{Wyoming News}Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started.
Create a Plan Improving your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Start by setting realistic expectations, determining your goals and needs, finding inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, setting a budget.
Renovate the Bathroom You can improve your home’s usability and increase its value with bathroom updates or a full renovation. Before you get started, think about these factors: the amount of space and storage you need, features that are important to you, sustainability concerns and accessibility considerations.
Update the Kitchen The kitchen serves as command-central for most homes, and you can get the most enjoyment out of yours by making purposeful changes, reconsidering the physical space, re-evaluating your shopping style and choosing appliances with care.
Start a Remodel If it’s time for a serious undertaking, a full-blown remodel may be necessary (or simply desired). Remodeling typically calls for hiring a professional contractor, a process you can go about by gathering local recommendations, asking for licensing and insurance, checking references and comparing bids.
Ever since the Chinese spy balloon was allowed to sail across our country, anxiety and feelings of uneasiness have crept into the minds of many of our citizens. For many of us feelings such as these have not been felt for decades. Feelings which have been pushed to the back of our minds, having long ago been resolved, but obviously not forgotten. To say the early 1960’s was a strange time in America is an understatement. Our country was divided in a much different way than we are today, but we were divided nevertheless. Trust in the Government, or rather the lack thereof was a common topic of conversation in many circles. In still other circles patriotism abounded, American Pride was on full display and harsh words were often levied at those who would speak ill of the United States. The story which follows is true, the time was 1964. The Cold War between the Communist’s and the free world played out daily on the social media of the time,our morning newspapers and the evening news brought directly into our living rooms by our newly purchased TV’s.
Perhaps growing up in this time is indeed the cause for the things we feel today. In 1964, home was Great Falls, Montana and our neighborhood was just outside Malmstrom Air Force Base. Everyone we knew was either in the military or worked on the base in some capacity. There were four of us who hung out together back then, and just like the kids of today who play in the front yards and in the streets of their neighborhoods, we were nearly inseparable. We were all the middle kids in our families, not old enough to be heard, yet too old to ignore what we saw play-out on a daily basis. My friends: Daniel the curious one always asking questions and searching for the answer to why things were the way they were. Brian, the athlete and teammate who played beside me in every sports team through every season of the year. And Ritchie, the daredevil always building ramps and jumping his bike, believing he was indeed the next Evil Knievel. If you were looking for one of us, you would find us all together, at least until the streetlights came on.
The four of us saw the world in the same light and believed America was the best place on earth. We never missed a single airshow at the base and all had posters of The Blue Angels, The Thunderbirds and the Golden Eagles plastered on the walls of our bedrooms. These shows were not the shows kids get to see today; but rather, an opportunity to get up close to the fighters and actually crawl around inside the bombers and allowing us to imagine we were part of the fight for America. We would often be awakened and rush outside in the middle of the night, as the F-106 interceptor’s known as the The Delta Darts routinely flew mock missions off the tarmac of Malmstrom AFB. Many a night the whole neighborhood would be awakened by the sonic boom of the jets as they broke the sound barrier overhead. To us, that sound meant we were safe. Safe… because no one in their right mind would mess with the USA.
Up until 1964, the war in Viet Nam was relatively benign in the minds of most Americans. US involvement had been limited to waging a proxy war against the Communists. We sent advisors and Special Forces to train the South Vietnamese fighters and opened the arsenal of democracy, supplying only enough weapons to the South Vietnamese Army to slowly bleed the Communist’s who backed the North Vietnamese Army. So long as Americans were not dying on foreign soil in large numbers, the military industrial complex was allowed to flourish and record profits for their stockholders. For most this reality was acceptable; however, just as it is today, the concept of never letting a good crisis go to waste was embraced by the very people who had no dog in the fight, and certainly would not send their own sons and daughters to die in the jungle, known as Vietnam.
