Flags are an essential part of American culture and patriotism. Americans proudly hoist flags on their porch, sporting events, community events, and many other places. Due to such high demand, online flags store websites like https://ultimateflags.com/ provide the highest quality flags in different sizes and fabrics. If you plan to buy an American flag, here are four things you need to consider. Take a look.

The national flag stands for the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the spirit of overcoming all the obstacles as a nation. Despite all the social and historical importance, you can come across flags made with poor design. Before you buy an American flag, make sure its design is authentic.

The authentic American flag has 31 alternative red and white stripes. It has 50 white stars on a rectangle with a blue background. Don't bother buying it if you see the wrong number of stripes of stars. It is most probably a fake one or a manufacturing defect. According to the U.S. Flag Code, there must be an accurate number of stripes and stars, or the manufacturer might face charges.

Size plays a crucial role in purchasing a flag. Before you buy any flag of random size, make sure you know where you will install it. Whether it's your patio, business office, or a political rally, choose a right-sized flag that will look appropriate for the place and purpose. It won't make sense to house a small flag on the pole in front of your business building.

Flag stores have a variety of American flags available in different sizes. They can be as small as two-by-three feet or as large as 20-by-60 feet. Choose the flag size according to your needs. The height of the flag pole also plays a crucial role in deciding the size of the flag. The size of the flag and flagpole should be proportional.

Fabric makes a lot of difference in terms of durability and lifespan. American flags come from various fabrics ranging from cotton, nylon, and polyester. Nylon is most preferred for making American flags as it is more durable. It is lighter than any other fabric, making the flags sway without much air. It also exhibits brighter and more vibrant colors. It is also known to dry quicker than other fabrics. Nylon can withstand natural elements like winds, sunlight, snow, and rain, making them the first choice for American flags.

On the other hand, polyester fabric is made of a wider weave that reduces wind resistance. That is why polyester flags are used in high wind regions. Cotton flags are more suitable for indoor usage. Cotton flags have a smoother texture and are made with a 2-ply cotton weave. The colors are excellently vibrant and bright, making cotton a perfect choice for display items and souvenirs.

Stitching is a vital factor to consider while buying a flag. Most American flags are made with a chain-stitching method which makes the seams durable. On the other hand, lock-stitch flags are more likely to unravel with regular use.

The American flag symbolizes honor and patriotism for millions of Americans out there. Make sure you carefully buy your flag by considering the above factors. That way, it will keep on swaying in the wind till eternity.

The winter months are upon us and for some, that means colder than comfortable temperatures for several more months. During the winter, it’s important to take stock of everything you’ll need in case of weather and cold-related emergencies. We’ve already seen how heavy the impact of severe snowstorms, rainstorms, and cold fronts can bring on communities and households that are unprepared. Especially when those households have pets to look after in addition to themselves! Animals are often overlooked in extreme weather situations as being tough enough to handle the elements. The truth is, our domesticated fur-friends are no better equipped than we are (aside from the slight advantage of fur) and need just as much care during the winter months as we do. This article will highlight some of the best products you can get a hold of this winter to keep both you and your pets healthy this winter.

Vessel Health App
This winter season has brought a multitude of challenges. For one, we have a surging COVID variant and two, we have the regular bout of winter illnesses being passed around. When so many of us are trying to stay home and out of public spaces, it can feel challenging to stay on top of our personal health by going to frequent doctor visits. That’s where Vessel Health will come in handy this winter. Vessel’s at-home urine test strips are equipped with a QR code that scans directly to your phone giving you a detailed breakdown of what’s going on in your body. This is a great app to stay healthy and on top of your body this winter!

Grooming Wipes
We all know that dogs can get stinky, and fast. It only takes a few enthusiastic runs out in the rain, mud or snow to undo all of the hard work from bathing them. Dog wipes are disposable cleansing napkins that are designed to clean surface grime off your furry friends to keep them smelling fresh and more importantly, keep your home smelling clean! Of course, regular baths paired with a doggy shampoo will ensure the wipes can do their job. They’re no replacement for a bath, but they’ll help you increase the time between them.

Pet CBD
For those that have older animals that require a little more care for stiff joints and pain issues, it can be tough to get out to the vet in the winter depending on the conditions of your community. Pet CBD is becoming more and more popular for pet owners who care for animals that have chronic pain issues. CBD for pets is completely safe and pet-specific products will have exactly the concentration needed to help your pet feel more comfortable and at ease during the darker months this year.

