GoneTrending

Douglas Scott grew up on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the dying shadow of the timber industry that had supported the region for decades.

“Nearly every home had a bright orange or yellow sign reading ‘This home supported by timber dollars,'” Scott wrote on Outdoor Society.

---

While the region has also been recognized for its succulent seafood, temperate climate, and stunning natural formations, nothing shaped the community — or the physical landscape — quite like logging did.

The tension in the air between the loggers and the environmentalists throughout the 1980s was thicker than the trees being cut down.

“I heard from old timers in the Harbor about how environmentalists were ruining the region, and I was told by environmentalists that loggers were killing everything in sight,” Scott recalled.

But to understand the full impact of deforestation on the region, it helps to take the bird’s eye view.

Here’s a satellite image of the Olympic Peninsula from 1984. The white region in the center are the mountaintops in Olympic National Park; you’ll also notice the grey and brown areas along the western and northern coasts of the peninsula.

“When I moved away from the area in 1997, there wasn’t much of a logging or mill economy in dozens of towns around the region,” Scott said.

By that time, tourism had begun to take the place of timber as the region’s major industry — which was probably helped along by the fact that the trees were slowly but surely starting to recover, enhancing the already stunning vistas that drew visitors.

Here’s how the Olympic Peninsula looked by the time that Scott and his family left the area; you’ll notice the western and northern coasts are just a little bit greener than they were 13 years prior…

Those great green arbors continued their gradual recovery into the 2000s…

And they’re still going today.

But those isolated moments don’t tell the whole story of the region’s recovery. It’s even more remarkable when you can see it in action…

We don’t always notice the world changing right before our eyes, but the decades-long view of the Olympic Peninsula shows the true power of nature.

It’s not just the trees, either; according to Scott, the replenished forests have also had a positive impact on the local salmon population and other treasured natural resources.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use the natural world, of course. We still need wood, for example, but now we know there are sustainable ways to use it without recklessly damaging to the planet.

The Earth was built to take care of itself. We just need to let Mother Nature do her thing.

This article originally appeared on 12.22.16

Last year the placid exterior of Good Morning America was shattered by a shockingly trashy story: Two of its anchors were engaged in an interoffice romance. After separating from their spouses that August, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, who lorded over the early afternoon news show GMA3, began openly dating (after making cryptic social media posts). ABC brass did not like that and quickly yanked them off the air, eventually letting them go entirely. Robach and Holmes are still together, but what of their poor exes? Well, seems like they got a happy ending, too.

Per Page Six, multiple sources say that Marilee Fiebig and Andrew Shue, former spouses of Holmes and Robach, respectively, have found love. The two reportedly bonded after being very publicly dumped by their famous partners, which, it should be noted, is the plot of Wong Kar-wai’s beloved film In the Mood for Love. Now they’ve been an item for the last six months.

“It turned into something else, and they’re connected over their values,” one source told Page Six. “It’s bigger than the affair now.”

“They’re not heartbroken and sad,” another source said. “Everyone has moved on.”

So that’s nice! In the meantime, their exes, which is to say Robach and Holmes, have moved on as well, with a new podcast on iHeartRadio, called Amy & T.J. In the first episode they discussed the scandal that cost them their spouses and their swanky ABC jobs, where they made an interesting distinction over their canning.

“[We] lost the jobs we love because we love each other,” Holmes said. “To be clear, we were outed as being in a relationship, but everyone else thought we were being outed as adulterers — being outed as cheating on our spouses — and it wasn’t the case.”

Insiders, though, claim it was the affair, not that they were in love, that got them booted from their on-air gigs.

Anyway, Mazel Tov to all four of them, looks like.

(Via Page Six)

Clearly, former Fox News host Chris Wallace hasn’t kept up with John Oliver’s lustily expressed obsession over “f*ckable redwood” Adam Driver. Although Oliver was exaggerating for effect, and Driver even got in on the fun while “confronting” Oliver’s pleas to have his legs snapped by the Kylo Ren actor, plenty of Driver fans agree that there is something about Adam Driver.

