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Concealed Carry

Many have owned a Smith Shield since its debut in 2012. It was a game changer and a significant upgrade over other single-stack 9mm options available at the time. Over the years, the micro 9 market exploded with new competitors, but none captured most people's interest enough to consider an upgrade. That all changed with the introduction of the Sig P365XL in June 2019. It offered features that no other micro 9 had managed to provide, and many felt they justified an upgrade. This post will serve as an evaluation and comparison of features, performance, costs, and the intangible aspects of both firearms.  Especially now with integrated red dots. https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/m-p-9-shield-m2.0-integrated-crimson-trace-red-laser   https://youtu.be/mQyAIN5GCOk?si=y-CrPBlwNTsbNzQ- https://youtu.be/8fZwNK7QlJQ?si=EHYWQp1Ra8eQs02i

By |November 13th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Concealed Carry

Paying for College

  According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, there is a positive correlation between the earnings of employees and their level of education. Based on weekly earning data from 2017, those with the highest educational levels earn on average three times more than those with the lowest levels of education 1. Here are the median weekly earnings for U.S. employees aged 25 and over, based on each level of education: Education Level Median Weekly Earnings Less than high school diploma $520 High school diploma but no college education $712 Some college education but no degree $774 Associate’s degree $836 A recent study from Georgetown University found that, on average, college graduates earn $1 million more in earnings over their lifetime. Another recent study by the Pew Research Center found that the median yearly income gap between high school and college graduates is around $17,500 23. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York concludes that a college degree still pays off. The average college graduate earns $78,000 a year compared to the $45,000 earned by someone with only a high school education 4. That’s a 75% premium, or more than $30,000 a year. Please note that these are general statistics and individual salaries may vary depending on factors such as industry, location, experience, and job position. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for lawyers in the United States is $131,500 per year 1. However, this figure varies depending on the type of law practiced and the location of the practice. For instance, graduates of Seton Hall School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, secure the ninth-highest national salary at $115,233. Remarkably, the figure rises to the sixth-highest nationwide at $101,406 just two years after

By |October 30th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Paying for College

Improve Your Climbing

By: Brent Smith  Print/Save as PDF Improve Your Climbing Technique to Climb Harder BEGINNER CLIMBING | CLIMBING TIPS | START CLIMBING   For many climbers starting out, it makes sense to assume that you should focus on getting stronger if you want to climb harder. Certainly, strength is important if you want to progress to harder climbs (check out these posts here and here for tips on gaining strength), however learning to move more efficiently can really give you a leg up on your climbing goals.  Maybe you find yourself stalled and pumped out at a certain grade or maybe you’re wondering how others are able to easily glide up a climb that feels impossible to you. Whatever the case, we’ve got some tips straight out of our Intro to Movement classes that can help!   FOOTWORK AND CLIMBING GO TOGETHER LIKE PEAS AND CARROTS  One of the first things our instructors will urge you to focus on is footwork, footwork, footwork. The more you focus how to move your feet, the less likely you’ll be to burn out your arms hoisting yourself up.    Sounds great, right?   Sure does, but chances are you’ve already formed some strong, arm-intensive bad climbing habits. Let’s break those habits by playing a few games that are guaranteed to teach you how to use your feet to propel you upwards (make sure to try these games on routes/problems that are 4 grades lower than you normally climb).    Robot Arms. Pssst! Climbing with straight arms is an amazingly efficient way to climb, but it’s easy to forget that when the next hold is right there and easy to strong arm. That’s where “Robot Arms” come in. Pretend your arms are incapable of bending and climb. You'll find that without the use of your elbows, you’ll have to use your feet

By |October 26th, 2023|Categories: Rock climbing, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Improve Your Climbing

6 core strengthening exercises for climbers

By: Taylor Slay We've talked in previous blogs about the importance of maintaining a strong core when climbing.  As a reminder, a strong core allows you to keep body tension on the wall, helps you keep your feet on the wall, and it generally just helps you move more powerfully and efficiently. But what does that mean when you're on the wall? A few of our setters in our Hampden gym in Baltimore, MD demonstrate what happens when you don't engage your core while climbing overhung routes (spoiler alert: you're more likely to fall). We reached out to Taylor Slay, a fitness instructor at our Dallas the Hill location, for core strengthening exercises  that are a little more fun than doing a jillion crunches. Taylor prefers teaching a Tabata-style core class, which is basically a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class for your abs. That means you'll do an exercise for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, repeat the same exercise 8 times, and rest for a full minute. Repeat with the next exercises. These exercises require equipment you'll find in your gym's fitness area and should take about 30 minutes to complete. 6 core strengthening exercises for climbers halo Start standing with feet hip-width apart holding the handle of a kettlebell with both hands in front of face, elbows bent and wide at sides. Keeping both elbows bent, and the rest of body still, slowly circle the kettlebell around head once, keeping the weight at eye level. dumbbell march Stand up straight, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand and extend your right arm out to your side at a 45-degree angle from your body. Slowly lift your left leg up until you knee is at hip

