Latest news with #Swanson
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Nick Offerman Tears Into Michael Flynn's Son
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Actor Nick Offerman clapped back at Michael Flynn Jr. after the son of retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn shared an edited Parks and Recreation clip that made it seem like Ron Swanson, Offerman's character on show, was throwing a pride flag into the garbage. In response to a request for comment for this article, Flynn sent three laughing emoji. Newsweek has contacted a representative for Offerman for comment via email outside regular working hours. Why It Matters Pride Month is celebrated in June—coinciding with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a series of protests for gay liberation. This year's Pride Month comes at a critical time for LGBTQIA+ people as Republican lawmakers in several states move to end same-sex marriage and the Trump administration has taken multiple steps to unravel protections for transgender Americans. The State Department has also enacted a "one flag policy," banning U.S. Embassies and overseas missions from flying pride flags. A composite image showing a "Love is Love" flag at Bangkok's pride parade on June 1 and Nick Offerman at the U.S. premiere of "Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning" at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York... A composite image showing a "Love is Love" flag at Bangkok's pride parade on June 1 and Nick Offerman at the U.S. premiere of "Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning" at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York on May 18. More/for Paramount Pictures What To Know Flynn, whose father served as U.S. national security adviser for 22 days before resigning from the first Trump administration, posted the clip on X, formerly Twitter, on June 1. He wrote in the caption, "Just wanted to post how I feel about 'pride' month." The clip, from the fourth season of Parks and Recreation, originally showed Swanson furiously throwing his computer into the trash after learning about online invasions into his privacy. The edited clip includes a rainbow flag in place of the computer. Offerman wrote in response to Flynn's post, "Ron was best man at a gay wedding you dumb f--k. #HappyPride." In "One Last Ride," the series finale, Swanson serves as the best man in a wedding between two of the show's smaller roles: Typhoon (Rodney To), who is Swanson's hairdresser, and Craig (Billy Eichner). Swanson, a committed libertarian, is known for his grumpiness and biting one-liners. However, the character, like the actor, is supportive of the queer community. Offerman's comment was met with a mixed response online, with some social media users applauding his quick comeback, while others criticized him. What People Are Saying X user @OzymandiasEsq, responding to Offerman in a post viewed 54,000 times as of press time, wrote: "I always love when a creator/writer/actor slams someone for misusing their character." User @RidgeburyCap, responding to Offerman in a post viewed 37,000 times, wrote: "No one cares what the actor thinks lol." What Happens Next Cities across the U.S. have organized events and celebrations for Pride Month, with the annual WorldPride set to take place in Washington, D.C., this year. Pride marches and parades are also expected in cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What's Right With Schools: Bristol students raise money to help Man with ALS get new service dog
BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) — A classroom is coming together to make a difference in someone's life. They're getting creative and raising money for a cause. Step into the hallway of St. Matthew School in Bristol. Students are on a mission, pushing a cart full of items they've made. What's Right with Schools: Students in Columbia learn about future career opportunities 'My friends and I we made bracelets…And we crocheted some headbands and cute little animals and we just made some slime and liked selling it to the kids,' Fifth grader Emily Mullins said. It's a real business they came up with. Meet Swanson, the loyal service dog who dedicated his life to Stuart Sherman, who lives with ALS. 'He was diagnosed with ALS 12 years ago. And honestly, I thought he wouldn't be here. As the diagnosis said, 3-5 years, we'd lose him,' Celeste Valenti Sherman, Stuart's wife, said. She credits prayer and perhaps this partner with paws, who has him outliving that dark diagnosis. 'I take care of her… She takes care of me,' Sherman said. He was once self-conscious about going out in public with his physical changes, but the dog first gave him confidence. 'He hand cycles marathons, he goes to the gym every day. He's done what, 7 marathons, he's training for a half in June,' she said. 