Wallace, for whatever reason, decided to quiz Driver about how he feels about not “look[ing] like a typical movie star.” It didn’t go any smoother from there while Driver, who is promoting his role as Enzo in Ferrari, appeared on the Max series Who’s Talking To Chris Wallace?

To answer the question of that show’s title, Adam Driver’s fans are now talking to Wallace after he persisted in asking whether it “would be easier” for Driver if he was more of a Robert Redford-type figure in this awkward clip.

In response to Wallace’s remarks, Driver pointed out that he has been working constantly as an actor and “with people I always dreamed that I wanted to work with.” As well, “I look how I look. I can’t change that.” Then came Driver’s response about “breaking mirrors wherever I go… having a misshapen outsized body that I can’t fit through doorways or most clothes or fit into most cars… apart from that, it’s good.”

It seems like Driver was giving a ridiculous response to a ridiculous question, and he added, “The New Yorker has also called me a horseface so I take it with a grain of salt.”

It was pretty darn uncomfortable overall, and as also noted by both Decider and PEOPLE, Driver enthusiasts spoke up to call Wallace’s remarks “rude,” “tacky,” “gross,” and “unprofessional.”

One Twitter user wrote, “I cannot get over that video of Chris Wallace calling Adam Driver ugly. Do straight men never listen to straight women talk about their taste in men?” And that was only the beginning.

(Via Decider & People)

Robert Bush Sr. is an avid outdoorsman who runs a Facebook page called “Bob’s Pennsylvania Wildlife Camera.”

He set up a secret camera on a log that lays across a steam to capture footage of all the different animals that walked across it. The result is a relaxing video featuring all sorts of wildlife including a black bear, chipmunk, coyote, turkey, and great horned owl.

---

Bush is very active recording wildlife videos, which he shares on his Facebook and YouTube pages.

In the introduction to his Facebook page he captures his philosophy that is welcoming to all, with a few ground rules:

“I love the outdoors and wildlife and I am not anti-hunting, this page is not about hunting and I will not post any hunting pictures or videos on this page, this page is about the wildlife in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Please do NOT post hunting pictures in the comments, and do not comment about killing the animals or about hunting at all, and do not bash hunters or talk about anti-hunting … just enjoy the videos.”

Well said, Robert. And now, on to the first video:

You may have noticed the video is called “The Log 2.” Well, here’s the original.

This article originally appeared on 02.28.20

Look, when grandma hands you a special mystery gift, and tells you not to open it until you get home, you do what grandma says. Consequences be damned.

That was certainly the case for Los Angeles-based actor Brett Gaffney. Only his obedience made for some awkward moments at airport security.

In a viral TikTok video, Gaffney is seen at the airport, a large briefcase nestled beside him, as he explains how his Grandma had accidentally been trying to get him “arrested” with her surprise gift. Turns out, this gift had more than one surprise to bestow.

---

“I got stopped at the airport security, and you know what? It was because of this briefcase my grandma gave me as an early Christmas gift, and she said don’t open it until you get to California,” Gaffney recalls, noting that the briefcase was suspiciously heavy.

Despite him urging his grandma that he needed to know what was inside, Gaffney was still instructed to wait to open it. This didn’t fly with the TSA, unfortunately.

“They asked me what was inside, and I said, ‘I don’t know, I don’t know…it’s a surprise‘” Gaffney says in the clip. “They said, ‘What do you mean? You’re bringing a briefcase, and you don’t know what’s inside?’”

As one person playfully pointed out in the comments, “I feel like the words ‘I don’t know, it’s a surprise’ shouldn’t be uttered to TSA, let alone in one sitting 🤣.”

Eventually security did open the briefcase once it was flagged on the x ray conveyor belt, revealing the gift to a be: a vintage typewriter.