By |October 26th, 2023|Categories: Rock climbing, Uncategorized|Comments Off on 6 core strengthening exercises for climbers

On Hell and God

“The levels of hell. Dante wrote about his journey through hell. The levels are not biblical.” In the realm of biblical misconceptions, many users agree that the idea of Satan reigning over the fiery depths of hell is a common misbelief. The Bible does describe Satan as a tempter and adversary, but it doesn’t cast him as the warden of the underworld. In Mark and Matthew, Jesus preaches about the impending “Kingdom of God,” and by that, he didn’t mean a kingdom in heaven. Jesus envisioned a kingdom here on earth and that those who followed God’s laws would be bodily resurrected to live in this glorious new era. He believed it was coming soon, too — within a generation (Matthew 24:34). Discussing the concept of hell, some users noted that the intricate levels of hell, as famously depicted by Dante Alighieri in “The Divine Comedy,” are not found in the Bible. Dante’s imaginative journey through hell has captured our imaginations, but it’s essential to distinguish between literary works and biblical teachings. A noteworthy point emphasized by users is the Bible’s guidance on humility in religious practices. While some may boast about their religious devotion, the Bible advises praying and worshiping in private rather than seeking public recognition. It’s a reminder that true faith isn’t about showmanship. Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” is the first part of his three-part epic poem “The Divine Comedy,” written in the 14th century and considered one of the world’s great works of literature 1. The poem describes Dante’s journey through the nine circles of Hell, guided by the poet Virgil 1. Here are the circles of Hell in order of entrance and severity: Limbo: Where those who never knew Christ

By |October 11th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on On Hell and God

MSU-Go Cats!

Montana as vast as the big sky, that blankets it, rich with natural resources – – – fertile soil, rivers, gold, forest wind – – – and overflowing with beauty. Imagine a place where winter means fresh powder days at one of the biggest ski resorts in America, followed by a night out at a concert or the symphony, opera or ballet. A place where spring means exploring the nearby 3.1 million-acre forest or relaxing on campus with a pick-up game of frisbee.  Bozeman is ranked as the Number 3 College Town in America. The community surrounding Yellowstone offer a diverse range of experiences. From skiing, fishing, and abundance, outdoor adventures in a booming college town of Bozeman to the Hardin Colorado. Many scenes just over the past and Livingston, the areas, rich culture is as rich as the landscape. Big Sky and Red Lodge offer year-round, resorts with ample cable, terrain and simply terrific places to stay.the Little Big Horn, Battlefield national monument is worth 1000s of Cheyenne, Sue, and Arapahoe warriors fought under such legendary figures as bowling crazy horse. Lieutenant, colonel George Armstrong, Custer, and more than 200 of his men from the seven of the cavalry died, in the brief battle. a wonderful way to explore. The monument is by hiking with a Native American guide through the Apsalooke Tours. And it’s hard to drive through Montana without running into a rodeo, the small town rodeos offer a unique window into the life here the biggest parties in the west. The highlights are the Mill city bucking Horse Sale weekend the third full weekend in May. The Gardner rodeo in mid June, the Augusta, American Legion, rodeo parade, the last Sunday

By |September 26th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on MSU-Go Cats!

NYTS 2023

SETTING THE COMPETITION ABLAZE: NEBRASKA SUNSET SECURES 2023 NYTS GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP  Sep 18, 2023 4:17 PM SHARE 2023 National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Girls' Championship Winners: Nebraska Sunset - Coach Jesse Bray, Winifred Branscum, Reagan Leitner, Ava Rose Hinkson, Sofia Ward, presented by NYTS Chair Chrys Beal. Returning for the third consecutive year, the National Youth Tournament Series (NTYS) Girls’ Championship culminated in a matchup between Nebraska Sunset (Sofia Ward, Ava Rose Hinkson, Reagan Leitner, Winifred Branscum) and Electric Charge (Isabelle Brockett, Victoria Picha, Sophia DeAngelis, Madison Jordan) at the picturesque New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina on Sunday, September 17. After a morning of heavy rain, the final was delayed until the afternoon and moved to the impressively dry Field 5. Controlling the match from the outset, Nebraska Sunset dominated the field, quickly scoring three field goals to take the lead in the first half. The ladies in pink never let up and maintained their lead throughout the game, defeating Electric Charge 7-2.5 to win the NYTS Girls’ Championship title. “This game's all about adaptability, so when you can go and play on different teams and with different players and with different playing styles, it opens your world up.”  – Nebraska Sunset's Ava Rose Hinkson Displaying the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, each player’s horsemanship, and skill was further honed by coaches Jesse Bray* (Nebraska Sunset) and Sarah Wiseman (Electric Charge). Both coaches served as advisors to teams in the Girls’ Division and the Open Division, with Wiseman being the first female coach in NYTS history. Playing a four-chukker match, Nebraska Sunset maintained possession for much of the first half. Dynamic duo Leitner and Branscum were quick to put pink