Safety Glasses
If you’re someone who does a lot of crafts work at home, you’ll need to make sure you take steps to keep yourself safe. One of the most often overlooked safety concerns is eyewear. Oftentimes, safety goggles are bulky and obtrusive to the rest of your clothes, so consider getting some stylish prescription safety glasses to give your eyes the protection they deserve while embarking on your home projects. These will allow you to wear them all day long for home projects without having to switch between bulky goggles and regular glasses. You won’t regret it when a rogue screw or chunk of wood comes flying at your head! You can avoid some simple and potentially bad accidents just by making sure that your eyes are covered.

C15 Fatty Acid
As humans, we don’t always get the supplements we need in our day-to-day diet. Fatty acids are really healthy for us and we don’t produce them on our own, so many people take fish oil supplements and increase their seafood intake to improve their fatty acid levels. Recently, a new fatty acid has been discovered called C15:0. This C15 fatty acid creates a barrier around your cells so they are less prone to aging and deterioration. Fatty acids are thought to be a major secret in fighting the aging process throughout our whole bodies, and what better time to start a new health regime than during the winter when self-care feels the best!

Organic Tampons
Let’s be real, tampons are wasteful, expensive, and can contain chemicals toxic to our bodies. However, even if you regularly use a menstrual cup, it’s good to have an emergency set of tampons just in case (especially during the winter). Organic tampons are made from 100% cotton with no added plastics or carbon fiber and are great to have on hand knowing they’re that much safer for your body than regular leading brands.

Topical Pain Relievers
When we’re stuck inside during the cold winter months, our bodies can get stiff and our joints might feel more achy than usual. Working in colder temperatures can be harder on our joints, and having some topical soothing solutions at home can make a huge difference. Hempvana makes a variety of hemp-based products designed to soothe joints and muscles topically through the skin. These products are fast-acting and really do the trick to relieve those annoying aches and pains during the winter.

Compression Socks
Similarly, our legs and feet can suffer in the colder months. This is especially true for those with poor circulation, and the perfect thing to help your cold legs during the winter are Comrad’s compression socks! These will help with blood flow, stiff legs and your general energy level when it dips down during the darker time of the year. Compression socks are designed to help with circulation and will keep your feet and legs feeling warm and cozy. Plus, they come in all kinds of fun colors and designs!

Weighted Blankets
One of the best things for staying cozy in the winter, weighted blankets will keep you feeling cozy and relaxed this winter. They are designed to hug your body and give a sense of comfort. It turns out, as adults our bodies and brains still crave the feeling of being held and swaddled like we were as babies. Weighted blankets mimic that feeling and are designed to help with sleep, anxiety, restless leg syndrome and just a general feeling of coziness this season.

Pet Insurance
Of course, one of the best ways to keep you and your pet feeling both safe and healthy this winter is to make sure you both have insurance! Pet insurance is often thought of as being unnecessary, but it can make all the difference in the world when your loved one needs emergency surgery. Having insurance and care for your pet is essential and will keep you feeling safe for both of you during the winter months.

Staying healthy both mentally and physically during the winter is all about keeping you and your pet both comfortable and cared for. If your basic needs including shelter, food, health care, and comfortability are met then you and your furry friend will be in for a pleasant winter cuddling up together at home. Look into some of these amazing products today to make your winter that much more safe and more enjoyable!

2021 will go down in the books as quite a year—a year of growth, recovery, gratitude, and so much more. This past year, we were fortunate to connect artists with customers in-person again at our MADE fairs after having canceled everything in 2020. The MADE fair is a modern handcrafted market featuring a curated collection of local and regional artists. Our mission is to increase awareness of handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and support local and regional small craft businesses by providing a place to sell their goods. We offer opportunities to artists of all levels—the hobbyist to the seasoned professional. Our brick-and-mortar shop in Polson has been growing in popularity, and we are adding a dozen more artists to the mix for 2022 and offering a more comprehensive selection of goods to purchase both in-store and online. We love to provide opportunities for creatives, and we have gotten feedback that this was a record-breaking year for most. We have read the surveys, emails, gathered the numbers, written checks to non-profits, and are very proud of the following numbers:

4 events were successfully organized and presented by handMADE Montana
412 artists provided opportunities at our events and retail store
2283 pounds of food donated at our fall & holiday MADE fairs
7750 dollars raised for Thrive (Bozeman) & Jeannette Rankin Peace Center (Missoula) via the VIP passes
1.6 Million estimated dollars of revenue generated for local & regional artists at our MADE fairs in Missoula, Bozeman, and Helena and our retail store in Polson, MT

As we look forward to 2022, we are making plans to tweak events for both artists and customers attending, and we will be adding a Bozeman Spring MADE fair in May to jump-start the market season. When planning our events and selecting dates, we are often at the mercy of the facility's fluctuating sports schedules. We feel a spring show is perfectly timed to find something special for Mother's Day or that recent graduate. We are introducing a special Friday Night Preview to give those wanting a more intimate shopping experience with more details to come. Last year we raised over $3000 for Bozeman's THRIVE (support and mentoring program for children and families) via the $10 VIP pass. We will continue to partner with a local organization to offer early access shopping on Saturday morning, 9 am-10 am! 