'I always say he's in love with another woman, and I don't care, that's fine.' But sadly, Swanson is tired. Now they need to raise money for another service animal so she can retire. To give you some perspective, service dogs like this typically retire at the age of 10 or 11, because of a shortage. Swanson is 12, so it's time for her to live out her golden years. That's where Jessica Martineau's fifth-grade class comes in. They met the pair and wanted to help. 'They wanted to help Swanson retire and still have Stuart have another puppy,' Jessica Martineau, a fifth-grade teacher, said. 'On rainy days, cold days, instead of choosing Legos or free draw. These kids were making bracelets, crocheting animals for the store.' 'I made some slime like I would help with the prices and all the other stuff,' Michael Marino said. The goal was $500, and the result was double that. 'We would like to give Stuart and Celeste a check of $1,000 from the fifth-grade class,' Martineau said. Hard work, crafting, and selling. A gift from the heart to a lovable pair. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nick Offerman Burns Michael Flynn Jr. For Using 'Parks And Rec' Clip To Attack Pride Month
MAGA influencer Michael Flynn Jr. apparently thought the best way he could 'celebrate' the start of Pride month was by posting an anti-gay meme. But his trolling efforts failed because of his choice of meme ― a doctored clip from the beloved sitcom 'Parks and Recreation' showing character Ron Swanson tossing a Pride flag into a dumpster. That's because Nick Offerman, the actor who played Swanson, responded to Flynn with some truths about his character's relationship with gay people. It all started Sunday when Flynn — the son of Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who briefly served as President Donald Trump's national security adviser during his first term — posted the 'Parks and Rec' clip. In the original scene from the Season 4 episode 'The Trial Of Leslie Knope,' Swanson throws a computer into the dumpster. Flynn Jr.'s version covered up the computer with a Pride flag, and he wrote: 'Good morning and Happy Sunday! No quotes today. Just wanted to post how I feel about 'pride' month.' Good morning and Happy Sunday!No quotes wanted to post how I feel about 'pride' month. — Michael Flynn Jr (@realmflynnJR) June 1, 2025 Because Swanson's character was written as a loving spoof of manly, taciturn guys, he became an unironic favorite character of conservatives during the show's seven-season run between 2009 and 2015. Offerman, the actor who played Swanson, is definitely more liberal than the gruff director of the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department. But he responded to Flynn's anti-Pride post by noting that Swanson had no problem with gay people ― and pointed out that 'Ron was best man at a gay wedding you dumb fuck.' Ron was best man at a gay wedding you dumb fuck. #HappyPridehttps:// — Nick Offerman (@Nick_Offerman) June 2, 2025 Offerman is referring to a scene in the show's series finale that shows some of the characters in the future, including Swanson standing up as best man at the wedding of his barber, Typhoon, to his husband, Craig. You can see a clip of that scene as well as other exchanges between Swanson and Typhoon here. Not surprisingly, many people had thoughts about Offerman attempting to set the record straight about his character's live-and-let-live philosophy while simultaneously burning Flynn. 😂😂😂😂😂 — Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) June 2, 2025 HELL YEA HAPPY PRIDE — Nerds | @valcommentator on tiktok (@NerdsCasts) June 2, 2025 You're such a king — Sycamore's Source (@sycamoressource) June 2, 2025 I mean out of all the actors they thought they'd use. — Michael Buckelew (@MichaelBuckelew) June 2, 2025 — Steven Spohn (Spawn) (@stevenspohn) June 2, 2025 Sorry about people lacking self awareness Nick.I pity the worms that are gonna eat their broken hearts. — Jee Thundershag 🛸🇨🇦 (@GeeNrk) June 2, 2025 I think it's funny that I hear more about Pride month from homophobes than from actual members of the LGBTQ community — Matt, self loathing specialist (@Matt2517) June 2, 2025 New England Patriots Prompt Right-Wing Freak-Out With Pride Post Indiana Lt. Gov. Is Terrified Of Pride Month: 'The Rainbow Beast Is Coming For Your Kids!' Elon Musk's Ex Cancels Pride Performance Due To Undisclosed 'Family Issues'
