According to the Montana Republican Party, Montana voters helped killed the far-left Democrats HB 432 in the Montana Legislature. The bill took extreme measures to legalize abortion with ZERO limitations!
The Democrats are not giving up on introducing even more out of touch abortion bills this session. Tomorrow, HB 570 a bill to create a civil penalty for interfering with abortion access – including “disturbing” an individual seeking an abortion, will be heard in committee. Liberals want to make it a crime for organizations like 40 Days of Life to make a stand for life.
Montana Republicans will stand up against this overreaching bill the far-left is introducing in Helena. HB 570 is extremely harmful to our vulnerable mothers, and we must step up to defend the unborn.
By: Marc Arms On February 21, 2020, the festival of Mardi Gras officially begins. For those of us who live outside of the deep South, the happenings of the festival are often portrayed as nothing more than the reason crowds of drunken people congregate to watch women, young and old, expose their breasts, in trade for strings of colorful plastic beads. While Mardi Gras is certainly time to celebrate and engage in the excesses many find irresistible, there is a far greater reason for this celebration which has roots in this country, dating back to 1699.
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, as a celebration known as the “Fatted Calf.” The term “Fatted Calf” became a symbol, and a metaphor for a celebration which accompanied the arrival of anyone, who’s return had been long awaited. Such celebrations derive their importance from the Bible; specifically, from the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In Biblical times, it was a common practice to keep one piece of prime livestock, generally a lamb, well fed from a special diet and available for noteworthy occasions. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the “Fatted Calf” is slaughtered by the Father, to show the symbolism and celebration of an event, which is anything but ordinary.
Understanding the meaning behind Mardi Gras, requires one to explore the celebration itself. As with many of our holidays, Mardi Gras has its roots in Christian teaching. In Louisiana, the Biblical happening known as, “The Epiphany”, or “King Day”, is celebrated, as the time when the Baby Jesus, was first revealed to the three Magi. King Day, signals the beginning of Carnival Season, a time of celebration and for elaborate parties. Today, we recognize this event, as having occurred ten days after Christmas; and, as a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The celebrations include parades, floats, and parties, sponsored each day, by a specific group known as, “Krewes.” History tells us the first “Krewes”, or Mardi Gras Societies, were started by fraternal organizations and prominent businessmen, competing to outdo each other with their elaborate costumes, masked balls, and outlandishly decadent gatherings. Carnival Season includes celebrations which are ongoing over some fifty plus day’s, with each days event, sponsored by an individual Krewe.
This tradition began in earnest in 1872, when the Grand Duke, Alexei Alexandrovich, from Russia, visited the City of New Orleans. A group of local businessmen who had formed the “Krewe of Rex”, decided they would honor the Grand Duke, by appointing him as, “King Rex”, a sort of Grand Master of Mardi Gras. So successful was their endeavor, from this point forward, each successive Mardi Gras, would be overseen by an honored guest, known for their civic involvement and philanthropic pursuits, and would be called, Mardi Gras, Rex. The identity of each years “Rex”, is kept a secret until the day before Mardi Gras, when typically the honored guest is announced and handed a symbolic key to the city. Mardi Gras Rex makes his official appearance during, “Fat Tuesday”, signaling the end of Carnival Season is near and offering the last chance to indulge your excesses, feast to your heart’s content, and revel in the debauchery we so commonly associate with Mardi Gras.
The day following Mardi Gras is called Ash Wednesday and signals the beginning of Lent. For the next forty days, believers observe the solemn tradition of prayer, penance, and absence, from what is typically a favored food or activity, giving us the question, “what are you giving up for Lent?” The Lenten season continues for the next forty days and is emblematic of the time Jesus spent in the Judaean Desert, fasting and praying, as he was tempted again and again, by Satan. The last week of Lent is known as Holy Week, and begins with Palm Sunday. This time is meant to celebrate the return of Jesus from his forty days in the desert. The Bible tells us, palm leaves were spread on the ground, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem; and it is these palm branches, which will be gathered, then burned, forming the ashes to be used for the next years, Ash Wednesday. The following Friday, known as “Good Friday”, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death, which is followed by Easter Sunday and the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ.So, try as we may, to make Mardi Gras a symbol of excess, indulgence and an opportunity to exhibit questionable behavior, the truth of the matter, as always, can be found in history. Our King has returned, and because of his sacrifice, All of God’s people can proclaim, “Laissez les bons temps rouler… “Let the good times roll.”