Another slight shift is changing our Helena Holiday MADE fair to a 1-day event with an evening preview the Friday before. We respond to what our artists tell us and how the community supports events. Our holiday show in Missoula will always remain a 1-day event due to a possible football playoff game on Saturday. We will be able to load in on Saturday, but we can't be guaranteed to have the whole day until weeks before.

2022 MADE fair Dates/Hours
Bozeman Spring // Brick Breeden : May 6-7 // $10 VIP PASS FRI 7 pm-9 pm // $5 EARLY BIRD PASS SAT 9 am - 10am // FREE ENTRY 10am-4pm
Missoula Summer // Caras Park: June 19 // 10 am- 4 pm
Bozeman Fall: TBA
Helena Holiday // Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds: Dec 2-3 // $10 VIP PASS FRI 7 pm-9 pm // $5 EARLY BIRD PASS SAT 9 am - 10am // FREE ENTRY 10am-4pm
Missoula Holiday // Adams Center: Dec 11 // $10 VIP PASS 10 am- 11am // FREE 11 am- 5 pm

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment on a proposal for the annual release of pen-raised ring-necked pheasants on suitable state lands.

FWP has administered a pheasant release program since 1987, which has involved releasing pen-raised pheasants on private lands for population augmentation and increased hunting opportunities. In March of 2021, following legislative action and funding, a new pheasant release program was established to support recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R³) efforts in Montana. This new component of the program aims to engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages.

Under this legislation, FWP will continue to develop and implement this program and release up to 50,000 pheasants annually on any suitable and eligible state-owned lands. Some releases will occur a few days before the youth pheasant season opener to maximize the opportunity for youth hunters, and some releases could occur later in the months of October and November to increase hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages.

Pheasants released through the program are required to be stock from National Poultry Improvement Plan certified hatcheries that have tested negative for certain poultry diseases. Plans are underway for the State Prison in Deer Lodge to begin raising pheasants for this FWP program. FWP will provide funds for start-up costs for the prison to begin raising pheasants. The prison will provide pheasants only to FWP. If pheasants are not available from the prison in 2022, FWP may purchase birds from private producers.

In September 2021, the first season of this effort, FWP released 2,094 pheasants on seven WMAs in FWP Regions 3, 4, 5, and 7, prior to the youth pheasant season opener. The initial release resulted in good satisfaction for youth hunters who were hunting lands where birds were released.  

To view the EA and provide comment, go online. Comments can also be emailed to doneill@mt.gov or sent to Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, Attn: Deb O’Neill. Public comment will be accepted until Feb. 28.

Many in the Gallatin Valley community have seen or directly experienced the multi-faced work of local nonprofit HRDC. For over 45 years, HRDC has been committed to building a better community in the greater Bozeman area. Through transportation solutions, food and nutrition services, affordable housing, early childhood education, and financial coaching, HRDC plays a pivotal role in enhancing our hard-working neighbors’ quality of life.

In Fall 2021, HRDC took another step to better serve their community of clients, specifically Gallatin County’s growing Spanish-speaking population.


A new partnership with World Language Initiative (WLI), whose mission is to provide language & culture opportunities to all Montanans, provided 30 HRDC employees with Spanish language classes. Their shared goal is to better serve and communicate with Gallatin County’s growing Spanish-speaking population to create a more welcoming community.

WLI Spanish Educator Kristen Wolf says, "The work of the entire HRDC team is incredibly vital to our growing community, and I myself have benefitted from their programs in the past. It's a true honor to guide their staff in acquiring Spanish so they may best communicate with clients.”

Wolf has been a Spanish educator for 13 years, and received the Montana Language Teacher of The Year award in 2019. She currently works with WLI as their Lead Language Coach, offering professional development training to part-time language educators through WLI’s “Coaches Up!” program.

The new partnership between HRDC and WLI has allowed employees to use professional development hours to learn useful & practical Spanish skills in the workplace.

