Latest news with #nationalparks
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nick Offerman Was So Upset About This "Huge Mistake" Trump Made That He Stopped By "The Daily Show" To Give An Emotional Speech
Nick Offerman has called out President Donald Trump after his 'big, beautiful bill' — which he signed into law earlier this month — slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to America's national parks. Related: 'Let me get this straight, Mr. President. You cut $267 million to get back $90 million. Now, I'm no mathematician but I believe that's called shitting the bed,' said Offerman in an appearance on Tuesday's episode of The Daily Show. 'But then again, I didn't go to Wharton Business College.' The Parks & Recreation star — who portrayed libertarian official Ron Swanson — turned to several news reports detailing how America's 'pastoral gifts' are 'under attack' as staffing levels have seen a notable dip across the National Park System since January, per the National Parks Conservation Association. One clip noted that park scientists, in some cases, have been forced to help clean toilets due to staffing shortages. Related: Offerman — who quipped that the situation is like "Good Will Hunting but in reverse" — stressed that the cuts are a 'huge mistake.' 'No scientist has the strength to clean the skid marks of a man who's been eating beans and campfire hot dogs for the past three days! They're weak,' he joked. Related: He went on to refer to Trump 'shaking down foreigners' after he issued an executive order earlier this month that calls for foreign tourists to face higher park entry fees, a move that the administration expects to generate more than $90 million annually. After highlighting how national parks contributed a record $55.6 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 415,000 jobs just two years ago, Offerman explained why the parks are a 'true miracle.' 'It is an affordable vacation that everyone can take inside our own borders, whether you're traveling with your family or abandoning your constituents during a crisis,' quipped the actor as a photo of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) amid his Cancun controversy appeared on screen. Offerman, who recently revealed why Ron Swanson would've 'despised' Trump, then mocked the president for speaking so 'fondly' of national parks in years past. Related: He turned to a 2020 clip of Trump who, when referencing sequoia trees at Yosemite National Park, appeared to pronounce the park's name as 'yo-semites.' 'It's Yosemite,' Offerman remarked. ''Yo, Semites,' is what a bad undercover cop might say to a group of Hasidic Jews.' Watch Nick on The Daily Show below: This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nick Offerman Was So Upset About This "Huge Mistake" Trump Made That He Stopped By "The Daily Show" To Give An Emotional Speech
Nick Offerman has called out President Donald Trump after his 'big, beautiful bill' — which he signed into law earlier this month — slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to America's national parks. Related: 'Let me get this straight, Mr. President. You cut $267 million to get back $90 million. Now, I'm no mathematician but I believe that's called shitting the bed,' said Offerman in an appearance on Tuesday's episode of The Daily Show. 'But then again, I didn't go to Wharton Business College.' The Parks & Recreation star — who portrayed libertarian official Ron Swanson — turned to several news reports detailing how America's 'pastoral gifts' are 'under attack' as staffing levels have seen a notable dip across the National Park System since January, per the National Parks Conservation Association. One clip noted that park scientists, in some cases, have been forced to help clean toilets due to staffing shortages. Related: Offerman — who quipped that the situation is like "Good Will Hunting but in reverse" — stressed that the cuts are a 'huge mistake.' 'No scientist has the strength to clean the skid marks of a man who's been eating beans and campfire hot dogs for the past three days! They're weak,' he joked. Related: He went on to refer to Trump 'shaking down foreigners' after he issued an executive order earlier this month that calls for foreign tourists to face higher park entry fees, a move that the administration expects to generate more than $90 million annually. After highlighting how national parks contributed a record $55.6 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 415,000 jobs just two years ago, Offerman explained why the parks are a 'true miracle.' 'It is an affordable vacation that everyone can take inside our own borders, whether you're traveling with your family or abandoning your constituents during a crisis,' quipped the actor as a photo of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) amid his Cancun controversy appeared on screen. Offerman, who recently revealed why Ron Swanson would've 'despised' Trump, then mocked the president for speaking so 'fondly' of national parks in years past. Related: He turned to a 2020 clip of Trump who, when referencing sequoia trees at Yosemite National Park, appeared to pronounce the park's name as 'yo-semites.' 'It's Yosemite,' Offerman remarked. ''Yo, Semites,' is what a bad undercover cop might say to a group of Hasidic Jews.' Watch Nick on The Daily Show below: This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'S**ting The Bed!': Nick Offerman Says Trump Is Making A 'Huge Mistake' With This 1 Move