“Who am I, Tom Hanks?” Gaffney quips, making a nod to Hanks’ famous affinity for using typewriters. “Am I going to go to the park and write a whole book with a typewriter?”

Perhaps even funnier than Gaffney’s situation is that fact that it was the second typewriter airport security ahad seen that day, according to his caption.

Though it temporarily got him in some hot water, people loved Gaffney for trying to respect his grandma’s wishes.

“The fact u listened and didn’t open it is so innocent lmao,” one person wrote, to which Gaffney replied, “I’m a man of pure trust.”

Others chimed in about the gift itself. One person wrote, “there is a Great American novel to be written and now you have the tools.”

Another added, “as a fellow typewriter gifted grandson, I knew what it was the second I saw it. Yours looks much newer than mine.”

@brett.gaffney Airport Security said this is the second one they have seen today! #brettgaffneyforever #holidaytravel ♬ original sound – brett.gaffney

In some follow-up videos, Gafney shows viewers how he has indeed warmed up to his old school machine, which he admitted to being “so calming”. He even shared that it inspired the same feelings as the toys from his childhood that made him “play hooky” from school.

Or maybe instead of taking him back to adolescence, the gift has catapulted him into his golden years, as he jokes, “I’m becoming an old man…all I want to do is stay home and type on my typewriter.”

So there you have it—grandma gave a gift that keeps on giving.

Some people love everything about winter—the brisk air, the frosty trees, the long evenings. Others loathe the frigid winter months and have to be dragged through them, kicking their fur-lined snow boots all the way.

If you’re one of the latter, I’ve got bad news. Winter happens whether we like it or not—always has and always will. So rather than fight it, perhaps a better approach is to embrace it—or at least the good parts about it. Leaning into indoor warmth and playing up cozy comfort and connection make the dark, cold months much more bearable.

That’s the idea behind the Danish concept of hygge, which encourages slowing down, appreciating the simple things, and creating a warm, inviting haven of comfort in your home. Many of us have become familiar with hygge in recent years, but we may not know how to actually make it happen. There’s no one right or wrong way to create hygge, but here are seven practical tips for bringing more of it into your home.

---

1. Maximize natural light—but also add string lights

We get less sunlight in the winter, so during the day, we need to maximize whatever natural light we have. Keep curtains open and keep your windows unobstructed during the day.

Then add more light! Fairy lights/string lights/twinkle lights—whatever you prefer to call them—aren’t just for Christmas and they add so much warmth to a space, even during the day. Drape them around the windows, across the mantle, along the wall or wherever it makes sense to put them. Also, once night hits, opt for lamps instead of overhead lights, which can feel cold and harsh.

2. Introduce soft, plush textures

Plush blankets, fur pillows, throws made from sheepskin or cotton—all the things you’d want to cuddle up with add to hygge. Decor elements made out of natural materials like woven baskets, wooden accents, and textured rugs also enhance the warm hygge aesthetic.

3. Bring the outdoors indoors

We bring fresh flowers indoors in spring and summer, but often neglect to think of plants as decor in winter. But bringing the outdoors in with potted plants and boughs of greenery promotes a sense of calm and well-being. Even just some simple pinecones or sprigs of pine can add a lot to the atmosphere.

4. Embrace candles and soothing scents

Candles are a hygge essential, adding a warm glow and tranquility to any space. Even battery-operated flameless candles help with hygge if you aren’t able to use real candles in your space. Naturally scented candles or essential oil diffusers in soothing scents like lavender, vanilla or cinnamon can make the hygge experience multi-sensory, enhancing the calming effect.

5. Invite people over for a cozy, casual hangout

Warmth and coziness isn’t just about decor, it’s about well-being, and a hygge atmosphere really shines when you’re connecting with people. So have a get together, but keep it simple. Invite a few friends or family members over for a cup of cocoa. Maybe play a classic board game. Bake cookies together and enjoy them. Or just sit by the fire or the candles and chat. Invite them to come in their jammies if you want. Keep it casual and cozy.

