Author: Emily Gautreaux

Legislative Achievements for Education

Recently Louisiana has taken a huge step in furthering the education of the students in its state. Louisiana Believes outlines the achievements made for the education of Louisiana’s students. The class of 2018 achieved the highest graduation outcome, the highest in Louisiana’s history to be exact.  All of the hard work paid off and it showed at the Louisiana 2019 Regular Legislative Session.  John White, the State Superintendent of Education, released a statement starting off with, “It is a good legislative session when our state invests in our schools and when our schools demonstrate such academic returns on that investment.”

Not only did classes prove that education is worth investing in, but they helped state leaders improve even more. The pay for all public school teachers will be raised by $1,000. Teachers are not the only employees receiving a raise, school support personnel’s pay will also increase by $500.

$39 million was added to the education funding formula. This will provide the support that is always needed for public schools to operate. This will also be helpful to the employees that run the schools. $20 was dedicated to early childhood education. This is to help prevent pre-kindergarten programs and services from decreasing due to federal funds not being available. This money will also be used to help increase available slots in childcare for families that are working and low income.

High school students will also be supported. While enrolled in high school they will be able to earn college credits, helping them to further their education after graduation. This will also help high schoolers earn industry credentials for the workforce that can be used after graduation. Task forces will be created to help each of these efforts.

The Class of 2018 showed that investing in education is worth it. John White’s official statement said:

“It is a good legislative session when our state invests in our schools and when our schools demonstrate such exceptional academic returns on that investment. In recent weeks, our state announced that more students than ever before are graduating from high school, earning early college credit and industry-based credentials, achieving eligibility for TOPS, and enrolling in college.  As the session comes to a close, I applaud the Governor, lawmakers, and BESE for continuing that progress, and for heeding the voices of families and educators across our state.”

The 2019 Regular Legislative Session started on Monday, April 8, 2019 and adjourned Thursday, June 6, 2019. Education was not the only group to receive more financial help. District attorneys, assistant district attorneys, and judges pay was boosted. Also, a new law now allows young adults to stay within the foster care system until they turn 21. Services have only been given to those young adults in foster care until they graduate from highschool. Before that, young adult would be kicked out of foster care once they turn 18, even if they are not done with foster care.

Louisiana’s foster care system has not been invested in the past. Within 2 years of being in the system, one in five young adults end up homeless. One fourth of the young adults in the foster care system were in prison, a 2017 report shows. The report came from the Louisiana State Task Force on Youth Aging Out of Foster Care.

For more education related information, click here.

 

The Best Museums in Each State

Trying to escape the summer heat? Museums are the perfect go to for day trips or even for a whole vacation. What about a road trip that stops at the coolest ones in eachstate? The Discoverer Blog has a list of the Coolest Museum in Each State. We are here to share 8 of them!

Colorado

Located in Denver, the Denver Art Museum is one of the largest in the west. The outside alone is enough to draw visitors. However, the inside is filled with traveling collections, Western art, and contemporary pieces. The Denver Art Museum could be classified as an encyclopedia that holds many different types of artistic expression. They even have hand-dyed Native American blankets.

Georgia

World of Coca-Cola is located in Atlanta and is interactive. Not only does the museum contain the vault that holds Coke’s famous secret formula, but there is a tasting room where its visitors can try samples of Coca-Cola. Over 100 different samples! There is a 4D theatre and there is even a pop culture gallery.

Kansas

Wichita’s museum, the Museum of World Treasures, is the perfect museum to spend an entire day at. There are three floors of over 30,000 different artifacts. There is a little something for everyone. There is a Sea Creatures of the Plains exhibit that displays a giant prehistoric sea creature called the Xiphactinus fish.

Minnesota

Taking a huge leap and being the “leading exhibition of modern art”, the Walker Art Center is located in Minneapolis. This museum is also known for its architecture. The array of modern art exhibits located within the museum is amazing. The sculpture garden holds the “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture.

Montana

The Museum of the Rockies is actually a Smithsonian affiliate. Located in Bozeman, this museum is famous for its Siebel DInosaur Complex, which holds the most fossils of T. Rex in the world. If you are looking for a Museum that explores the Montana Landscape, this is the perfect stop. Learn about the history of Yellowstone and geysers.

Ohio

What about a music museum? The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland, is perfect for those rock and roll lovers. Multiple exhibits display the rock legends who have helped create music to be what it is today. David Bowie, Elvis and the Beatles are just a few. Visit to see artifacts and costumes from artist who have truly made rock and roll what it is.

South Dakota

The Mammoth Site and Museum was discovered when a housing development was leveling the grounds. In 1974, a 7-foot tusk was found and the excavation began. The museum was created a year after the original find. There are 3 wooly mammoths that have been uncovered and visitors can actually watch the excavation happen. It is believed that there could still be over 1,000 bones and fragments that actually are still buried in the sink hole.