New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Cardinals vs. Rangers prediction, picks: MLB odds, best bets Sunday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The Cardinals visit the Rangers, and I haven't been this excited since I sat down with my double-decker salami sandwich to watch Genoa play Bologna. The Redbirds will start Erick Fedde. Fedduccini was cooked in his past two starts against the Orioles and the Tigers, giving up seven runs in those 10 innings. Jacob deGrom throws for Texas. The once-dominant Met has pitched well, allowing four runs over his past 12 ¹/₃ innings, but failed to record a 'K' for the first time in 229 career starts. We will take Jake and the Rangers for $50. Erick Fedde Getty Images Fly the W! Joy in Wrigleyville! Drew Pomeranz and the Cubs' pen allowed one hit. Dansby Swanson had an RBI on 'Dansby Swanson Flow Headband Day.' Learn all you need to know about MLB Betting Seiya Suzuki knocked in the other run on the last day of 'Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month,' and the Cubs beat the Reds, 2-0. Swanson Hungry Man dinners tonight! We move to June down -214 fergiejenkins. Why Trust New York Post Betting The one and only Stitches has been handicapping baseball, daily, for the Post since 2019. Miraculously, he has finished in the black twice. But wait there's more. He showed his versatility by winning the Post's NFL Best Bet crown last year.
NBC News
6 days ago
- General
- NBC News
Select editors' favorite air conditioners for any sized space
Your air conditioner probably isn't the prettiest appliance in your home, but it is one of the most important in the summer months. Whether you have a single window unit or multiple portable ones, an A/C will keep your space cool and comfortable when the weather outside is anything but. To help understand how to choose the best air conditioners for your space, we consulted appliance and energy experts on the features and specs to look for. We rounded up top-rated models based on their advice, including different types of A/Cs across a range of price points. How we picked our favorite air conditioners The experts we spoke to helped us to understand better the more technical aspects of air conditioners, and how best to compare different units. Using their expertise as guidance, we selected air conditioners using the following criteria: Btu (British thermal units): British thermal units are a measurement of the amount of power an air conditioner uses to cool a space. The higher the Btu, the more efficiently it will be able to cool a space of different sizes. For example, aan air conditioner with a Btu of 5,000 is best suited for a small room, while a Btu of more than 8,000 or more may be suited for a small home. Room size: We picked air conditioners fit for different room sizes ranging from 150 to 450 square feet. The product details for air conditioners will often say what size room or home the unit is best suited for, so it's easy to choose one for your space. Type: The main types of air conditioners are window and portable units, which we included below. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks and which one you choose depends on your preferences and what setup is easiest for you. Our top picks come from a mix of large appliance companies like LG and Frigidaire and newer brands like Windmill Air and July, which NBC Select editors use themselves. With each recommendation, we've highlighted important details like cooling power, rated room size, dimensions and air conditioner units Let's face it: Window-unit air conditioners aren't the prettiest. The Windmill A/C is one of the most aesthetically pleasing options — which is why NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson bought one to cool her 250-square-foot living room. She found it easy to set up, install and control. You can operate the A/C via the on-unit buttons, a wireless remote or your phone via the Windmill Air app. Swanson likes that she's able to turn the unit on and off and change the temperature through the app when she's away from her apartment. This Windmill A/C unit also has an inverter version that is quieter and more energy efficient, according to the brand. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown also tested the Windmill last year and really enjoyed it. 'The installation process requires an extra set of hands because it is heavy. But once it's in, it is pretty powerful,' she says. 'I love using it with the app, which came in handy while traveling. I was able to shut it on and off, and adjust while traveling abroad.' I have two Midea U air conditioners, which is an inverter A/C, at opposite ends of my apartment — one in my bedroom and one in the living room. The Midea U is everything I want out of a window A/C. It's quiet, effective and easy to use. I love that I can control it with the physical buttons on the unit, the included remote (also physical buttons) or, if you connect it to Wi-Fi, the Midea SmartHome app, Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice assistants. I also love the little cover that comes up when you turn it on and moves down when it's off. The 8,000 Btu version cools rooms up to 350 square feet. The Midea U also comes in 10,000 Btu and 12,000 Btu versions. For smaller spaces and smaller budgets, this window air conditioner from LG is recommended by NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. She uses it in her kitchen, which is about 200 square feet. This LG model is one of the smaller and lighter air conditioners on our list. It comes with a wireless remote that can be used to control the unit from afar, but it doesn't have a dedicated app. One downside to this model is that it is noisier than others. 