Author: Emily Gautreaux

Small Towns To Visit this Summer

Bright lights and big cities get all the press, but the often-overlooked prized jewels that are the small towns of the United States are where many are finding their next summer vacationing spot, according to an article from Country Living.  While the complete list details thirty total provincial villages, towns, and boroughs, the following are two particular hidden gems that you should absolutely consider making your summer getaway in the coming months.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Contemplate spending a week in the summer hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains and staying in the nearby mountain resort city of Gatlinburg, TN. Located southeast of Knoxville, this outdoor adventurer’s paradise is the ideal “home base” for those looking to partake in horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and rafting due to the fact that Gatlinburg is located at the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Take a 340 ft. elevator ride upward and observe the breathtaking majesty of the Smokies from atop theGatlinburg Space Needle or take a leisurely ride above the treetops from one of the gondolas, chairlifts, or aerial tram cars that the area has to offer. Once at the top of the town, you and your travel companions can take in a day observing underwater wonders at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the arcades, escape rooms, and mini-golf courses of the Gatlin Fun Center.

One key attraction that is essential to the Gatlinburg experience besides the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the massive amusement park is an area known as the Village Shops. Filled with floral arrangements, gardens, and landscaping marvels, this collection of small businesses, eateries, and lodgings is perfect for those wanting to get a scaled-down version of the commercialization found up the mountain. One bite into a barbecue sandwich at Tennessee Jed’s will have you forgetting about ever wanting to conquer that advanced-level hiking trail you saw earlier that day. Whether you partake in a Gatlinburg experience outdoors or indoors, it’s safe to say that hidden among the expansive range that is the Great Smoky Mountains is a town with plenty to offer travelers of all types.

Nashville, Indiana

Located only 90 minutes away from Louisville, KY, this might not be the Nashville you’re familiar with, but it is certainly the Nashville that will win your heart. This quaint town is the county seat of Brown County, and it’s home to dozens of locally-owned restaurants and small businesses that will win you and your family over. One particular shop, the Brown County Rock Shop, sells fossils and rocks, but it also has a station where you can pan for gems right outside the front doors.

The most notable destination inside the city limits of Nashville, IN is assuredly the Zoo’Opolis Exotic Petting Zoo and Bird Park. The petting zoo element of Zoo’Opolisis one of its biggest draws, as it has three levels of tickets that can be purchased for participants to interact with the animals. At the beginner ($15) and advanced ($45) levels, zoo visitors can feed fawns, goats, ostrich chicks, and zebu calves; pet wallaby, muntjac deer, and tortoises; and interact with leopard Bengal kittens, hedgehogs, chinchillas, snakes, and iguana. It’s the ambassador ticket level ($85) that has tourists visiting this small town from all over the eastern United States, as this level allows for a more interactive approach with participants observing and sometimes entering the animal enclosures of timber wolves, red foxes, raccoons, coatimundi, zebras, and lemurs.

Ideally, this town is visited in the autumn as the changing colors of the leaves is the type of picturesque iconography that’s present across the town’s tourism pamphlets. The scenery can be best observed along Main Street (Van Buren Street) within the courtyard of the Iris Garden Cottage and Suites, or in the forests of Brown County State Park. So, pack up the car and become better acquainted with a town that is one of the more unforgettable treasures of Indiana, the not-as-famous but just-as-musical, Nashville.

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LSU Coaching Legend, Skip Bertman, Honored in SEC Documentary Special

LSU Baseball coaching legend, Skip Bertman, has recently been featured in an hour-long documentary as a part of the SEC Storied Film series, according to a Daily Advertiser Article.

The documentary titled, Hold the Rope premiered on the SEC Network on Monday, May 24th, and for many long-time LSU baseball fans it was a long-time coming. Skip Bertman served as the athletics director of LSU from 2001 to 2008 and before that he had led the Louisiana State University Baseball team to national titles in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000. Again, for many Tigers sports fans it wasn’t a question of “why” when it came to a Skip Bertman documentary, it was a question of “what took them so long?”

The documentary, which premiered to great acclaim by both die-hard LSU sports fans and casual viewers alike, gave an hour-long look at how coach Skip Bertman revolutionized the school’s baseball program and turned the Alex Box Stadium into the near-religious landmark it is today. This was made possible by the cooperation of SEC associate commissioner Herb Vincent, who was not only LSU’s sports information director from 1988-2000 but he was also responsible for selling the idea of a documentary to ESPN and the SEC Network three years ago.

For the documentary, a total of 89 people were interviewed by Marc Kinderman, the executive producer of Orange Lion Productions, among those were former athletes who played under Bertman, fellow coaches, friends, family members, and members of the media who covered his historic career over the years. One player who has a special tie to Bertman during his time at LSU was the all-time great Ben McDonald, who spoke to ESPN’s Front Row ahead of the documentary’s premiere to attribute his professional success to Coach Bertman’s immense vision.

