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Going to the Rodeo in Great Falls, Montana

By
Alan
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Ah, the Great Falls Montana Pro Rodeo!

If you’re planning to immerse yourself in the wild, untamed spirit of the American West, here’s what you need to know:

When to Go:

Our PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo usually happens from July 31 through August 3. So, if you’re aiming for the heart of rodeo action, those are your dates.

Ticket Prices: You’ve got options:

Our reserved seating is usually right around $26.00. If you want to ensure you have a spot with a prime view, this might be your choice.
The general admission seats go for about $18.00 for adults. A bit more budget-friendly if you’re okay with finding your spot in the grandstands.
Our little buckaroos can usually get in for around $10.00 general admission aged 3-12, but remember, these can only be purchased at the Box Office. So, if you’re bringing the little cowpokes, plan for a stop there.

What to Expect:

You’re in for a treat with seven major rodeo events, all under the big sky of Montana. This isn’t just any rodeo; it’s part of the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit, so expect top-tier cowboys and cowgirls showcasing their skills in bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more.

Themed Nights:

Each night might have its own theme or special activities, so check if there’s something specific you want to see or participate in.

Dress Code:

While there’s no official dress code, why not embrace the spirit? Cowboy hats, boots, and maybe even a bandana could make your experience more authentic. Plus, you’ll fit right in with all of us locals.

Pro Tips:

Hydrate: Rodeos can get dusty, and you’ll be outdoors. Bring water, or buy some at the venue, but remember, no outside food or drink, including water bottles, are allowed inside.
Sun Protection: Montana sun can be intense. Sunscreen, hats, or even a small umbrella might come in handy.
Cash: While many places accept cards, having some cash for quick purchases or if you decide to indulge in some rodeo-themed merchandise can be handy.

Cultural Insight:

Rodeos are not just sports; they’re a celebration of Western heritage. You might see everything from traditional cowboy attire to modern twists on Western fashion. It’s a blend of history, sport, and community spirit.

Remember, while you’re there, soak in more than just the rodeo. Great Falls has its charm, and if you’re lucky, you might catch some other local events or fairs happening around the area at the same time. Enjoy your ride into the cowboy lifestyle, and may the spirit of the rodeo be with you!

Happy Trails

Thanks for the read.
 




Hiking in the great state of Montana

By
Alan
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Ah yes, hiking in Montana! Where the mountains are so majestic, they make your average hill feel like it’s got a Napoleon complex.

Here’s what you need to know:

Location, Location, Location:

You’ve got Glacier National Park, which is basically where the mountains go to show off. Don’t underestimate the Beartooths or the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Each has its own flavor of “I might die, but oh what a view!”

Gear Up:

Remember, it’s not just about looking like you’re in an REI catalog. Bring layers because Montana weather is as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof. Also, bear spray. Because if you run into a grizzly, you’ll want something more effective than just yelling, “Hey, bear, I’m not on the menu!”

Trail Etiquette:

If you encounter a moose, remember, they’re not just big; they’re like the bouncers of the forest. Give them space. And if you’re hiking with a group, keep the chatter down unless you’re trying to start a forest rave.

Wildlife:

You might see more wildlife than people. From elk to wolves, it’s like a live-action version of “Planet Earth,” but with more chances of you being the snack. We have a saying around here that goes, “… its not wilderness if you’re not on the menu”.

Preparation:

Always tell someone where you’re going. Not because they care about your hiking plans, but because if you don’t come back, they’ll know where to send the search party.

Sunset:

Aim to finish your hike before the sun decides it’s time for bed. Night in the mountains can get colder than a penguin’s freezer, and navigation becomes as fun as trying to read a map in a blackout.

Leave No Trace:

Pack out what you pack in. The only thing you should be leaving behind is your footprints and maybe a few sweat stains.

So, gear up, get out there, and remember, hiking in Montana isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s an adventure where nature might just decide to adventure back at you!
 




Your Social Security Number is now more social than ever

By
Alan
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Your Social Security Number is now more social than ever

In a surprising twist, your Social Security Number, previously thought of as sacred, has been leaked in one of the largest data breaches ever, alongside the hopes and dreams of over 3 billion people.

National Public Data, in a PR move reminiscent of ‘oops, we did it again,’ has confirmed hackers stole everything but the kitchen sink, though they’re still checking.

Experts advise everyone to freeze their credit, install 12 layers of 2-factor authentication, and maybe consider going off the grid because apparently, your personal information is just a commodity now.

On the bright side, if you were worried about identity theft, the line starts in cyberspace, where your SSN’s been hanging out with some new friends.

Please be sure to report a stolen Social Security number to the Federal Trade Commission if you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft.

Social Security numbers, names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers were in the 2.9 billion records within a data breach. The security firm Pentester.com tool tells you if your data is involved.

Your SSN is a nine-digit identification number issued by the SSA to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers.

It serves multiple purposes, including tracking earnings for Social Security benefits, tax reporting, and identification for various financial and governmental activities.

To apply for an SSN:

1) Complete Form SS-5

2) Provide proof of identity, age, and work authorization.

