The New Nikon Binocular

We do a lot of nature-oriented travel during the summer. My two sons are bird-watching enthusiasts, and they’ve got me interested, too. Binoculars are a very important accessory when we go hiking or camping.

So when Nikon announced their new binoculars– the Nikon Eco Binoculars– and asked me to discuss it, it piqued my interest. It’s being marketed as “green,” which means it’s components are made without toxic chemicals (no lead, no arsenic, non-chloride rubber, etc). Even the product box is “green”: made from recycled paper material with no bleaching chemicals.

OK, so the gear is “green.” How does it perform? Well, with the same amazing Nikon technology we’ve come to expect! The Ecobins 10×25 is waterproof, fog-proof (I wear glasses, so I love that feature), and has the typical premium optics to minimize glare and light loss, and maximize brightness, color, and clarity. It’s a honking NICE set of Nikon binoculars!

You can read more about the Ecobins here. Sounds like a terrific tool for the bird-watcher or sports enthusiast in your group!

May Manta Mania at SeaWorld

If this does not look like the most incredible thing, I don’t know what does– SeaWorld Orlando is opening up a new attraction– Manta– in May. This new attraction includes a FLYING rollercoaster in the shape of a Manta Ray, and it looks amazing! The Manta at SeaWorld seamlessly blends high-technology, science, and, uh, gravity!

Manta is an underwater, floor-to-ceiling, massive aquarium– except that it’s much, much more than an aquarium– of tropical rays and other fish, where you are so close to the underwater world that you feel you are right there. And you practically are! The star of the show is an enormous “manta ray” on steel rails. People are strapped to its belly, ready for the ride of their lives. TOTALLY cool!

The website has more information including some very stunning theatrical video shorts that show what Manta is all about. It left me speechless; it’s so beautiful. When I take the kids to Florida, we are GOING, no doubt about it. It’s just so beautiful.

Manta opens May 22, 2009, and a heavy turnout is expected (yeah, no kidding). SeaWorld is offering a promotion for the new attraction– go to the Manta website and look for the button that says “Participate & Win.” You can get some great prizes and, if you finish all six activities on the website, get a “front of the line” pass for SeaWorld Manta. SeaWorld has made it easy to particpate, too– check out and follow SeaWorld on Twitter (@RealShamu) for tips and hints, and/or find answers for the Manta quiz on the Manta website. This is definitely an attraction you will not want to miss!