Nick Offerman has called out President Donald Trump after his 'big, beautiful bill' — which he signed into law earlier this month — slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to America's national parks. 'Let me get this straight, Mr. President. You cut $267 million to get back $90 million. Now, I'm no mathematician but I believe that's called shitting the bed,' said Offerman in an appearance on Tuesday's episode of 'The Daily Show.' 'But then again, I didn't go to Wharton Business College.' The 'Parks & Recreation' star — who portrayed libertarian official Nick Swanson — turned to several news reports detailing how America's 'pastoral gifts' are 'under attack' as staffing levels have seen a notable dip across the National Park System since January, per the National Parks Conservation Association. One clip noted that park scientists, in some cases, have been forced to help clean toilets due to staffing shortages. Offerman — who quipped that the situation is like ''Good Will Hunting' but in reverse' — stressed that the cuts are a 'huge mistake.' 'No scientist has the strength to clean the skid marks of a man who's been eating beans and campfire hot dogs for the past three days! They're weak,' he joked. He went on to refer to Trump 'shaking down foreigners' after he issued an executive order earlier this month that calls for foreign tourists to face higher park entry fees, a move that the administration expects to generate more than $90 million annually. After highlighting how national parks contributed a record $55.6 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 415,000 jobs just two years ago, Offerman explained why the parks are a 'true miracle.' 'It is an affordable vacation that everyone can take inside our own borders, whether you're traveling with your family or abandoning your constituents during a crisis,' quipped the actor as as a photo of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) amid his Cancun controversy appeared on screen. Offerman, who recently revealed why Ron Swanson would've 'despised' Trump, then mocked the president for speaking so 'fondly' of national parks in years past. He turned to a 2020 clip of Trump who, when referencing sequoia trees at Yosemite National Park, appeared to pronounce the park's name as 'yo-semites.' 'It's Yosemite,' Offerman remarked. ''Yo, Semites,' is what a bad undercover cop might say to a group of Hasidic Jews.' Related... Ex-RNC Spokesperson Says Trump Is In 'Deep Trouble' With This Key Group 'Blackmail': Rosie O'Donnell Rips CBS For Kissing 'Madman' Trump's Ring After Colbert News Trump Celebrates 'Late Show' Cancelation: 'I Absolutely Love That Colbert Got Fired'
Skift
5 days ago
- Skift
Grand Canyon Covered in Smoke, Wildfire Destroys Historic Lodge
The fire's disruption is another reminder of how extreme weather events can impact national parks, peak-season tourism, and travel plans across. Parts of the Grand Canyon National Park have been closed for the rest of the 2025 season as wildfires burn across the region, covering parts of one of the U.S.'s most visited natural landmarks in smoke. The North Rim's Dragon Bravo Fire exploded in size by 500 acres on the evening of July 12 as gusty winds, dry air and above-normal heat hit the area. The fires destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous surrounding cabins, according to the National Park Service. Firefighters say there is currently zero containment. 'We are devastated by the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and historic buildings on the North Rim. All guests and staff are safe,' the lodge said in a statement, adding that it will be in touch with visitors who have future bookings. Aerial footage released by the National Parks Service on Friday showed the remains of the famous lodge. Grand Canyon Closures for the Rest of the Season aerial footage shows the fires in parts of the grand canyon and the remains of the grand canyon lodge. credit: national parks service The cause of the fire was linked to lightning strikes, according to local reports. Early damage assessments suggest that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including park administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Fire fighting efforts continue around the threatened area. But with fire activity still high and infrastructure at risk, officials say the North Rim will remain closed to all visitors for the rest of the year. The South Rim, which receives the majority of visitor traffic, remains open. Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
The Best Binoculars for Birders, With Picks for Every Trip and Budget