(Wyoming News) One of the best parts of traveling is trying the local cuisine, and that’s particularly true on an international scale. No matter where you go around the globe, however, there is one ingredient you’ll likely find is an integral part of many cultures and cuisines: rice.
Grown on almost every continent, this staple ingredient is a large part of meals around the world, which means there are nearly endless varieties and recipes to try. However, you don’t need to go on vacation to try authentic-tasting international food; easy-to-make versions of popular dishes from around the globe can be made right at home in mere minutes.
Mediterranean Known for vibrant vegetables, savory sauces and incredible tastes, the Mediterranean is also home to a few classic rice dishes such as rich and creamy risotto from Italy. Other vibrant options include Spanish specialties like arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and paella, which is made with an assortment of ingredients like seafood, spices and savory broth.
Asia If you’ve ever been to an Asian restaurant, you’ll notice a large portion of the menu likely includes recipes made with rice. While it might be difficult to pinpoint where certain recipes originate, fried rice is a Chinese specialty. Over time, this delicious dish has made its way to many different countries and been reinvented with local ingredients. For example, this Kale and Kimchi “Fried” Rice is based on Korean cuisine and can be made in less than 5 minutes using Minute Jasmine Rice & Red Quinoa Cups, which combine the buttery taste and aromatic scent of authentic Jasmine rice with crunchy, 100% whole-grain red quinoa in a convenient, pre-portioned cup.
Middle East Much like other cuisines around the world, Middle Eastern cooking uses rice almost every day. A Turkish and Arab mixed dish, shawarma is now a global street food. Traditional Persian rice uses a variety of spices like turmeric, ginger and cardamom with dried fruits and nuts.
Latin America Latin American recipes vary from country to country and region to region, but rice is essential on the side or as part of the main dish across the board. A quick and easy morning meal, this Mexican Breakfast Scramble is ready in 4 minutes. Aiding the short prep time, Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups are ready in just 1 minute and can help spice up dishes with a tasty blend of onion, green peppers and jalapenos.
North America With bold flavors, few things say southern comfort quite like Louisiana cooking. Bring the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with rice-based dishes like gumbo or jambalaya, or by pairing rice with another popular Cajun pastime – a classic shrimp boil.
Find more quick and easy international recipe ideas at MinuteRice.com.
The first Mayor’s World Languages Dinner in 2022 was a huge success, and it’s now a staple event on the Billings calendar. The diverse languages and cultures that make up our community and connect Billings to the rest of the world will be celebrated on Friday, March 3rd, 2023.
Thanks to the growing interest in the event, Mayor Cole and the planning committee have chosen a larger venue, the historic Northern Hotel, to host the event. “The goal is to showcase and celebrate the diverse languages and cultures of our community and provide an opportunity for people who share a common trait:
English is not their first language,” said Mayor Cole. The first dinner was a pleasant surprise for many, as it brought together over 200 guests who spoke 25 different languages. This year’s event is expected to have over 300 guests and will feature more than 40 different languages.
The planning committee, generous sponsors from the Billings community and volunteers from MSU Billings International Studies program made this event possible. The event is already sold out, but interested parties are encouraged to follow the event Facebook page for updates.
Missoula, MT (February 18, 2023) – At 11:19 this morning, Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a suicidal male that was reportedly holding his wife hostage at the Clinton Market. The situation unfortunately evolved to the point where deputies were forced to use lethal force. Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is handling the investigation with the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office acting as the coroner. No further information is available. There is no current threat to the public. The Missoula Sheriff Department expressed to the Wyoming News their thoughts and concern for the family members affected by this unavoidable tragedy.
Upgrading your home design is an opportunity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive design aesthetic.
While you might turn to family or friends for inspiration for your next DIY project, another resource for collecting concepts and options to upgrade your space is the internet. Consider the Valspar Color-verse, which allows visitors to explore colors in a unique way and offers paint color inspiration and decor trends they can envision within their own homes.
The interactive virtual home showcases the latest paint and design trends so you can get creative for your next project. After experiencing the Valspar 2023 Colors of the Year firsthand by painting walls and art from the collection to see the 3D virtual house come to life, you can find the perfect paint shade for your space.
“Through the Color-verse, visitors can experience the 12 Colors of the Year in a realistic virtual home,” said Gus Morales, vice president of brand marketing for CBG Sherwin-Williams. “Aside from exploring the Colors of the Year, the home is an engaging space for visitors to create art, play games and order paint chips to see how their top color picks look and feel in their homes.”