6. Create a hygge corner for yourself

“Connection” also means connecting with yourself. Designate a specific area of your home as your personal hygge haven. Maybe you create a cozy reading nook, a quiet meditation spot, or a comfy armchair by a window. Fill it with books, artwork or cherished mementos that bring you joy.

7. Indulge in self-care with simple rituals

Again, hygge isn’t just an aesthetic; it’s an attitude of embracing simple pleasures. What basic self-care rituals can you add to your daily routine? Maybe a warm cup of tea? Reading by a fireplace? A candlelight bath? Writing in a journal? Focus on self-care activities that promote peace and well-being.

Hygge isn’t about accumulating specific possessions or achieving a certain style; it’s about purposefully creating an atmosphere that nurtures comfort, contentment and well-being. Winter really is easier to get through when you lean into the season, which means slowing down, comforting all of your senses and giving yourself the gift of cozy, tranquil connection with yourself or with others.

One of a parent’s biggest fears is dealing with a toddler having a full-blown meltdown while shopping. The common sense parenting suggestion is to ignore the meltdown and the child will eventually stop. Easier said than done. There’s nothing more embarrassing than doing nothing while your kid is kicking, screaming and flailing in the cereal aisle.

It can also feel humiliating to have to reason with a 3-year-old in front of dozens of peering eyes, silently judging while they pretend to be grabbing a box of Frosted Flakes.

On the other hand, a toddler’s tantrum can be an opportunity to showcase your excellent parenting skills. That’s what one dad did in a Target store, and his ability to bring his son back to reality earned him praise from a stranger on TikTok.

---

In a video that’s been seen over 370,000 times, TikTokker Cari Izaguirre shared how a father brilliantly handled a toddler throwing a tantrum in the Target book section.

I legit felt like i was grounded and came back to reality at that moment😃 #parenting #incredible #toddler #shopping #grounding

@cari.izaguirre

I legit felt like i was grounded and came back to reality at that moment😃 #parenting #incredible #toddler #shopping #grounding

“This is to the dad that was just in Target with your young boy. You guys were walking past the books and he threw a huge fit because you didn’t allow him to get a book,” Izaguirre began in her video. “So he started throwing himself all over. I just wanna say bravo to you. You did the most incredible job with him.”

The father took the boy to the side and asked him to take a deep breath. The father hugged his sobbing son and asked him directly: “Where are we right now?”

“Target,” the little boy responded.

“What are you standing on?” the father asked.

“The floor,” the boy responded.

“Is it carpet or is it tile?” the father continued.

“Tile,” the boy responded.

“He was grounding him, bringing him back to reality was like ‘Dude, it’s all gonna be good.’ It worked,” Izaguirre said in amazement. “This little boy came so quickly back to his senses and stopped crying and was having this really awesome conversation with his dad. It was incredible.”

Izaguirre thought the father’s performance in the Target was commendable because he didn’t lose his temper which has always been hard for her. “I was that mom that lost my temper,” she admitted.

The father did a great job calming down his child with a few choice questions. But is that the only way to stop a public tantrum? Dr. Daniel Siegel, co-author of “The Whole-Brain Child,” says that you’ll get two types of tantrums in a store. The first is the “upstairs” tantrum where a child is pushing your limits and making a power play. The second is the “downstairs” tantrum, which results from a child being overstimulated, also known as a meltdown.

Dr. Siegel says that when your child throws an upstairs tantrum, it’s best to ignore and not react because the kid is looking for a power play. In the case of a downstairs tantrum, it’s best to try to calm the child’s emotions like the dad did in Target.

Simone Biles may be a world class, record breaking gymnast with multiple gymnastic moves named after her. She’s also married to Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Green Bay Packers and since tying the knot, Biles has made her fair share of appearances at the games. The gold medalist is typically decked out in Green Bay gear cheering from the sidelines.