'I don't really mind it because I hate silence, so I almost see it as a noise machine,' says Malin. 'But if you're looking for something you can't hear, look elsewhere.' I use a larger, discontinued Frigidaire Gallery A/C to cool most of my apartment, specifically my living room, kitchen and hallway. Those three spaces only measure to about 200 square feet, but because the kitchen has heat-generating appliances like the oven and stove top, I bought this larger, more powerful unit. It works efficiently and effectively, keeping my space cool even while I'm cooking. The newer model from Frigidaire is just as powerful but has more bells and whistles, including Wi-Fi connectivity, app control and an inverter design. According to our experts, inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient than non-inverters — you may save money on your energy bill with one. This unit is the largest of our recommendations. Make sure to measure your window and windowsill clearance so you know if it will fit your space. There is also a smaller 8,000 Btu model as well as an even larger 12,000 Btu model, rated for 350 and 550 square foot rooms respectively. If cost is your first priority, this top-rated window air conditioner from Midea is the lowest priced on our list. It is rated to cool a room size up to 150 square feet, making it well-suited for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or home offices. You control the A/C via the dials on the unit — it does not come with a remote that you can use to set it to a specific temperature like our other recommendations do. According to data provided by the brand, this is the loudest air conditioner on our list. If you are sensitive to noise, it may be worth spending a little more on one of our quieter recommendations. The Midea EasyCool comes in a range of sizes, starting with this small 5,000 Btu model all the way up to a large 12,000 Btu unit. One of the most unique window air conditioners on this list, the July A/C has an extremely simple design and appearance. It doesn't have a bunch of obvious buttons or LED displays on the front of it — it's mainly a flat panel with a subtle button on the top, around the window frame. The brand has options that are suitable for windows that close up and down as well as from left to right. There is also a through-the-wall option for those that don't want to use a window. The A/C comes in a 6,000- or 8,000-Btu air conditioners Portable air conditioners are typically easier to install than window units, and they are easier to store during cooler seasons. This unit from Black+Decker is one of our favorite portable air conditioners. It is rated for rooms up to 350 square feet, and it comes with both on-unit and a remote control to manage the temperature. It has four built-in caster wheels that allow you to move it from room to room. Black + Decker makes a variety of models ranging from this 8,000 Btu version all the way up to a 14,000 Btu model that has both cooling and heating capabilities. On Amazon, it has a 4.3-star average rating from over 41,000 customer reviews. How to shop for an air conditioner Consumers have many choices when it comes to picking the right air conditioner for their home. Window units are the most popular among the Select team, and are 'best when cooling a single area like a bedroom or large living space,' says Brice Bowley, senior director of air conditioner technology at GE Appliances. For larger homes with multiple rooms or floors, 'it may be cheaper and more energy efficient to choose a central or multi-split cooling system like central air conditioning or a heat pump,' says Leslie Jones, media and public affairs specialist for Energy Star labeled products. Regardless of your space, there are a few key terms and labels to understand in order to purchase the best, most efficient air conditioner possible, according to our experts. Btus (British thermal Units) An air conditioner's cooling power is measured in Btus, or British Thermal Units. The higher a unit's Btu rating, the larger a space it can cool. Below is a breakdown of the number of Btus needed to cool different-sized spaces, according to Jones and Energy