Color Trends to Consider
Many of this year’s popular nature-inspired designs are all about finding comfort, embracing a flexible lifestyle, rediscovering joy and leaning into the growing DIY movement. The most trend-worthy, forward-thinking and livable colors reflect specific facets or emotions of life so you can update your well-used spaces with thoughtful colors that evoke positive energy and lasting change.
Comfort and Contentment: If your goal is to create a space that envelopes you in a sense of comfort, consider a white with a yellow undertone that makes a space cozy like a soft blanket, like Cozy White from Valspar. Complement the softness with a muted clay that brings in brown undertones that suggest gentle contentment.
Calming Restoration: Tap into the calming tones of nature with a hazy green that has duality, which brings in both the calm and liveliness of the great outdoors. Another option is a deep midnight blue used as an elegant calming shade to restore mind, body and home.
Healthful, Mindful Living: Create an uplifting space where your wellness is a priority. Evoke a greater sense of health consciousness with a light blue that has a dose of softness used as a fresh neutral with uplifting qualities of a modern pastel, like Valspar’s Rising Tide. Reinforce the benefits of mindful living with a cool gray that is balanced by the warmth of the yellow undertone, a natural hue like a cotton muslin cloth.
Connections and Joy: Establish spaces where you can celebrate relationships with others, the world around you and happiness in your being. Consider hues like a white softened by a violet undertone, a harmonious shade promoted by digital connectivity. Evoke joy with a dependable classic tan that features a yellow undertone suggesting new life with uplifting qualities.
Natural Balance: Bringing hints of the outdoors into a well-loved living space creates a soothing ambiance. Consider a warm neutral brown tone inspired by the shades found in nature or a cooled down blue that strikes a beautiful balance between cool and warm shades in your design.
Inspirational Thought: A work-from-home or crafting space needs color to inspire great thinking. Try a faded natural terracotta that sparks individuality and warmth or a deep blackened olive, an on-trend neutral that embodies charm and sophistication.
Explore the tool and find more colorful ideas at Valspar.com.
Navigate New Colors
Exploring color options before you apply them to a home improvement or design project gives you the chance to experience and visualize different styles before you fully commit. Using a tool like Valspar’s Color-verse, a 3D virtual home, you can experience on-trend color palettes that inspire your next big project through resources like:
An interactive feature that allows you to repaint walls of a living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, walls and cabinets using the 12 Colors of the Year then takes you directly to the site to order free paint chips to try at home
An artisticelement where you can create a 3D panorama nature scene, explore others’ artwork and share creations on social media
A light-hearted game that inspires you to get on the road to gather your home improvement essentials
Watching your baby learn and grow can provide some of the most rewarding moments in life, full of emotions from parents and babies alike. Some milestones are more stressful or frustrating than others and, during these moments of newness, seeking guidance from health care professionals can go a long way.
As the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize, the time period from 6-24 months is when babies begin building healthy eating patterns and experience eating a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains. This journey can be stressful for parents as they begin to navigate what and how much is right to feed their babies. As parents begin to explore this fun and messy milestone, they often question what and how much is right to feed baby and seek guidance from experts.
While every child is different and parents should always defer to their pediatrician to be sure their baby is developmentally ready for solid foods, consider these six tips and tricks based on frequently asked questions for transitioning to solids from Dr. Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatric medical consultant for Gerber.
Make sure baby is ready: Most babies start solid foods between 4-6 months old. Watch for signs your baby is ready to start solids like good head control, sitting up with support and swallowing food instead of pushing it back out onto his or her chin. Don’t introduce solids to your baby before 4 months old. Your pediatrician can offer guidance about when the time is right for your little one.
Timing is everything: When you’re first introducing solids, choose a moment in the day when your baby is happy and alert. Weekends tend to be easier times to start solid foods for families than busy weekdays. The more you can be in the moment with your child during those first feeding experiences, the better for you and him or her.
Feed your baby the rainbow: Offer baby a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, iron-fortified whole grains and meats. Over the first six months of your baby’s feeding journey, iron-fortified cereals and purees can make feeding your baby convenient and simple. From apple and pear to zucchini, butternut squash and parsnips, Gerber’s 1st and 2nd foods lines offer a variety of purees that are just the right consistency for babies to practice tongue movements and advance their eating skills. Your baby’s first tries at swallowing solid foods may be awkward and require practice. Offering a small amount of breastmilk or formula before solids can help ensure he or she is not uncomfortably hungry.