On August 2, 1964, three North Vietnamese torpedo boats began to harass the USS Maddox as it gathered signal intelligence from the Gulf of Tonkin located in South China Sea. The Maddox responded by firing a series of warning shots over the torpedo boats. In response, the North Vietnamese launched several torpedoes and opened fire on the Maddox with machine guns. The Maddox defended herself and in the end, all three torpedo boats were damaged and six North Vietnamese sailors were killed. The only damage recorded by the Maddox was a single bullet hole from a NVA machine gun burst. On August 3, 1964, the USS Turner Joy joined the USS Maddox and continued to gather intelligence. The next day the Commander of the Maddox, Captain John Herrick misinterpreted radar signal intelligence and reported his task force was under attack by the North Vietnamese Navy. It would take our government until 1985 to declassify information on what would become known as The Gulf of Tonkin incident. The truth of the matter is, there was no North Vietnamese attack on August 4, 1964 and our intelligence community simply “misinterpreted” the information from the Maddox. However, it would be the Gulf of Tonkin Incident which would be the catalyst to take America from a proxy war into a shooting war in Vietnam.
On August 10, 1964, the hawks in Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution giving then President Lyndon Johnson the authority to assist any Southeast Asian country whose government considered it to be under threat from any Communist aggression. Within just a few months of Congress’s action, the US began sending troops into Vietnam in large numbers. This decision would ultimately send over five-hundred-fifty thousand American Troops into Vietnam and cost more than fifty-eight thousand American lives.
One day, not long after President Johnson sent our troops into the jungle, Ritchie came running over to the house. He carried with him the photo we have all seen before…a Marine Corp Private, wearing his dress blues with an American Flag as a backdrop. The picture was of his oldest brother Joe who had just graduated boot camp at Parris Island. Joe was a good Marine, disciplined, tough, and smart and it wouldn’t take long for the Marines to send Joe to Viet Nam. I can still hear Richie reading the letters his brother sent to him…telling him not to worry, he was doing just fine in the Marine Corp he loved so much.
Ritchie lost his Brother Joe, then a Staff Sergeant in 1968, during the siege at Khe Sanh, and I lost my friend who would never again be the same. Losing a young person to the brutality of war leaves a hole in each of us. A hole which heals over time, and is replaced by a scar we will carry until the end of our days here on earth. These are the thoughts and the memories which come rushing back into our minds when we see unknown objects allowed to fly over our country. Our anxiety rises as we watch our politicians, so cavalier in their rhetoric and condescending in their tone, repeating the same ideology which got us into Vietnam. As usual, these people have no dog in the fight and are simply enriching themselves as stockholders in corporations who profit by producing the weapons of war.
I once sat in a lecture hall listening to my history professor as he explained the significance 1968 had on our country and telling us an entire course should be taught on this single year in American history. Just as the Civil Rights Movement had gained a true foothold with the passage of the Civil Rights Act and real progress was beginning to be seen, Dr. King was gunned down as he stood on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee. In response, our cities erupted into violence with looting and arson used by many as a means to express their frustration. The upcoming Presidential election became a referendum of the war in Vietnam, pitting young Americans against the older Americans, they called “The Man”. On June 4, 1968, Robert Kennedy won the Democrat Party’s nomination for President and was seen as a bright light of hope for our country. However, on June 5, 1968, RFK was assassinated by a Palestinian dissident angry over US support for Israel.
Not all of the news coming out of 1968 was bad. On October 11, 1968 the US Apollo Space Program launched Apollo 7 and Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele, and Walter Cunningham became the first US Apollo Program Astronauts to orbit earth, moving us just one step away from achieving President John F Kennedy’s challenge to our country “to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade.” The people of our country drove a nail into the coffin of the American Independent Party led by segregationist George Wallace. With the defeat of Wallace America could be heard clearly, racism is not now and will not in the future be tolerated. America’s silent majority believed the words of another politician as he spoke out against Communism, promising to restore peace and honor to America. It would take until 1975 for President Richard Nixon to actually make good on his promise to end the war in Viet Nam and when he did everyone asked was our nations sacrifice worth the cost?