3) Submit the application at a local SSA office.

Non-citizens with work authorization or specific non-wage income may also apply.

Those ineligible for an SSN can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS.




Eliminating engagement farming on platform X

By
Aimee
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Eliminating engagement farming on platform X

Engagement farming on X, where users create content primarily to boost engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares, has become a contentious issue, prompting various reactions and strategies from the platform’s community and leadership:

Elon Musk’s Stance:

Elon Musk has explicitly warned against the pratice, stating that accounts involved in such practices will face suspension. This move reflects an effort to clean up the platform from what many users perceive as low-quality, manipulative content designed to game the algorithm.

User Reactions:

Frustration: There’s a significant amount of frustration among users, as evidenced by posts on X where individuals express their annoyance with the problem, suggesting actions like muting or blocking these accounts to improve their feed quality.

Support for Musk’s Policy: Many users have welcomed Musk’s announcement, seeing it as a step towards making X a more genuine space for interaction rather than a battleground for engagement metrics.

Strategic Responses:

Muting and Blocking: Users are actively engaging in muting or blocking accounts known for the practice, aiming to reduce their visibility and impact on the platform’s ecosystem.

Content Creation Advice: Some advocate for content creators to focus on genuine interaction rather than farming for engagement, suggesting that quality content that resonates with an audience naturally will lead to better, more sustainable engagement.

Platform’s Future:

The push against engagement farming might lead to a cultural shift on X, where the value of content is measured by its authenticity and the quality of interaction it fosters, rather than sheer engagement numbers. However, this shift requires both algorithmic changes and user behavior adjustments.

Challenges:

Economic Impact: For some creators, engagement farming might be tied to their livelihood, as pointed out by some users. The balance between platform integrity and creator income remains a delicate issue.

Algorithmic Detection: Identifying and penalizing engagement farming without affecting genuine interaction is technically challenging. X would need sophisticated algorithms or user reporting systems to differentiate between authentic engagement and farming.

The community’s sentiment, as reflected in X posts, shows a desire for a cleaner, more authentic social media experience, aligning with Musk’s vision for X. However, implementing policies that effectively curb engagement farming while supporting genuine content creators remains a complex task, involving both technological solutions and community engagement.

resource –

5 Effective Strategies to Avoid Engagement Farming and Build Authentic Social Media Interaction




Digital infrastructure: whose is it anyway?

By
Aimee
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The question of who owns digital infrastructure touches on several dimensions of ownership, control, and investment in the digital age:
  • Corporate Ownership: Companies like DigitalBridge, as highlighted, are deeply invested in digital infrastructure, managing billions in assets across data centers, cell towers, and fiber networks. This indicates a significant corporate stake in what could be considered the physical backbone of the digital world. These firms not only own but also operate these infrastructures, making them pivotal players in the digital ecosystem.
  • Public vs. Private: There’s a growing discourse around Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), emphasizing the need for public governance in digital infrastructure to ensure it serves as a common good. This perspective argues for a more proactive role for the state, suggesting that digital infrastructure should not be solely in private hands but managed with public values in mind.
  • Decentralized Ownership: The rise of blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies introduces a new paradigm of ownership where digital assets can be owned by anyone globally, with no central authority controlling them. For instance, Bitcoin’s network ownership is decentralized, with ownership stakes that cannot be diluted or taken away, representing a shift towards individual ownership of digital assets.
  • Concentration of Ownership: Despite the ethos of decentralization in blockchain, there’s evidence of concentration in digital asset ownership, where a small percentage of holders control a significant portion of cryptocurrencies, suggesting that even in supposedly decentralized systems, ownership can become centralized.
  • Government and Institutional Investment: Governments, through agencies or indirectly through pension funds like CPP Investments, engage in or facilitate the ownership of digital infrastructure. For instance, the acquisition of Arqiva by Digital 9 Infrastructure, partly funded through non-recourse loans, shows how government-backed entities or investments play into this sector.
  • Foreign Investment: The competition between the U.S. and China over digital infrastructure highlights how digital infrastructure ownership can be a strategic asset, not just economically but geopolitically. This competition underscores the importance of who controls these infrastructures due to their implications for military and economic power.
  • Public Perception and Investment: There’s a growing trend where traditional financial institutions like Deutsche Bank are seeking to engage with digital assets, indicating a shift where digital infrastructure ownership is becoming more mainstream, potentially diversifying ownership further.
From these points:
  • Digital infrastructure spans from physical assets like data centers and cell towers, which are predominantly owned by private entities or through public-private partnerships, to digital assets like cryptocurrencies, which introduce a model of decentralized ownership.
  • The narrative around digital infrastructure ownership is evolving, with increasing calls for it to be treated as a public good, yet the reality shows a mix of private corporate control, decentralized individual ownership in digital assets, and strategic government involvement.
  • The future might see more hybrid models where public governance ensures access and fairness, while private investment drives innovation and expansion, all within a framework where individual digital asset ownership continues to grow, challenging traditional notions of infrastructure ownership.

 




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