It’s a treat for fans of Biles who also happen to be Packers fans to see her at the game. But at a recent game, one fan dressed in a frozen cheese costume complete with icicles made a gift for Biles. A goat hat. Not just any goat hat, one that looks to be carved from foam wearing a purple shirt with the Olympic rings on the arm.

“You’re the greatest of all time (GOAT). I had to make you something, okay? You are the GOAT. This is for you,” the fan says.

---

Biles thanks the frozen cheese fan several times before putting the hat on her head but the man wasn’t done. He had another hat for her husband, presumably one of the players the fans came to see.

“We can’t let your husband out of the picture,” the guy tells Biles before pulling out a hat made to look like Owens. It had everything, the helmet, the jersey, even his name on the back. Biles was equally thrilled to see the second hat, proudly taking pictures with both the hats and the frozen cheese man that gifted them to her. Fans were amazed when the sweet video was posted to social media by CBS Sports HQ.

“That’s So Cool! His Costume Has Got to Be one of The Best I have Ever Seen For Football,” one person writes.

“That’s awesome. This is the first time I’m jealous of the Packers. She’s such an inspiration and I wish she was on our sidelines!! You go girl,” another says.

“Omg those are so cute she is so sweet,” someone else gushes.

Those hats are amazing and with as excited as she was it wouldn’t be surprising if she showed up wearing them to a game one day. That would probably make the fan’s day. See the entire interaction below:

The new Speaker of the House and all-around Republican weirdo Mike Johnson is getting roasted for a Tuesday press conference where he openly admitted to blurring the faces of January 6 protestors so they wouldn’t be charged by the Department of Justice.

The conservative congressman, who reportedly shares his internet search history with his son so he doesn’t look at porn, announced that new footage from the Capitol breach following Donald Trump’s Stop the Steal rally will not obscure the identity of the assailants while Americans “draw their own conclusions” about the events of the day.

“I don’t think partisan elected officials in Washington should present a narrative and expect that it should be seen as the ultimate truth,” Johnson said while basically presenting a narrative.

Via NBC News:

“We have to blur some faces of persons who participated in the events of that day because we don’t want them to be retaliated against and to be charged by the DOJ,” Johnson said Tuesday.

Johnson, who was deeply involved in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election based on false claims of mass election fraud, said that people should do their own research into the Capitol attack.

As a clip of Johnson’s odd reasoning went viral, the controversial House Speaker was roasted on Twitter as people mocked the idea of the GOP being the party of “law and order” while openly protecting insurrectionists from prosecution. Not to mention the fact that the DOJ has already seen the footage, so Johnson’s move makes even less sense.

You can see some of the reactions below:

(Via NBC News, Acyn on Twitter)

Bert Kreischer is frequently shirtless.

The comedian is shirtless in his standup specials. He’s shirtless in interviews. He’s shirtless in the fictionalized movie about his life, The Machine. And now, he’s shirtless in photos showing off his weight loss.

“Me at 275 vs. me at 230,” Kreischer wrote on X, along with two pictures: one where he weighs 275 pounds and another at 230 pounds. He looks happier in the first photo, but maybe that’s because the carefully placed towel is drawing the attention in the second. You can see the post below.

“One night I took my shirt off to remind myself it should be fun,” Kreischer told Gold Derby about why he performs shirtless. “You could feel the energy in the room loosen up and my energy loosen up. I started smiling. That set went beautifully. So I still have that. Not to sound too hippy dippy but it ties in with gratitude. Every time I walk on stage, especially now in arenas, there’s a moment where I walk up the stairs and they are playing ‘Fortunate Son’ and I believe I am the fortunate son. I want to have fun. I want to drink if I want to drink. I want to smoke weed if I want to smoke weed. But ultimately, I perform best sober until the last 15 minutes of the show.”

(Via X/bertkreischer)