None of us would be the same when 1968 was finished with us. It is in this harsh reality where the feelings of anxiety and mistrust for politicians remain for many who lived through this turbulent time. Watching as our politicians and military leaders alike allowed a Chinese Spy balloon to drift across our most sensitive military installations, conjures images and fears from a bygone time. It is in this reality is where the motivation is found for many to speak out and identify the many similarities from 1968 which we are experiencing in 2023, and begs the question, when will we begin to see a turn from the negative news and once again begin to nurture the great American spirit which will get our nation back on the right track?
The NATO Invitees associate themselves with this Statement. As we solemnly mark one year of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades, we as Allies reaffirm our solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine in the heroic defence of their nation, their land, and our shared values. We pay tribute to the lives lost, and we deplore the tragic human suffering and destruction, including of Ukraine’s residential areas and civilian and energy infrastructure, caused by Russia’s illegal war.
We are further stepping up political and practical support to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion, and will maintain our support for as long as necessary to help Ukraine prevail. In this context, NATO will continue to coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders, including international organisations, in particular the EU, as well as like-minded countries.
We remain resolute in supporting Ukraine’s long-term efforts to secure its free and democratic future. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We fully support Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence and to choose its own security arrangements.
Russia bears full responsibility for this war, a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Russia’s actions disregard OSCE principles and commitments and gravely undermine international security and stability and the rules-based international order. While we have called on Russia to engage constructively in credible negotiations with Ukraine, Russia has not shown any genuine openness to a just and lasting peace.
We remain determined to maintain coordinated international pressure on Russia. We also condemn all those, including Belarus, who are actively facilitating Russia’s war.
There can be no impunity for Russian war crimes and other atrocities. All those responsible must be held accountable for abuses and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly against Ukraine’s civilian population and including the deportation of children and conflict-related sexual violence. Russia must immediately stop this war and withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine in line with the UN General Assembly Resolution adopted on 23 February 2023 and other relevant Resolutions of the UN General Assembly.
Russia’s war also threatens global security. Russia’s energy blackmail, its impact on global food supplies, its malign hybrid activities, its worldwide disinformation campaign, and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric demonstrate clearly Russia’s disregard for international norms and the welfare of billions of people around the world.
We will continue to strive for peace, security, and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO is a defensive Alliance. We are significantly strengthening our deterrence and defence posture, and we remain ready to defend every inch of Allied territory in line with our 360-degree approach against all threats and challenges.
Our commitment to the Washington Treaty, including Article 5, is iron-clad. NATO is stronger and more united than ever. We have welcomed the choice of Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO and reaffirmed our commitment to NATO’s Open Door policy. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with Ukraine as it advances its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We are also further strengthening our other partnerships, including by assisting those countries most exposed to Russia’s malign influence.
Russia’s efforts to break the resolve of the brave people of Ukraine are failing. One year on, Ukrainians are fighting valiantly for freedom and independence. We stand with them.
Wyoming school children and parents will have it much easier for higher education than the Wyoming public schools, which teach CTR and WOKE Identityism in public schools.
Wyoming Representative Chip Neiman Republican from Weston, Crook County, issued a statement regarding a bill’s passage he authored.
“This is an important, common-sense law for families who homeschool their children,” said House Majority Floor Leader Chip Neiman. “Homeschooled children will benefit greatly from the broader involvement this new law allows. This measure will lead to a richer experience for the home.”
According to the bill, it deleted any restriction in the state of Wyoming that only permitted home-based education to be taught by the child’s parent or a legal guardian.
With this bill’s passage, any family member can provide home-based education.
Of the votes in the Wyoming legislature, the votes were 60 in favor and one vote not in favor in the House. The deserting vote was a liberaL SOCIALIST, Democrat, of course, Rep Karlee Provenza from Albany County.
