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Dupuyer Community Club’s Annual Pancake Supper

By
Alan
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Dupuyer Community Club's Annual Pancake Supper

The Dupuyer Community Club’s Annual Pancake Supper is a beloved local event that brings the community together for a delicious meal and social gathering and it’s set for Sunday, February 2nd.

The annual Pancake Supper typically takes place in late January or early February. In previous years, it has been held on dates such as January 25th and February 2nd.

The event is usually hosted at the Dupuyer Grade School, providing a familiar and comfortable setting for community members to gather.

What to Expect

As the name suggests, the main attraction is the pancakes. Attendees can look forward to “piling on the cakes” and enjoying a hearty meal.

This event serves as more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity for neighbors to come together, socialize, and strengthen community bonds.

It’s $7 per person, and $25 per family. Children 5 and under eat for FREE. Many folks use this annual event as their reminder to pay their annual Dupuyer Community Club dues of $15.

The proceeds from the pancake supper and dues support community activities and help pay for repair and maintenance, utilities and insurance for the Dupuyer Community Hall building.

Importance to the Community

The annual Pancake Supper plays a significant role in Dupuyer’s social calendar. It’s not only a chance for residents to enjoy a meal together but also an opportunity to support local initiatives. The event helps maintain the strong sense of community that characterizes small towns like Dupuyer.

The annual Pancake Supper is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025.

The event will run until 7:00 PM, giving community members and visitors a three-hour window to enjoy good company and some great pancakes.

This timing allows for a convenient late afternoon to early evening dining experience, perfect for families and individuals looking to end their weekend with a hearty community meal.

The Dupuyer Community ClubThe Dupuyer Community Club is located at 201 Gillette Ave. E. – Dupuyer, MT

The Dupuyer Community Club is a local nonprofit organization located in Dupuyer, Montana. It has been tax-exempt since January 2000, with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 81-0415270.

Montana students react to TikTok ban

By
Alan
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Montana students react to TikTok ban

Montana students are expressing mixed reactions to the looming TikTok ban, which is set to take effect soon.

The ban has sparked discussions about free speech, privacy concerns, and the impact on content creators and businesses across the state.

The app is known for its short videos and viral trends, and students have highlighted its educational value, citing diverse content like cooking tutorials and study tips available on the platform.

Some students recognize that TikTok serves as a source of income for content creators. A freshman student commented, “I think it is like some people’s income, which is kind of crazy.”

Other students expressed surprise at the ban actually being implemented. One student remarked, “I was honestly shocked to find out it was actually going through.”

However, not all students are upset about the potential loss of the app. Some suggest alternatives, with comments like “read a book” or “go touch some grass.”

Impact on Content Creators

Grace Elden, a professional skier and TikTok content creator at Montana State University, shared that she makes about $5,000 a month from TikTok content. The ban would result in a “significant blow” to her income, potentially causing her to lose brand deals specifically tied to TikTok.

According to a study by Oxford Economics, 8,000 businesses actively use TikTok in Montana, with over half of these small businesses considering TikTok critical to their operations.

Freedom of Expression Concerns

Some Montana students and organizations view the ban as a potential infringement on First Amendment rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have opposed the ban, arguing that it violates First Amendment protections.

Many Montanans, including students, use TikTok to communicate with local and global audiences, raising concerns about limiting their means of expression.

Privacy and Security Debates

Some Montana students recognize the potential risks associated with data collection on social media platforms, with one student noting, “Everyone in the world could hack anything at any time; everyone’s everything is out there.”

Experts like Mitch Price, who has worked in government managing risk and critical infrastructure, point out the potential national security threats posed by TikTok’s data collection capabilities.

As the ban approaches, Montana’s college campuses continue to buzz with discussions about its implications, reflecting the broader debate surrounding social media, privacy, and freedom of expression in the digital age.

United States Supreme Court Decision

The United States Supreme Court has upheld a law that allows TikTok to be banned unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests from the platform by January 19, 2025.

This decision follows extensive legal battles where TikTok, along with its users, challenged the constitutionality of the law, arguing it infringed upon First Amendment rights.

The Supreme Court, focusing on national security concerns, ruled in favor of the government’s position that the law does not violate free speech protections as long as the app is sold to a non-Chinese entity.

The justices seemed convinced by arguments centered around the potential risks of China accessing personal data of millions of American users and manipulating content on the platform.

The decision has sparked discussions on the balance between national security and free speech, with implications for how similar cases might be handled in the future.

The incoming Trump administration, with President-elect Donald Trump expressing opposition to the ban, might seek to negotiate or alter the situation upon taking office.

However, as of the current legal standing, TikTok faces the possibility of being removed from app stores and web hosting services if no divestiture occurs by the set deadline.

7 Best Christmas Towns In Montana

By
Alan
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7 Best Christmas Towns In Montana

Here’s a rundown of the 7 best Christmas towns in Montana, known for their holiday charm and festive activities:

Bigfork:

Often referred to as “Montana’s Christmas Village,” Bigfork transforms into a magical holiday destination each year. From November through New Year’s Eve, the town is adorned with lights, garlands, and festive decorations by volunteer elves. Events include the Festival of Trees silent auction and various holiday strolls and dinners.