By |September 20th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on NYTS 2023

Cutting Horse

Cutting is a western-style equestrian competition where a horse and rider demonstrate the horse's ability to handle cattle. In a cutting competition, the horse and rider have two and a half minutes to separate a cow from a herd and keep it from returning to the herd. The horse is scored on its ability to keep the cow away from the herd, cow sense, attentiveness, and courage.  The horse and rider must move quietly into a herd of cattle, cut one cow from the herd, drive it to the center of the arena, and “hold” it away from the herd. The rider is the “corrector” and the cow gives the horse the warnings and indicates the required actions.  The three most elite cutting horse shows are the World Championship Futurity, the Super Stakes, and the Summer Cutting Spectacular. These shows are held in Fort Worth, TX. Cutting Spurs From South Texas Tack Cutting horses are typically American Quarter Horses.  O.K. Estes Cutting Horses is a well-known cutting horse trainer located in Franktown, Colorado. On average, a cutting horse will sell for $8,500 to $45,000. Some of the best cutting horses can sell for $50,000 to $100,000 or more. In 2020, a two-year-old sorrel Quarter horse filly sold for $1,050,000. https://issuu.com/cmmccarthy/docs/newmemberguide-compressed?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=nchacutting.com Cutting Horse Saddles first designed in Texas by Buster Welch, and Windy Ryan, a cutting saddle is made to help the Rider stay balanced, and above a horses center of gravity during the various dramatic movements that occurring cutting. The saddle services is a shock, absorber, yet it is very light, and made to sit down close to a horses back, so you can feel every movement underneath you. The seed is larger than that

By |September 5th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Cutting Horse

Blue Zones

If you're eating well but not exercising, or if you're exercising and eating well but not sleeping, if you lack community or purpose— it’s all connected, and you have to figure out where you have the most opportunity.  We have come to learn that exercise and food are medicines for the body, so once you think of them as such things begin to change.   Sugar, processed foods, fried foods, and alcohol are poisons and should be eliminated.    When you are healthy you have a million things to focus on in life, but when you don't have good health, you only focus on one thing, getting better. The blue zone food guidelines: #1, ensure that your diet is 90% plant-based #2 retreat from meat.   Blue zones eat meat about 20 times a year.   Americans average 240 times per year. #3 go easy on fish #4 reduced dairy #5 cut down on eggs #6, eat a daily dose of beans #7 eliminate sugar #8 snack on nuts (and dried fruits with no added sugar) #9 sour bread #10 go whole (eliminate processed foods) #11 drink mostly water (avoid sugary drinks and alcohol)     If you haven't watched the new Netflix special by Dan Buettner  you need to watch it.   The intro reads: Life expectancy of an American born today averages 78.2 years. But this year, over 70,000 Americans have reached their 100th birthday. What are they doing that the average American isn’t? To answer the question, we teamed up with National Geographic to find the world’s longest-lived people and study them.  We knew most of the answers lied within their lifestyle and environment (The Danish Twin Study established that only about 20% of how long the average

By |August 31st, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Blue Zones

Gyokuro Tea

From Ippodo Tea Newsletter: Gyokuro is a type of Japanese green tea that is grown in the shade rather than in full sun. The name "gyokuro" translates as "jewel dew" or "jade dew". Gyokuro is considered one of the finest Japanese teas. Gyokuro plants are shaded from the sun for several weeks while the young leaves develop in the spring. This slows the growth, allowing the tea leaves more time to develop flavor and depth. Gyokuro has less catechin (tea tannin) than other teas, resulting in a smooth, oceanic cup. It has a hearty-sweet umami flavor, a dew-like aroma, and less astringency. Gyokuro is very high in caffeine, with 120-140 milligrams of caffeine per cup, which is more caffeine than a small cup of coffee. The long shading process contributes to the high caffeine content. Gyokuro is often made from specialized varieties such as Asahi, Okumidori, Yamakai, and Saemidori. The limited quantity and harvest period, along with the extra labor that goes into cultivating, contribute to the price of Gyokuro. TEA OF THE WEEK Tenka-ichi This week we are exploring Tenka-ichi. For years this has been our most premium regular gyokuro. View Tenka-ichi Tenka-ichi’s name can be translated to “the best under the heavens,” and this blend is the highest-ranking gyokuro green tea in our regular lineup. At Ippodo Tea, our blending team (which includes our president) carefully produces each of our core gyokuro blends, ranging from our lightest, Mantoku, to our richest, Tenka-ichi. Each blend in this core lineup has a consistent character throughout the year. Finding the right gyokuro for the moment is as simple as choosing how light-bodied or rich-bodied of a tea you would like. A shaded gyokuro field. Gyokuro, a Refresher This type of Japanese green tea is

By |August 2nd, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Gyokuro Tea