HRDC Strategic Planning Officer, Krista Dicomitis, shares that she loves how the beginning Spanish classes focus on how HRDC can best connect with customers through their native language. “It's extremely applicable to the work we do, because we're practicing specific terms and phrases we will use in everyday interactions,” says Dicomitis.

According to the Pew Hispanic Research Center, Montana has one of the fastest growing Latine populations in the nation, with an increase of 50% in 2019. BSD7 English Learner Coordinator, Ellen Guettler, says “The majority of these newcomers are from rural towns and frequently have low levels of formal education and literacy. Thus, Latine migrants living in new rural settlements such as Gallatin County face significant educational barriers and higher risks to their overall well-being.”

Both HRDC & WLI believe this rapid growth calls upon them to create a more welcoming and supportive community that attempts to connect with and provide services to English Learners in their native language. It has become especially important as newcomers navigate the many cultural differences they and their families face when adapting to a new country and community.

“Across the board, we HRDC employees have observed an increase in language barriers between us and some of our customers,” says HRDC employee, Jacqui Colt. “Kristen's Spanish class is really an excellent way to break down that barrier as best we can in a limited time…We are truly being provided with an excellent toolset to be able to ask and receive the critical information that makes the difference between communicating with our clients or not.”

WLI Spanish Classes at HRDC continue this spring serving 30 employees through both beginner and intermediate Spanish classes.

HRDC CEO, Heather Grenier, says “World Language Initiative has been a terrific partner for HRDC as we continue to expand our team's bilingual abilities. They were willing to adapt their educational approach to meet our needs and customize content to be reflective of everyday interactions for our team members. After just a handful of sessions, our team has been able to better navigate through initial interactions with our non-English speaking community members and for that, we are most grateful.”

More information about World Language Initiative’s Spanish classes for businesses and other organizations can be obtained by contacting Kristina Allison, WLI Program Manager, at info@wlimt.org

HELENA – The Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Friday, Jan. 28, to review the wolf hunting and trapping seasons in FWP Region 3 as required by the decision the commission made on wolf regulations during its August meeting.

The meeting Jan. 28 will be streamed live on the FWP website; there will be opportunity for public comment on any commission action. The meeting time is tentatively set for 1:30.

The commission established harvest thresholds in each of FWP’s administrative regions, which total 450 statewide. If harvest meets any of these thresholds, the commission will convene to revisit the regulations and potentially adjust the season structure.

As wolf harvest in Region 3, which is generally comprised of southwest Montana, nears its threshold, the commission will discuss potential next steps and may act on some of them at this meeting. The Region 3 threshold is 82 wolves; as of Wednesday morning, the harvest for Region 3 is 74 wolves.

Those interested in up-to-date information on the status of Montana’s wolf harvest can view FWP’s wolf dashboard, which  shows the number of wolves harvested by region and wolf management unit (WMU). The dashboard is updated multiple times per day. 

For all wolf hunting and trapping regulations and information, visit FWP's wolf webpage. 

BOZEMAN – A study published this month by researchers at Montana State University shows black holes in a new light. Instead of acting as a destructive cosmic force, at least one black hole appears to be helping to form new stars.

Published in the Jan. 20 issue of the journal Nature, the study examines Henize 2–10, a dwarf galaxy 30 million light-years from Earth in the southern constellation Pyxis, whose core contains a massive black hole with a mass of approximately one million Suns. The relatively tiny galaxy contains less than a tenth the number of stars found in our own Milky Way galaxy.

With data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, authors Zachary Schutte, a graduate student, andAmy Reines, an assistant professor, both in the Department of Physics in MSU’s College of Letters and Science and the eXtreme Gravity Institute at MSU, found that the black hole  in Henize 2–10 is expelling ionized gases in a long filament.

Outflowing material traveling at about 1 million miles per hour is striking an area of dense gases about 230  light-years away from the black hole, where many stars have been recently formed.

“From the beginning I knew something unusual and special was happening in Henize 2–10, and now Hubble has provided a very clear picture of the connection between the black hole and a neighboring star forming region,” Reines said in a NASA press release.

In many larger galaxies, central massive black holes produce jets of radiation moving near the speed of light. Any gas clouds caught in the path would be heated beyond their ability to form new stars. But the authors say that the outflow from the black hole in the dwarf galaxy Henize 2–10 is much slower and gentler, and observations indicate that it’s actively helping star formation instead of hindering it.

“At only 30 million light-years away, Henize 2–10 is close enough that Hubble was able to capture both images and spectroscopic evidence of a black hole outflow very clearly. The additional surprise was that, rather than suppressing star formation, the outflow was triggering the birth of new stars,” Schutte told NASA.