McDonald, the legendary LSU Baseball player who is one of only four LSU Tigers to have had his baseball jersey retired by the school, laid a lot of the groundwork for what would eventually become a hallmark of the University. McDonald said of his old coach, “when I think about Skip, I just think of a visionary. Playing for him at the time, nobody knew what was eventually going to happen, that he would become one of the greatest coaches of all time. He changed college baseball forever. I’ve said this before, but I really feel like Skip is probably the most important sports figure to ever be acquainted with LSU. Because you look at what he did as a baseball coach, and then as an athletic director, and I truly feel he’s the most important person in the history of LSU Athletics.”

After his time as coach, Bertman made monumental decisions as athletic director; for instance, he hired four coaches who went on to win LSU five national championships. Those hires were Les Miles winning a national championship in football in 2007, Paul Mainieri in baseball in 2009, Dennis Shaver in women’s track in 2008 and 2012, and Chuck Winstead in men’s golf in 2015. When it comes to selecting players for both the field and sidelines, it cannot be overstated how good Coach Bertman’s eye is. LSU third baseman Wally McMakin said it best when he spoke of Bertmen’s key for finding and cochin talent, saying, “Skip is the most valuable athletic department employee in LSU history.”

The film premiered on the evening ahead of the 2021 SEC Baseball Tournament, and before an event that featured Coach Skip Bertman and his fellow players, the coach hadn’t seen any footage outside of a fifteen-minute reel that premiered at his 83rd birthday party at the L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge the previous Sunday.

When interviewed about his decision to not see the film ahead of the public though he was offered the chance, Bertmed said, “I did that intentionally. I wanted to see it for the first time at the party. I hear Marc did a great job. Can’t wait to see it and all the boys.”

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Homemade Seasoning Blends

More often than not, the “secret ingredient” that makes your favorite restaurant entree perfect is the specific spice blend used when preparing the dish. With the prices of seasoning only increasing in the past few years, it’s a good thing that TastyThin has released this easy-to-make list of Homemade Seasoning Blends to prepare the next time you want to spice things up in the kitchen.

The reason more and more are concocting their own spice blends nowadays is simply due to the fact that the all-too-easy store-bought spice blends are often found to be overpriced and abound with MSG. If taking a little extra time, attention, and care to make your own blends can ensure that you’re saving money or peace of mind, then be sure to add one, several, or all of the following seasoning blends to the preparation list on your next meal prep Sunday afternoon.

Blend Recipes:

Each of the following recipes for homemade seasoning below is set to make approximately 7-8 tablespoons of mixes, and each can be reduced or doubled depending on your preferences.  

Italian Seasoning Blend

  • 4 teaspoons each of basil, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, thyme, and ground savory
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder

Ranch Seasoning Blend

  • 2 ½ tablespoons of parsley
  • 2 ½ teaspoons each of onion powder and garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons each of dried dill and dried minced onion
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Fajita Seasoning Blend

  • 4 teaspoons of cumin
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons each of coriander and sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of chipotle chili powder (optional)

Cajun Seasoning Blend

  • 2 ½ tablespoons of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon each of oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder

Mediterranean Seasoning Blend

  • 2 tablespoons each of kosher salt, oregano, and basil
  • 1 tablespoon each of parsley flakes and dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Chili Seasoning Blend

  • 2 ½ tablespoons of chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika or smoked paprika
  • ½ tablespoon of oregano
  • 1 teaspoon each of sea salt and black pepper

Jerk Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons of dried minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon each of thyme, black pepper, and allspice
  • 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon of sea salt

Directions:

  1. A lot of the making of specific spice blends is not only deciding which ones you’d like to make but also looking at the base set of ingredients above and deciding how much of each you’d like to make. Since the recipes for each are generally simple, as they consist of specific proportions of household seasonings and spices, you’re certainly encouraged to double, triple, or multiply the recipes for whichever you see yourself using more often.
  2. Though, if making a double or triple recipe, it’s extra important to ensure that you are keeping your proportions balanced and evenly doubled. Do a little research using a measurement calculator or similar online tool to ensure that you’re not over-salting your taco and fajita seasoning just because you decided to “wing it.”
  3. An additional tip for buying spices in bulk is to visit a wholesaler, kitchen supply shop, or international food market since after all, every grocery store shopper knows the audacity of the over-priced jar of black pepper found on the seasoning aisle shelf. Outside of spices, you’ll also want to procure an affordable, reusable, and environmentally-conscious, air-tight container for your mixtures. That’s where mason jars are supreme due to their durability and variety in sizes.
  4. For each seasoning blend, be sure to closely measure your ingredients and combine them all together in a small container. Store in an air-tight kitchen container, label the outside with the name of the blend and date mixed. Before serving, be sure to stir or thoroughly shake the container.
  5. Optional step: For both the Jerk and Italian Seasoning Blends, you can place your ingredients in a small food processor beforehand, processing them until they are finely ground for a stronger consistency amongst the herbs.