Star: Up to 250 square feet: 5,000 to 6,000 Btus From 250 up to 350 square feet: 7,000 to 8,000 Btus From 350 up to 450 square feet: 9,000 to 10,000 Btus From 450 up to 550 square feet: 12,000 Btus From 550 up to 700 square feet: 14,000 Btus Your room's square footage isn't the only number to think about when assessing how powerful an A/C unit you'll need, according to Energy Star. If the space is heavily shaded, you need 10% less Btus. A very sunny room, meanwhile, needs 10% more Btus. Any A/C unit used in a kitchen should have an extra 4,000 Btus to counteract heat-generating appliances. CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) CEER stands for combined energy efficiency ratio. It is 'the ratio of measured cooling output (in Btu per hour) to measured average electrical energy input (in Watts) and measured standby/off-mode power consumption (in Watts),' says Jones. Essentially, it is one way to measure how efficient an air conditioning unit is. A unit with a higher CEER is more energy efficient than a unit with a lower CEER. For window-unit A/Cs, you'll typically see a CEER between 11 and 15. Since 2014, all window units with a Btu rating under 8,000 must operate at a minimum CEER of 11, following standards put in place by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This standard is currently being updated: By 2026, the minimum CEER for similar products will be 12.8. For window units with a Btu rating above 8,000, the DOE is pushing for an even higher CEER, and encouraging manufacturers to use inverter technology to get there. Per FTC guidelines, all window A/Cs are 'required to have an energy guide which displays the CEER value,' says Bowley. Portable A/C units are less energy efficient, so it's more common to see CEER scores ranging from five to nine. Look for an A/C that uses inverter technology Most older or smaller A/Cs are non-inverter units. Non-inverter units use a simple compressor that is either 100% on, trying to cool your space to the temperature you set, or 100% off, having reached the desired temperature. Inverter A/Cs have a variable speed compressor to more efficiently maintain the temperature you set. Instead of running at full-blast or completely turning off, an inverter A/C will run faster or slower depending on the needs of the space, similar to a car using cruise control to maintain a certain speed, says Jones. Inverter A/Cs tend to be more energy efficient and have a higher CEER than non-inverter A/Cs. They are usually more expensive to purchase than non-inverter A/Cs but can save you money in the long run with lower energy bills. Look for an Energy Star certified A/C Energy Star is a program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy efficiency in a broad range of appliances. Products that earn an Energy Star symbol are 'independently certified to help consumers to save energy and money while protecting the environment,' says Jones. For a window A/C unit to meet Energy Star certified requirements, 'it must be at least 10% more efficient than the federal minimum for this product type, and meet other requirements outlined in the most recent Energy Star product specification,' says Jones. You can verify a product is Energy Star certified through Energy Star's online product finder tool. Can I use my A/C if it's smokey outside? The air quality outside can shift dramatically during certain weather patterns or natural disasters like wildfires. Poor air quality can cause irritation, trigger allergic reactions and lead to long-term health problems, according to the EPA. Certain types of air conditioners should not be used if there is heavy smoke outside. If you have a window unit, you can still use it if the air damper is closed. Just make sure the seal between the air conditioner and the window is as airtight as possible, says Jones. Do not use single hose portable air conditioners if there is heavy smoke outside, as these will potentially bring smoke into your space. Dual hose portable air conditioners can be used, but monitor them carefully and make sure the seal between the window vent kit and window is airtight, says Jones. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Brice Bowley is the senior director of air conditioner technology at GE Appliances. Leslie Jones is the senior media and public affairs specialist for Energy Star labeled products at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who has covered consumer technology for years. For this piece, I interviewed appliance and energy experts to better understand air conditioners and their most important specifications. I leveraged my own personal experience and the experience of Select staff members to help select recommended products. I also conducted thorough research of other top-rated air conditioners.