Reines has been searching the skies for black holes for a decade. As a graduate student at the University of Virginia, she found evidence that Henize 2–10 was home to a massive black hole, which at the time ran contrary to the general theories about dwarf galaxies.

Her findings were published in Nature in 2011, and her discoveries have energized the search for black holes in dwarf galaxies, as she and other scientists attempt to discover how these massive black holes form. Dwarf galaxies like Henize 2–10 can offer clues to massive black hole formation that larger galaxies cannot, since they haven’t undergone as much growth as giant galaxies like the Milky Way. They may offer a glimpse of what black holes were like in the early universe.

In addition to the Nature publication, Reines also published an article on Jan. 21 in the journal Nature Astronomy where she discusses the current state of studies into massive black holes in dwarf galaxies, as well as future prospects for the field.

The eXtreme Gravity Institute at MSU brings together physicists and astronomers to study phenomena where the forces of gravity are so strong, they blur the separation between space and time, such as the big bang, neutron stars and black holes.

For many, enjoying a glass of ice-cold beer is a great way to end a long day. It’s also a crowd favorite during gatherings and events. Anywhere in the world, beer is known to be one of the most popular alcoholic drinks. Many countries have their unique blend and taste that create a distinction for their local beer.

There are also many types of beer to choose from that feature varying levels of darkness and depth in flavor, though most of them fall under the ale or lager category. Aside from this, there are recipes from around the globe that showcase different ways to alter its flavor and serve it creatively. If you’re a beer lover and you want to try other ways to enjoy your favorite drink, here are a few suggestions:

1. Use A Beer Snorkel
If you want to spice things up at a party, you can try using a beer snorkel as a fun way to enjoy this classic drink. A beer snorkel could be an interesting drinking experience especially for first-timers since this equipment allows you to finish a whole bottle in a matter of seconds. This is made possible by the snorkel’s unique design that allows air to flow into the bottle and helps the liquid come out quicker. To liven up the party further, you can invite some of your guests to a beer-drinking game and see who can finish their drink first.

2. Turn Beer Into Slushie
A glass of beer can become even more refreshing when turned into a slushie. To make one, you’ll need to pour a bottle of beer on an ice tray and freeze it completely. Then, put the frozen beer into a blender and crush the cubes until you achieve the desired texture. You can also add citrus flavors such as lemon or orange juice and some sweetener for a pleasant balance of flavors.

3. Make Beer Gelatin Shots
Another fun way to enjoy your favorite beer is by making beer gelatin shots. This is ideal especially if you’re entertaining guests as each shot looks festive and indulgent. The colorful assembly is reminiscent of desserts, but the beer flavor will surely be a pleasant surprise for your guests. It’s also easy to prepare and only needs a few ingredients which makes it an ideal party treat.

To make them, you’ll need powdered gelatin and sugar to mix with the beer. When the gelatin sets, you can garnish it with whipped cream and lime wedges. Depending on what you have in your bar counter, you can also add a splash of tequila or vodka to the cream or the gelatin before it sets.

4. Pair Dark Beer With Ice Cream
Dark beer, such as stout and porter, have deep and bold flavors with a hint of sweetness that closely resembles coffee or chocolate. This is why many use dark beer types to pair with ice cream in creating a beer float. To make one, you only need to pour dark beer into a glass and top it with ice cream.

For the ice cream flavors, the most popularly used are vanilla, chocolate, or mocha. However, you’re free to use any flavor provided that it’s not too tart or citrusy. Also, you can add ice to your beer float as you like.

5. Make A Spicy Drink
If you’d like a refreshing drink perfect for summer, you can consider making a savory beer drink. A michelada is a popular Mexican cocktail that combines beer with hot and savory components. This drink makes an interesting treat especially for first-timers as it includes different types of hot sauces, spices, tomato sauce, lime, and salt. Other variations use soy sauce and other condiments commonly used for cooking. Reminiscent of the Bloody Mary cocktail, a michelada is also considered a recovery drink that could help ease discomfort from a hangover.

Conclusion
Beer is a popular drink because it’s easy to serve and pair with many snacks and dishes. Given this, there’s no harm in trying other ways to enjoy its flavors. This party favorite can be transformed in various ways and combined with many ingredients to give it an interesting twist. As such, you can consider enhancing its flavors using other liquor and food items that you haven’t tried before.

As with all other food combinations, however, it’s best to check whether the flavors will complement or clash with one another. For instance, beer isn’t commonly paired with wine, soda, and energy drinks because of the high acid content which creates an unpleasant flavor.