On the house side of the legislative body, the votes cast were 27 in favor and only four dissenting votes. Those voters were cast by Case, Rothfuss, Gierau, and Cooper. The Governor of Wyoming, Mark Gordon, signed the bill into law upon the bill reaching his desk.
(Wyoming News) Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience.
Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and when. Solo travel also elicits some mental and emotional benefits, as you experience a unique sense of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency.
If you’re considering a solo journey, consider these tips from the book “101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers,” which is offered by Overseas Adventure Travel in free digital and print editions.
Make Sure Your Passport is Updated
Many countries now require your passport to be valid for six months after your return to the United States. If you don’t have a passport, or need to renew one, apply for one as soon as possible. Ideally you should have your application in six months before you depart.
Look for Trips with No Single Supplement
Often, quoted rates are “per person, based on double occupancy.” This is because travel hosts know they can make more from a couple traveling than an individual. You can avoid paying a single supplement premium by being willing to match with a roommate or traveling with a tour company or cruise line with free or low-cost single supplement fees.
Use the ATM
As an affordable and convenient way to get cash, you can avoid wasting time in line at a bank or currency exchange bureau by visiting an ATM. While you’ll likely incur a fee for using an ATM that’s not part of your bank, it is often less than the commission you’d pay at an exchange bureau. Plus, you can avoid additional fees by calculating how much you’ll need for the trip and making one withdrawal as opposed to multiple smaller withdrawals.
Download Entertainment Before You Leave
When traveling, Wi-Fi can be expensive, slow or just not available. Before you leave, download music, e-books, podcasts, favorite tv shows or movies to enjoy while you’re en route or during down time.
Join Group Tours
Once you reach your destination, you may enjoy joining small groups for excursions or to explore local cuisine. Or you can make your entire journey a group experience. A small group adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel has many benefits, and built-in dining companions is just one of them.
Take Precautions in Your Hotel Room
When you check in, ask the receptionist to write your room number down instead of announcing it so everyone can hear. Make sure your room’s locks work on both the door into the hallway and the balcony. Never let any repair person or staff member into your room without confirming with the front desk first. Bring a rubber doorstop, which makes a hotel room door nearly impossible to open. Finally, have an exit plan: Know where the nearest exit is located and the route from your room.
Make New Friends
For some, making friends seems to happen naturally while traveling alone by chatting with strangers at a neighboring restaurant table or striking up a conversation while waiting in line at a store. If those situations don’t occur naturally, there are useful apps that can connect you with local people as well as fellow travelers.
Find more tips to prepare for your journey at oattravel.com.
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Republican Party released the following statement regarding Jon Tester’s decision to seek reelection:
Jon Tester has backed every single one of Joe Biden’s disastrous policies. The Biden-Tester agenda has given us rising prices, higher taxes, and open borders that are hurting Montana communities. He does not represent Montana values, and voters will send that message loud and clear next November. “ – Montana Republican Party Chair Don “K” Kaltschmidt
CHEYENNE, Wy — Tuesday, February 21 at approximately 11:30 a.m. the Cheyenne Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force were involved in a high-risk warrant service operation at a residence near the 1400 block of East 18th Street. The wanted subject, Manuel Duncan, 29, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, had an outstanding violent felony warrant for his arrest. Following a period of surveillance, it was determined he was at the location.
Duncan has a history of violence and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Based on this information, investigating detectives completed a risk assessment to help ensure the safety of the community during the warrant service. Out of an abundance of caution, it was decided that the Cheyenne Police/Laramie County Sheriff Joint SWAT team should assist.
Crisis negotiators were also on stand-by. Upon arrival at the residence, the SWAT team attempted to communicate with Duncan, asking him to exit. Following several commands, the situation was brought to an end at 11:50 a.m. when Duncan surrendered, walking out the front door with both hands raised.
Duncan was arrested and booked into the Laramie County Jail on his existing warrant for aggravated assault with injury with a deadly weapon.