Whitefish:

Voted as one of the most Christmassy towns in Montana, Whitefish enchants visitors with its annual Christmas Stroll, tree lighting ceremony, and holiday activities like caroling and photos with Santa. The town’s natural beauty combined with holiday decorations creates a picturesque winter scene.

Bozeman:

Known for its popular Christmas Stroll, Bozeman lights up with holiday decorations, hosting one of the state’s most beloved holiday traditions. The city also features the Holiday Market Jubilee, offering local crafts, live music, and festive cuisine.

Philipsburg:

This town is like a Christmas time capsule with its historic charm and unique shopping experiences. Philipsburg celebrates with lights and local events, making it an ideal spot for experiencing a classic Montana Christmas.

Fort Benton:

As Montana’s oldest town, Fort Benton hosts a vintage holiday celebration. The Virgelle Mercantile and Chouteau County Country are central to the festive atmosphere, with decorations and events that hark back to earlier times.

Lewistown:

Known for its Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights, Lewistown offers a family-friendly environment with holiday cheer. The town’s celebration includes Santa’s arrival and various local festivities, making it a joyful place to visit during the holiday season.

Red Lodge:

Though perhaps more famous for its summer events, Red Lodge turns into a charming winter wonderland during Christmas. The town hosts its own Christmas Stroll, and the annual Blade Parade featuring decorated snow plows adds a unique touch to the festivities.

These towns each offer a unique slice of holiday magic, making Montana an enchanting place to celebrate Christmas.

Cooking oils may be linked to Colon Cancer

By
Alan
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Cooking oil may be linked to colon cancer

Recent research suggests a potential link between certain cooking oils and an increased risk of colon cancer, particularly among young Americans.

A study published in the Gut journal examined tumors from over 80 colon cancer patients and found high concentrations of bioactive lipids, which are produced when the body metabolizes seed oils.

Key Findings

Seed oils such as sunflower, canola, corn, and grapeseed were identified as potential culprits.

These oils, when consumed in excess, may trigger chronic inflammation in the body.

Bioactive lipids found in tumors can hinder the body’s natural healing process and foster tumor growth.

Context and Caveats

The study shows a correlation between seed oil consumption and colon cancer risk, but does not establish causation.

Seed oils are commonly found in ultra-processed foods, which have been consistently associated with heightened cancer risk.

Experts emphasize that it’s primarily the seed oils in ultra-processed foods, rather than cooking with seed oils in moderation, that may contribute to inflammatory responses leading to cancer.

Healthier Alternatives

Oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in avocados and olives, are suggested as healthier alternatives.

Some earlier studies have found a possible protective effect of olive oil against colon cancer risk.

It’s important to note that while this research provides new insights, more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between cooking oils and colon cancer risk. Experts recommend reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and maintaining a balanced diet for overall health.

The healthiest alternatives to seed oils for cooking include:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, it’s excellent for low-heat cooking and dressings.

Avocado Oil: High in monounsaturated fats with a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and grilling.

Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and works well for baking and sautéing.

Grass-fed Butter or Ghee: Provides healthy saturated fats, vitamins, and beneficial fatty acids.

Algae Oil: A sustainable option rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, with a high smoke point of 535°F.

When choosing these alternatives, opt for oils with less than 4 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and no partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats.

It’s important to note that while these options are generally healthier, they should still be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Cahokia: a pre-Columbian metropolis

By
Alan
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Cahokia: a pre-Columbian metropolis

Cahokia, located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri, across the Mississippi River in Illinois, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America, representing the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico.

Here are some key historical facts about Cahokia:

Peak Population and Size:

At its peak around 1100 AD, Cahokia was home to an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people, making it larger than contemporary cities in Europe like London and Paris. The city spanned approximately 6 square miles (16 km²) and included about 120 man-made earthen mounds.

Mound Construction:

Cahokia is known for its impressive earthen mounds, with Monks Mound being the largest, covering 15 acres at its base and rising to about 100 feet in height. These mounds served various purposes, including residential, burial, and ceremonial.

Cultural Influence:

Cahokia was the cultural, religious, and economic center of the Mississippian culture, which influenced areas from the Midwest to the Southeast of the United States. It was a hub for trade, with artifacts found from regions as distant as the Great Lakes, the Gulf Coast, and the Rocky Mountains.

Urban Planning:

The city exhibited advanced urban planning with features like a central plaza, a palisade (wooden wall), and a solar calendar known as “Woodhenge,” used for astronomical observations. The layout showed a clear understanding of cardinal directions and possibly had cosmological significance.

Decline and Abandonment:

By 1350 AD, Cahokia was largely abandoned, and the reasons for its decline are still debated. Theories include environmental changes like flooding, drought, or deforestation; social or political upheaval, and possible warfare. Recent research has challenged some of these hypotheses, suggesting that the city’s decline was not due to environmental mismanagement.

Historical Recognition:

Today, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving 72 of the original mounds within its 2,200 acres. This site draws visitors from around the world to learn about this once-thriving Native American metropolis.

Misconceptions:

The name “Cahokia” was given by French explorers in the 17th century after a local tribe, not because the tribe built the mounds. The original inhabitants and the name they gave the city are unknown, but they were part of the Mississippian culture, not necessarily direct ancestors of the Cahokia tribe that Europeans later encountered.

Cahokia stands as a testament to the complexity and sophistication of pre-Columbian societies in North America, challenging common perceptions of Native American cultures at the time of European contact.

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