Tennessee

Located in Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum is housed in the Lorraine Motel, which was where Martin Luther KIng Jr. was shot. It includes personal accounts of people who experienced the movement and there are even exhibits that focus on Jim Crow laws. Visitors can even tour a bus, a vintage one, and listen to the interaction between Rosa Parks and a public transit worker.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

Pressure Cooker Ribs That are Quick and Easy

Ribs are always the perfect go-to for summer meals. This Easy 4th of July BBQ Ribs recipe was posted by the Pink Cake Plate. The best part about this recipe is that it can be cooked in your electric pressure cooker! And then place them on the grill in order to add that crispiness everyone loves. We have also included an easy potato salad recipe that pairs perfectly with the ribs.

Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Ribs

  • 4 pounds of country style spare ribs
  • Seasoning Rub for Pork
  • 2 cups of your preferred BBQ Sauce. Sweet Baby Rays original is always a good place to start

Instructions for Preparing the Ribs

If you are cooking with a pressure cooker, the first step is the cut the protein. When cutting the slabs, make sure they are small enough to fit in the pressure cooker you have. Once the ribs are cut into slabs, rub the seasoning all over the slabs. Once each slab of meat is covered in the seasoning, place the ribs in the pressure cooker. Make sure to place the cover on and lock the lid. The cooker should be set on High Pressure. The timer should be set for 45 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, you will hear beeping sounds, the pressure will need to release so make sure to leave the lid on. Turn the pressure cooker off, and once it is safe to open remove the ribs. Place them on a plate or platter to allow them to dry off for a little bit.

Once the ribs have been taken out of the pressure cooker, heat the grill up to high heat. Place the them on the grill. Pour the BBQ sauce in a bowl and brush the sauce on both sides of the ribs. Grill the ribs for about 5-7 minutes. They should be browned and crispy. You might have to lower the heat if the ribs start to burn.

Potato salad is the perfect side to pair with a nice plate of ribs.

All Recipes has a quick and easy potato salad recipe that fits perfectly with these summer ribs.

Ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the potatoes in a large pot and boil them; sprinkle with salt and place the lid on top. Once they are boiling, reduce the heat to a medium/low setting and let them simmer. The potatoes should be tender (this should take about 10 minutes) and once they are, drain them. Place the potatoes in the empty pot.

Mix the pickles, hard boiled eggs, red onion, celery, mayonnaise, mustard and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with the black pepper and salt. Place the potatoes in the mixture and stir everything together. This should chill for about 6 hours, or even leave it to chill overnight, before it is served.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

Louisiana Desserts Worth Trying

Louisiana is often known for its fantastic seafood, but what about its amazing desserts? Only In Your State lists 10 of the amazing, unique, desserts that you can find in this beautiful southern state known as Louisiana. We are here to share our top 7 from that list.

Bananas Foster Dessert

This dessert was invented by a man named Paul Blange at a restaurant that was opened in 1948 called Brennan’s. This became a very popular dessert due to the large import of bananas in New Orleans. And who doesn’t enjoy ice cream?! This dessert is perfect year round.

Sno-Balls

No, snow-cones and sno-balls are NOT the same thing. Snow-cones are often made from crushed/shaved ice that is more grainy and crunchy. Sno-balls have a fluffy like texture because of how finely the ice is crushed up. Sno-balls are often topped with different toppings and they can even be filled with cream.

Calas Fried Rice Fritters for Dessert

Calas Fried Rice Fritters are often compared to dumplings. They are made up of yeast, rice, sugar, flour and eggs, this is then fried and that’s how the fritters come to life. The best part about this dessert is not only its taste, but also the history behind it. Creole street vendors, who were often women, would sell the Calas Fried Rice Fritters early in the morning in the French Quarter.

Due to the popularity of the beignet, Calas became a less popular dessert. Often being made in home by using leftover rice.  Thankfully due to the work of food preservationists the Calas Fried Rice Fritters have been making a comeback.

Beignets for Dessert

Speaking of beignets, this famous New Orleans treat brings visitors from all around the world. Beignets are made from different varieties of dough and are best served hot. They are deep fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar. It can get pretty messy, so you might want to stay away from dark clothes while eating them. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding your favorite fruits on top. Typically they are enjoyed as a meal for breakfast paired perfectly with a nice cup of chicory coffee or even some hot chocolate, but also recommend giving them a go after as a dessert too.

King Cake

The Louisiana style KIng Cake is most commonly known to be popular around the time of Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday”. The New Orleans style is often made of a mixture of coffee cake and cinnamon rolls. These cakes are then iced and sprinkled with Mardi Gras colors: green, purple, and gold.

Remember, if you get the slice with the baby, you have to buy the next cake.

Pecan Pie

Pecans are often found in southern states, meaning Pecan PIe is a perfect recipe. This recipe calls for a filling of butter, sugar, and eggs. Including white or brown sugar. These pies are often associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas too.

Doberge Cake

This cake is layered with cake and dessert pudding. This dessert originated in a New Orleans bakery in 1933. Beulah Levy Ledner developed the idea based off of the Hungarian/Austrian Dobos Cake. These cakes are often filled with half chocolate pudding and half lemon pudding. This dessert is the perfect option for those who need more than one flavor.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

 

Nicholls Summer Camps to Enjoy

Nicholls Performing Arts Camp has put on another show! This magical performance transported its viewers to the magical world we all have experienced, Dr. Seus’s world. The Fifty-three campers, ages that range from as low as 7 to 17, participated in the production of “Seussical, Jr.”. The performances were held at the Mary and Al Danos Theater on June 13-15 at 7p.m. and June 16th at 3p.m.

Nicholls website states that the show will:

“Transport audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!”

“Seussical” originally debuted in 2000 and has done two U.S tours. It was written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty who have both won Tony Awards.  “Seussical” is often also a pick for school productions and regional theatre productions.

Not only were there multiple performances, but on Saturday, June 15th there was a brunch that was hosted by the cast. This brunch only cost $25 and the cast actually performed skits from the production. The general admission tickets were only $10.

This is not the only summer camp that was offered by Nicholls. Their Continuing Education page has an entire list of all of the camps that are offered this summer. Here are a few that might be as enjoyable as the Performing Arts Camp:

Cooking with Chemistry Camp 

This camp will teach campers how to use chemistry and biochemistry to make materials that are edible and it is done in an actual science lab

Greek-Roman Mythology Camp

Who doesn’t enjoy learning about all of the ancient Greek and Romans gods and goddesses. Their myths will be explored and games and crafts will also be included.

Optical Illusion Art Summer Camp

The idea of an optical illusion is to present something that actually isn’t there. This camp will teach the campers how to apply this to the aspect of creating art.

Chess Camp

Mike Papa, was awarded the title of National Master from the United States Chess Federation in 1985, will be the instructor of this camp. Beginners are welcomed and so are those who are on a more advanced level.

Coding Wizard! Computer Coding Summer Camp

This camp not only dables in the use of coding over 70 apps, but campers will use their own wands to control them. This Hogwarts themes coding camp is perfect for those who love computers but also love the magical.

Colonel Artist Summer Camp

This camp is not the typical art camp, it included multiple different types of materials and concepts to create multiple different pieces of art. This week long camp will end with a gallery show!

For more education related information, click here.

 

Cod Recipes for the Summer

Cod is a an easy summer go to that everyone should try at one point or another.  Cooking dinner every night can be a hassle and sometimes leftovers just won’t cut it. Today.com not only shared an awesome Cod Filet Dish but the leftover fish from this meal can be used to make another recipe. What is better than two dinners coming from one?

COD FILET DISH

INGREDIENTS

UTENSILS

  • Baking dish

INSTRUCTIONS

The oven first needs to be preheated to 375 degrees; this gives you the perfect opportunity to use butter to grease the baking dish. Take the finely sliced onion and place it on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the Cod filets on top of the onion.

Once the filets are in the baking dish, season them with freshly ground black pepper, coriander, and salt. Take the parsley leaves and place them on top of the filets. Place the orange, lemon, and lime slices in an alternate pattern on top of the filets to ensure that the juices are evenly distributed. Top it off with the extra virgin olive oil.

Place the baking dish into the oven and cook for about 10-15 minutes. The fish should flake easily when it is touched with the fork. Once the filet has cooled a little, remove the slices of citrus and serve the cod.

The best part about this recipe is the fact that you can use the leftover Cod to make other recipes. Start off with the Citrus Baked Cod on Monday night,and use the extra filets to make dinner the next night.

COD TACOS WITH CREMA AND CABBAGE SLAW

INGREDIENTS

  • Leftover Cod, or you can make a new batch
  • Cabbage Slaw Ingredients
    • 1 pound of shredded cabbage
    • 1 small jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
    • 2 limes, fully juiced
    •  ½ cup of cilantro, finely chopped
    • ¼ cup or red onion, finely sliced
    • 1 teaspoon of salt
    • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Chipotle Crema Sauce

DIRECTIONS

Making the Chipotle Crema Sauce

Take the small bowl and add all of the ingredients for the Crema Sauce. Whisk the ingredients together, cover the bowl. Place the bowl in the refrigerator until the recipe is ready to be served.

Making the Cabbage Slaw

Take the shredded cabbage and add it to a medium/large sized bowl. Make sure to toss the cabbage with the salt first. Add the oil and lime juice next, making sure to toss every time a new ingredient is added to make sure everything is distrusted evenly. Add the onions, cilantro, and jalapeno.

Making the Tacos

Heat up the cod in a pan to the desired temperature. Warming up the tortillas is the next step, they can be heated up in the microwave. Pro tip: tortillas that are cooked over an open flame on the stove for 30 seconds can make a huge difference in the way the tacos taste. But be careful!

Place the heated fish on a plate and break apart to make it easier to serve. Set up a Taco Station with the Cabbage Slaw and Crema (and any other toppings you would like). Place the fish on top of a warm tortilla and top it off with the crema and slaw! Serve hot for the best flavor.

For more delicious recipes, click here.