After years living in South Africa and spending my weekends exploring the country's magnificent game reserves, I turned to birding as something to do when other wildlife were scarce. In the decade since, I've realized that it's one of those rare hobbies whose reward vastly outweighs the effort and cost involved. Wherever you are in the world, there are almost always birds to spot and enjoy and the only investment required is a good pair of binoculars. For this reason, I'm now a self-confessed bird nerd who, when given the choice between a raptor and a rhino, is always more likely to be focusing on the creature with feathers. There are binoculars for all budgets and specifications, but the best magnification, objective lens diameter, field of view, close focus range, and size for you depends on your budget, the species you're most interested in, whether you typically bird on foot or from a hide or vehicle, and the type of habitat you most often find yourself in. To help you narrow down your options, our travel experts tested a wide range of binoculars while birding to give you the inside view. We used the tripod-adaptable Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 ED Binoculars for hours of birding in national parks across Oregon and were impressed with their 8x magnification. A 42-millimeter objective lens diameter lets in plenty of light while also facilitating a generous 8.1-degree field of view. Effectively, this meant we could easily find and track flying birds as they moved across the landscape, using the conveniently placed focus wheel to sharpen the image as our subject got closer or further away. The binoculars use extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses made from a special glass designed to minimize chromatic aberration for high-contrast, high-resolution colors that are true to what you'd see with the naked eye. The difference between ED and non-ED glass is especially noticeable at dawn and dusk, when many bird species are most active. In the bright Oregon sunshine, the binoculars' fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses helped to maximize light transmission and eliminate glare so that we could view birds at a considerable distance with very little detail loss. In terms of durability, these binoculars survived being thrown repeatedly into a backpack with no signs of wear and tear. The body is made from lightweight magnesium alloy with a rubber coating for impact resistance, while the interior is filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging when moving between cool and warm environments. They're also fully waterproof. The Details: 1.5 pounds | 8.1-degree field of view | 6.5-foot close focus | 17.2 millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $260 at Amazon $293 at The Athlon Optics 8x42 Midas UHD Binoculars combine 8x magnification with the 42-millimeter objective lens diameter and wider field of view often considered ideal for bird watching. They also boast ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses for a clearer, sharper image defined by the accuracy of its colors; while dielectric prism coatings maximize light transmission for increased contrast, color fidelity, and glare reduction. We were particularly impressed with the binoculars' precise focal range, which was easily adjusted as birds moved closer or further away. While there is some very minor distortion at the edge of the field of view, it's virtually unnoticeable unless you're focusing on it. With the eyecups twisted so that they were flush against our face, we were able to use the binoculars in full sun without any light leaking in and causing glare; equally, image quality remained consistent in the low light of late afternoon. The binoculars are compact, light, and great for hiking. They're also waterproof, argon purged for fog protection, and come with a tripod mount for alleviating fatigue when focusing for long periods on a nest site or other fixed point. The Details: 1.45 pounds | 8.1-degree field of view | 6.5-foot close focus | 17.2-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $189 at Amazon View on Competitively priced, perfectly packable, and lightweight enough to hold up to your eyes or carry around your neck for extended periods of time without getting fatigued, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42 Binoculars are an excellent choice for the casual birder. They combine 8x magnification with all the clarity of a BAK4 prism with fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission and minimum glare. We found the image to be sharp and bright with no noticeable distortion, even on a sunset birding session in low light conditions. The focus wheel is ideally placed for making precise adjustments with one hand. Once focused, we were able to view birds on our feeder in minute detail. One thing to note—the field of view is slightly narrower than that of other options, making these binos best for environments that require minimal searching or tracking. They are sturdily made with a waterproof body, slip- and impact-resistant rubber coating, and nitrogen purged interiors for fog-free viewing in all climates. Twistable eyecups and a tripod adapter complete the list of features. The Details: 1.5 pounds | 7-degree field of view | 7.5-foot close focus | 22-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon The Pentax Binoculars AD are great for those planning a backpacking expedition, thru-hiking adventure, or any other kind of trip that requires you to prioritize lightweight equipment. Measuring just 4.3 x 4.1 inches, they are less than half the weight of our top pick and can easily be carried in hand or around the neck for extended periods of time. You won't be sacrificing any magnification, although the 25-millimeter objective lens makes for a much smaller field of view (5.5 degrees). We found that this made it tricky to locate and track birds on the move. And while we were impressed with the binoculars' ability to capture details on distant subjects, the 9.8-foot close focus limit means they're not as useful for viewing birds at close quarters. However, a BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated, phase corrected lens make for a