Supervise baby: Babies should always be supervised and seated in a secured highchair when eating, and parents should avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts or cherry tomatoes. Use a soft, rubber-tipped spoon and start by guiding the spoon to his or her mouth with both your hand and your child’s hand on the spoon.
Baby-led feeding: Consider baby-led feeding as a way to capitalize on the best aspects of baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding. Offer small amounts of nutritious foods in soft, easy-to-pick-up chunks appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage in addition to purees by pre-loading the spoon with your baby’s favorite puree or infant cereal for him or her to self-feed. As your baby gets older, look for baby-led friendly snacks, such as Gerber Lil’ Crunchies, that are specifically designed for babies to self-feed and fortified with key nutrients.
Don’t get discouraged: Just because your baby makes a “yuck” face after trying a food for the first time doesn’t mean you should give up on it. Babies often need to try solid foods several times before they grow accustomed to them. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt with a food seems less than successful; it’s all part of the process.
For some people, job dissatisfaction is the result of a crummy boss or stifling work environment. For others, the problem lies much deeper; it’s a need to reevaluate your career path and find a more suitable fit.
If you’re considering a career change but not sure which direction you’re headed, consider these words of wisdom:
Do some self-reflecting. Take time to give your current work situation a thorough analysis. Determine which elements you enjoy, what rubs you the wrong way and what you’d change if you could. Think about practical solutions to the problems you identify whether it’s changing to a different role in the same field or exploring a new industry entirely. Avoid the temptation to focus on the negative. Rather, take plenty of time to consider the positive aspects of your current job, since that insight can help inform your next step. For example, if you enjoy the limited contact you have with customers, a job with more customer-facing interaction might not be a good fit.
Ask for input. Sometimes loved ones hold the key to a happier career path because they can point out details you don’t recognize. They might recall a time when you were most relaxed and happy, or they might point out talents or skills you take for granted. Often, these natural abilities are an excellent foundation for a career because you’re well-equipped to be successful.
Consider your personal interests. Keeping your personal life and professional life separate isn’t necessarily a bad idea but finding a way to merge the two can be useful. This is especially true if you’re able to combine training or skills with something you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re an avid outdoorsman, you might find great satisfaction in applying your business management background to work for a company that specializes in camping gear.
Understand what motivates you. Landing in the right job isn’t just about having the right qualifications for a position that interests you. At the end of the day, you’ll feel most content when your job offers meaningful rewards. Motivators can be financial, or they might have more to do with the ability to learn and grow. Some people are willing to sacrifice a bigger paycheck to know they’re making a meaningful contribution in a field they care about. Knowing what outcomes resonate best can help you find a more rewarding career.
Do your research. Changing your career path is a big move, and one you shouldn’t take lightly. Before diving in, spend time looking into the field you’re considering so you have a better sense of factors like growth opportunities, job availability, qualifications, compensation and more. If you find you aren’t quite qualified for the job you think you want, explore what it will take to get there whether it’s training, education or putting in your time to gain experience and work your way into the role you desire.
A career change may be just what you need to shift your life in the direction you want. Find more career advice at eLivingtoday.com.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, a fatality crash report identifies a man by the name of 47-year-old Travis Just from Florida. Just was snowmobiling on Ehlin Road which is a Forest Service Road #338 just West of Centennial. Just ran his snowmobile into a tree on Saturday, Feb 4th, 2023 at about one in the afternoon.
According to Court records, three juveniles were charged with multiple charges, from reckless endangerment to property destruction. The Wyoming Highway Patrol observed the male juveniles shooting at road signs just north of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
According to Court records, a Highway Patrol Trooper was in the vicinity of County Road 124 and County Road 218 approximately at 7:04 p.m. on February thirteenth when he heard audible gunshots fired in the area.
The trooper was able to deal with the juveniles appropriately.
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, as a celebration known as the “Fatted Calf.” The term “Fatted Calf” became a symbol, and a metaphor for a celebration which accompanied the arrival of anyone, who’s return had been long awaited. Such celebrations derive their importance from the Bible; specifically, from the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In Biblical times, it was a common practice to keep one piece of prime livestock, generally a lamb, well fed from a special diet and available for noteworthy occasions. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the “Fatted Calf” is slaughtered by the Father, to show the symbolism and celebration of an event, which is anything but ordinary.