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When to Visit the Grand Canyon

It’s not a random cliche, there’s a valid reason why the Grand Canyon is on the top of every red-blooded American’s bucket list and if that adventurous American citizen is well-supplied with this all-encompassing guide for visiting the Grand Canyon from Planet Ware, then they will be well-suited to look majesty in its face.

Since childhood, any United States citizen who has grown up with a radio, television, or novel has been inundated with images of the famous Grand Canyon, its 227-mile expanse, and its national legacy. Americans have been raised under the watchful eye of Grand Canyon iconography whether it be in Hollywood cinema, television canon, or American Literature, so it’s simply no wonder why the 18-mile landmass attracts approximately six million annual visitors. So, if you’re an American citizen who has the Grand Canyon on their bucket list, be sure to follow the following tips for when it’s best to travel, ensuring the most enjoyable trip imaginable.

It should be initially noted that Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round, and the views observed at any region of the Canyon’s perimeter (commonly referred to as “Rims”) are outstanding, there are still optimal times of the year, week, and day to visit, depending on your interests. For instance, if you prefer the solemn solitude and meditation near-silence that can be found in the Canyon during the winter, you’ll only be able to access the Eastern, Western, and Southern Rims, as the North is closed.

That being said, if your long-awaited Grand Canyon adventure would be made more ideal without the summer crowds, then you’d want to follow Planet Ware’s suggestions and travel during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) months, skipping summer entirely. Not only will these times of year help you avoid the vacationing Grizwald families of the world, but you won’t be tortured by the sweltering heat of Arizona’s July and August days. In fact, if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in the Spring, average temperatures typically reach the mid-70°’s and snow occasionally continues to fall well into late May on the Southern Rim.

Throughout September is where you’ll begin to see those summer crowds thinning as many visitors return to their hometowns with schools starting back up again following Labor Day. In fact, if you’re looking to visit the Grand Canyon during the fall season, it might be a good idea to take advantage and visit the North Rim before it’s closed for the Winter, as it houses some of the better expertly guided adventures, campground accommodations, and restaurants that the national park has to offer. Also, since the temperatures of the Grand Canyon’s interior become significantly lower during the fall, a September week spent on the North Rim is the optimal time of year to visit and hike the many trails offered at varying levels of expertise.

Over the past few decades, the Grand Canyon’s Western Rim has become a popular destination for tourists, courtesy of the area’s staggering views, visitor-friendly lodging, and white water rafting experiences. Though, the Western Rim’s Skywalk, a 10-foot wide horseshoe-shaped bridge of glass that extends 70 ft. out over the canyon at a bewildering height of 4,000 ft. is the main attraction to anyone who isn’t a member of the region’s native Hualapai Tribe. As this area is quite popular, the best times of the year to visit are during the Fall and Spring, with springtime being ideal for anyone wanting to use the skywalk to dry off after a white water rafting adventure. This is due to the fact that the Canyon’s official rafting season is optimally set between April and October. Though, if rafting interests you, be proactive and apply for a permit or book a river guide early to avoid waiting periods or crowds.

As previously stated, the Grand Canyon is famous for valid reasons, and there’s no “wrong time” to visit, as the famed American landmark and National Park are open year-round. So, prepare early and fully, decide on what time of year best suits your interests, and venture out to visit the piece of Americana that’s as naturally enticing as apple pie.

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Proposals May Give Louisiana a New State Motto and an Additional Song

Two bills that recently passed through Louisiana’s House Judiciary Committee proposed a change to the state’s motto and a new addition to the official state songs, as detailed in an article from The Daily Advertiser.

In early May, State Representative Richard Nelson, R-Mandeville, proposed HB 17, which would change the Louisiana state motto from “Union, Justice, Confidence” to “We live and die for those we love.” After much deliberation and well-supported arguments from the congressman, the proposal passed by a vote of 10-2.

Representative Nelson supported his bill by reminding House Judiciary Committee members that the current state motto was never established by a passed statute, thus making it the perfect time to instate a new motto that is “much more indicative of who we are as a people, what we believe and stand for as a people, and what sets us apart from everywhere else,” according to Nelson.

He went on to clarify that forms of the proposed new motto already exist on Louisiana law licenses and the very walls of the State Capitol building. When committee members passed the bill, they added that the new statute would not require any official state flags, buildings, or seals to be corrected as a result of the motto change as the bill would only ensure the new slogan as the official Louisiana motto going forward.