sharp, glare-free image with good contrast and color accuracy. We were able to focus easily and found the picture just as good on bright and overcast days. Nitrogen-purged waterproofing provides all-weather durability. The Details: 10.5 ounces | 5.5-degree field of view | 9.8-foot close focus | 21-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 25-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $449 at Amazon View on Backed by a 10 year warranty, the Kowa BDII42-8XD Binoculars are designed for adventures and built to last. Expect a lightweight, yet durable magnesium alloy body and rubber armor that feels both ultra-protective and comfortably soft to the touch. The binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen filled, and we found that they stayed completely clear in humid weather and in close proximity to the water. The sturdy, slightly weighty build helped us to brace the binoculars and keep them steady, but did cause some fatigue after long periods of use. In terms of performance, the binoculars offer 8X magnification and an impressively wide 8.2-degree field of view that allows you to locate birds quickly. They can also focus down to 5.9 feet for viewing birds on a feeder or smaller insects and flora in exquisite detail. ED lenses allow for fantastic image quality with no discernible blurring or distortion. We tested them in a range of light conditions with similar results. We especially liked how the fully multi-coated lenses prevented glare even while birding from a boat in full midday sunshine. The Details: 1.4 pounds | 8.2-degree field of view | 5.9-foot close focus | 17-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon If you're looking for a pair of binoculars that can stand up to the elements, look no further than the Zeiss Terra ED 8x42s. Rated for temperatures between 5 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, they're equally at home in tundra or desert while nitrogen purging protects against fogging in birding destinations with high humidity. Best of all, a hydrophobic multi-coating reinforced with glass fibers makes these binoculars waterproof up to 100 meters, meaning you could swim with them around your neck and they should still function perfectly afterward. They offer 8x magnification and ED glass for enhanced light transmission. We found the image clear and crisp all the way to the edges of the field of view and were impressed that there was no glare even when using the binoculars to scan for waterbirds on the Colorado River in bright sunshine. The intuitively placed, easy-to-operate focus wheel was a highlight, allowing us to make minute adjustments quickly. We also appreciated the 5.3-foot close focus, which meant we were able to get an incredibly detailed view of a tanager at close range. The Details: 1.6 pounds | 5.3-foot close focus | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon Ideally priced for beginners, the Nocs Provision Field Issue 10x32 Binoculars are compact and lightweight enough at just over one pound that we never felt shaky or fatigued using them. They'll also last well past your introduction to birding, with a textured rubber housing for maximum grip and protection, and a waterproof rating to a depth of up to three feet. A BAK4 prism with fully multi-coated lenses provides excellent light transmission, contrast, and color accuracy. We also found the oversized focus wheel easy to adjust one-handed while spotting. We liked the crisp view and loved that we were able to see individual feathers on distant birds thanks to the 10x magnification. We tested these binoculars alongside the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8x32 Binoculars and preferred the former's higher magnification; however, some may find the wider field of view offered by the latter preferable for scanning large areas. Additionally, the 8x32s have a higher relative brightness and may be a better pick for birding at dawn and dusk. Both come in a range of quirky colors and are protected by a "No Matter What" lifetime warranty. The Details: 1 pound | 6-degree field of view | 9.3-foot close focus | 16.8-millimeter eye relief | 10x magnification | 32-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon The Hontry 10x25 Compact Binoculars are a budget pick, so you won't have to worry about your kids breaking them or losing interest in birding. On the other hand, with a BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lenses, they are effective enough to last into the next stage of the hobby if your children develop a passion for it. We were pleased with the sharpness of the image, which was undistorted and showed enough detail that we were able to see the veins on leaves and individual feathers in an owl's nest. With 10x magnification and a 25-millimeter objective lens diameter, the field of view is relatively narrow (6.5 degrees). But, the small lens size also makes the binoculars super compact and lightweight at just 9.6 ounces, making them comfortable for kids to hold. Ours were able to use them for extended periods without their arms getting tired, although our seven year old did need a little help reaching and using the focus wheel. Finally, the binos feel sturdy with a textured, non-slip grip and feature a carry case to help kids take care of them. The Details: 9.6 ounces | 6.5-degree field of view | 10-millimeter eye relief | 10x magnification | 25-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure
