always finding ways to get better.

“I feel like I’m always chasing the top, and that’s what’s been pushing me to be better each season,” he says. “And now that I know the way, I feel like that’s something that will push me now, this kind of work, the things I did this season, the focus I had, everything I did has led me here. I want to have the same dedication that I had this season for the upcoming seasons.”

One of the most historic and iconic venues in all of music is opening its doors to new artists during its centennial celebration, and one of those artists will make their debut in a matter of weeks.

The Grand Ole Opry has seen the best of country music for the better part of the last 100 years, but as the lines blur between traditional country and the newer interpretations of the genre, more artists have been welcomed.

One artist who’s been a major part of country and American music history had yet to perform at the legendary venue, but he will perform at the Opry for the first time in mid-November.

A Music Legend Enters New Territory

Six-time Grammy winner James Taylor is set to make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on November 11.

“The Opry has been built over the last 100 years in large part by songwriters and storytellers,” said executive producer Dan Rogers. “To have one of the very best ever with us to celebrate 100 years is amazing to so many of us.”

Taylor is best known as a singer and songwriter, with some of his most notable songs like “Fire and Rain” and “You’ve Got a Friend” hitting the top of the Billboard charts. He’s sold millions of albums during his decades-long career, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Taylor is making his Opry debut, but he has ties to the country genre. Artists like George Hamilton IV covered some of his songs, bringing “Carolina in My Mind” and “Sweet Baby James” to different audiences. Taylor also won one of his six Grammy awards for How’s the World Treating You?,” a collaborative effort with Opry member Alison Krauss of Union Station.

Taylor is making his debut at the Opry during a year in which several artists have joined the radio show and venue for the first time. Ringo Starr, Shinedown and Sabrina Carpenter are among the other artists who will or who already have played the Opry in 2025.

Taylor’s Historic Performance

Scotty Hastings, Jamey Johnson and Craig Morgan are all scheduled to perform at the Opry alongside Taylor on November 11. Actor Gary Sinise will also perform, along with his Lieutenant Dan Band.

The Grand Ole Opry is known as the world’s longest-running radio show, running from Nashville since its inception in 1925. It was originally known as the WSM Barn Dance, but adopted its current name in 1927.

Membership at the Opry is extremely exclusive, and only the top names in country music are eligible to receive an invite. Currently, there are only around 75 artists to represent the Opry as official members, including John Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs and Darius Rucker.

Fans can tune in to see the 77-year-old Taylor make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville at WSM Radio or on SiriusXM satellite radio at Willie’s Roadhouse – channel 56.

Aldi is becoming the “it” spot for all-things acacia wood. It seems like each week they drop at least one new or returning item that has multiple uses in the kitchen. I’ve written about their acacia wood lazy susans, serving bowls, cutting boards in multiple shapes and sizes and rotating caddys, to name a few, and fans continue to scoop them up, so Aldi keeps delivering.

Next week they’re bringing back the fan-favorite Crofton Acacia Wood Harvest Chopping Block in a leaf shape. This beautiful board is made of 100% acacia wood, which is an excellent material for cutting boards given its durability and scratch-resistance Plus, it won’t warp or harbor bacteria like some woods do. Its marbled look and common ombre appearance gives it a modern, yet rustic look that can fit in with any decor style.

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Aldi’s Fan-Favorite Acacia Wood Harvest Chopping Block is Back, and Only $10

Its maple leaf shape gives a nod to autumn, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen and dining spread this holiday season. Whether you’re adorning it with a charcuterie spread of nuts, jams, chutneys, crackers, olives, cured meats and cheeses or are crafting a crudite platter with a trio of dips, it makes for a beautiful display piece. It’s also suitable as a cutting board, so if you’re getting ready to make a produce-heavy soup, this block will bring the ambiance of fall to your space.

Aldi recommends wiping the board clean with a soft, damp cloth and promptly drying it. Like their other acacia wood products, they suggest storing it out of the sun so it doesn’t become discolored or damaged.

Related: Kirkland’s $15 Sleek and ‘Useful’ Serving Tray and Bowl Set Will Come in Handy This Holiday Season

Aldi is also selling this chopping block in a pumpkin shape. Last year they offered both of these in their Finds seasonal section, and fans loved them, which is why they’ll be back on shelves October 8. “I cannot stop buying all the acacia wood boards from Aldi. They even had them in the shape of leaves! Going back for one tomorrow”, said one Facebook user. “[I] got the maple leaf last week, and went back for the other leaf today. Also picked up the set of two round boards”, commented another person.

And for just $9.99, we can see why customers are stocking up. Not only are they incredibly functional, they also make a showstopping display set up in your home. Grab a handful of different shapes and sizes, prop them up in a china cabinet or kitchen shelving and your decorating will be complete.

Related: West Elm’s ‘Perfect for Entertaining’ Modern Teak Wood Serving Bowl is Selling for Only $30

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

What if we told you that there is a better value chukka boot from the legendary Clarks brand? While its iconic and timeless Desert Boots get all the love (thanks to Mr. Steve McQueen), the boot isn’t without flaws. A better option for the modern man may be the Bushacre 3s, which feature the same silhouette, added durability, and a smaller cost. To make things even better, DSW is selling them for over 30% off.

Now just $75 at DSW, the Clarks Bushacre 3 Chukka Boots are 32% off their regular price of $110. That’s about half off the average price of the iconic Desert models, but these boots offer much better longevity. With over 150 five-star ratings on the retailer’s website, it’s easy to see why so many are making the switch.

Clarks Bushacre 3 Chukka Boots, $75 (was $110) at DSW

What Shoppers Should Know

• Style: Chukka
• Colors: Dark brown, coffee brown
• Materials: Leather, rubber
• Sizes: 8 to 13

With the Bushacres, you get a boot with a longer shelf life thanks to its hard-wearing rubber soles. Unlike the Deserts, which utilize a crepe sole (which tends to wear out very fast, especially when walking on city streets and pavements), the Bushacres’ actual rubber lasts for seasons to come, is tougher, and quite grippy.

For added comfort, they are paired with Ortholite insoles, an upgraded midfoot structure, and infused with a shank to help them last even longer with enhanced comfort. These feel like a sneaker with good arch support, and break in super fast. Unlike the two previous iterations, these are not stiff.

With a thicker footbed and the use of a heel stabilizer, these are about as stable as possible right out of the box. With all of these upgrades (durability, comfort, stability), you get a better performing boot, yet still get that iconic chukka boot design. For shoppers, it’s a better version of the iconic Desert Boots in disguise.

This offering is also available at Amazon ranging at around $100. Zappos offers the same price with limited sizes, and Macy’s has them for $108.

Related: This Basic Cordless Drill Kit Is on Sale for $17 at Walmart

What Shoppers Are Saying

Out of the box comfort is a call out by many, noting they are ready to wear with no break-in period. Many love how much more durable this model is while retaining its iconic chukka looks. One owner of three Desert models said that the Bushacres “may be the most comfortable” of them all. They also love the insoles and the foot bed of these boots (the ultimate comfort), and paired with a classic style, they noted, “These boots [will] be in style in 30 years, just like they were 30 years ago.”

Another, who has owned their pair for over four years ago, noted the boots have “held up extremely well,” noting that even as many miles they have put on them, they still look brand new. “Extremely strong construction,” and the leather molds to your foot over time. They also mentioned that they’ve since purchased them again.

With a decent discount and an extra sale going on at DSW’s website, these Bushacres will likely sell out fast (sizing is already running low). Make sure you grab your pair today.

Shop More Deals

• Calvin Klein Javin Chukka Boot, $98 (was $150) at DSW
• Steve Madden Highline Boot, $80 (was $110) at DSW
• Reebok Work Zig Kinetica Edge II Composite Toe Work Boot, $145 (was $176) at DSW

On Wednesday, the federal government officially shut down after Congress failed to reach a deal on a federal budget, meaning that hundreds of thousands of federal employees across the country will be furloughed until an agreement can be reached.

While many industries will be largely unaffected, and many consumers might not directly feel the impacts of the shutdown, that certainly will not be the case for the travel industry, as the nation’s major airlines have warned.

Why Did the Government Shut Down?

On Wednesday, Reuters cited “deep partisan divisions” as the reason why Congress and the White House were not able to reach a funding deal, resulting in the federal government shutdown.

Reuters reported that this could begin “a long, grueling standoff” that could impact the airline industry.

“There was no clear path out of the impasse, while agencies warned that the 15th government shutdown since 1981 would halt the release of a closely watched September employment report, slow air travel, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from U.S. troops and lead to the furlough of 750,000 federal workers at a daily cost of $400 million.” Reuters wrote on Wednesday.

Airlines Issue Clear Warning

One major industry that will certainly be impacted by the government shutdown is the airline industry, given the reliance on federal workers within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who run the security checkpoints at airports across the country.

Airlines for America, a trade group that represents major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, recently issued a pretty clear warning to all travelers, warning that this government shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports and delayed flights.

“When federal employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft and secure our nation’s aviation system are furloughed or working without pay, the entire industry and millions of Americans feel the strain,” the group said in a statement reported by Reuters.

The major airlines warned that as a result of the furloughs, the airline system may need to slow down,” which would reduce efficiency and impact on-time departures and arrivals.

So next time you fly, make sure to allow for a little extra time at the airport.

A United Airlines lounge at a major Eastern airport was shut down on Monday due to a number of health code violations.

The  Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced that the United lounge at Philadelphia International Airport would be shut down for a “minimum of 48 hours” after uncovering more than a dozen issues, including flies in the bar and men’s room areas, equipment in disrepair, food debris on the floor in the food prep area and more.

Investigators also determined that the lounge does not employ anyone with a valid food safety certificate from the Philadelphia Health Department.

“This inspection has revealed that the establishment is not in satisfactory compliance,” the DPH announcement reads. “Corrective action is required to eliminate these violations. Compliance status will be assessed upon reinspection.

“Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment has been issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. The establishment cannot operate until the required fee is paid and the establishment is approved by the Department to resume operations. Please contact the Sanitarian at the phone number listed below for a re-inspection once the violations have been corrected and the fee has been paid.”

United addresses the matter

In a statement Tuesday, United Airlines says it was in the matter of fixing “the shortcomings” uncovered by the inspection.

“We are working with our service provider Sodexo and the city of Philadelphia to fix the shortcomings found by the city,” a United Airlines spokesperson said, via Philly Voice. “We look forward to re-opening the club soon.” 

United Club lounges are open to United Airlines premium members and others who have same-day passes for United flights.