Nelson remarked, “we’re not going to tear up any carpets or tear up any flags. If we were going to build a new state capitol, this motto would be on the building instead. When new flags are bought, they will have the new motto.”

Later during the same Judiciary Committee meeting, Representatives Vincent Pierre, D-Lafayette, and Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans, presented HB351, which proposed an additional entry to Louisiana’s official state songs.

As of now, the state currently holds five titles as its official state song: Doralise Fontane’s “Give Me Louisiana,” Jimmie Davis’s “You Are My Sunshine” and “State March Song,” and Frances LeBeau’s  “Gifts of the Earth.”

HB351 passed through the Judiciary Committee, and it proposes the addition of Louisiana musician Allen Toussaint’s “Southern Nights” to the state records. Toussaint originally wrote the song and released it on the album of his of the same name in 1975.

Louisiana Zydeco musician and two-time Grammy Award winner Terrance Simien expressed his support for the inclusion of Toussaint’s song and lasting Louisiana legacy by saying “Allen Toussaint was a true Louisiana legend. I’ve been talking to a lot of people in the music world, and this song would be a great addition to our state songs. Allen was not only a great artist but also a great human being. I just can’t say enough about him and just want to ask you to consider this.”

The case for Allen Toussaint’s inclusion is strong, as the musician is a well-respected Louisiana musician who is a member of not only the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame but the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, andthe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After hearing the strong case for “Southern Nights” and having Judiciary Committee members praise and uphold the Toussaint Legacy, HB351 passed without any objections.

Toussaint, a New Orleans-based musician who played alongside Elvis Costello, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and Irma Thomas, originally wrote “Southern Nights” while he was in Houma, Louisiana and missing his family in New Orleans. The song’s lyrics give testament to the themes of family and longing that are well-known to the average Louisiana citizen. Furthermore, the images depicted in the song of “weeping willows [crying] for joy” and “precious beauty” noticed in the “southern skies” above are a part of a shared Louisiana imagery that all who call this state their home can relate to.

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Measure to Adopt Year-Round Academic Calendar Clears House Education Committee

A measure that recently cleared the Louisiana House Education Committee without objection aims to alter the academic calendars of select public school districts according to an article from The Advocate.

House Bill 538, which is supported by the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, would have six or fewer public school districts change their annual academic calendar to a 12-month model that includes periodic breaks. This model, which has already been adopted by international school districts, would replace the current, traditional 9-month academic calendar that is followed by a summer break.

While the measure passed the House Education Committee without objection, House Bill 538 wasn’t met with a warm reception by all, which is to be expected of any chance to an academic calendar. The proposed change already received vocal opposition from the state’s two teacher unions: the Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE) and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT). Additionally, a member of the House Education Committee, Rep. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge expressed his concern that the calendar change would disrupt the lives of his constituents and set traditions, thus requiring serious adjustments.

With this level of large systematic change, it’s expected to have some level of “push back,” but as detailed by Superintendent Brumley before the committee, the proposed calendar change is ultimately in service of students and teachers. In addition to this, the proposal is also in response to what has been known as the “summer learning loss” that occurs between once school year’s last day of classes and the next year’s start date.

This time in between school years is approximately two months long for students, and while some may participate in summer school, tutoring, or other academically enriching programs, many simply place academics “on the shelf” until the next school year begins. Dr. Brumley shared this concern with House Committee members by saying, “what we know is that there is summer learning loss, we know that it is real.” Superintendent Brumley reportedly said that students can lose and forget up to 30% of what they had learned in their previous grade during the summer months.

As it’s currently written, the legislation would allow up to six districts to participate in the piloting of the new academic calendar on a volunteer basis, and those public school districts would receive a portion of federal stimulus dollars to assist in the overhaul. The proposal would have students attending classes for 42-43 day segments that are followed by two-week breaks (intersessions). During the intersessions, students would be able to receive enriched learning, tutoring, or other assistance.

The school year would end on June 30 with classes resuming on August 11, allowing students and teachers to have a summer break of approximately five weeks. The shortening of summer breaks is what has caused the most opposition thus far as many teachers and students with many students working throughout the summer to save money for college and many teachers working second jobs.

House Bill 528 will next face discussion in the Louisiana House of Representatives, and if approved it will move on to the state Senate. Though the measure has sparked a lot of discussion, it should be remembered that Louisiana lawdictates that students receive 360 minutes of daily instructional time over 172 instructional days. Those days may be organized and allocated in a variety of ways.

With this said, the centralized aim of this measure is currently presented as an effort to assist schools, leaders, and students- not to merely disrupt their sense of normalcy. Superintendent Brumley reiterated this sentiment by stating, “I am not here to tell you that a balanced calendar is a cure-all, but given where we are in outcomes we should be exploring all options that make a difference in the lives of our students and teachers.”

For more education-related information, click here.