My summers revolve around the Sierra. I need at least a week in these mountains each year to take the edge off a deep-seated craving I have for the high-country. To climb over peaks and passes, carrying all that I need for the journey, bathing in icy rivers and sleeping under cold crystalline stars, makes my DNA very happy, knowing that it has returned home to my animal self and to the Pleistocene that my body has never forgotten. And despite blisters, bruises, and burning muscles, it is here that I tap into that which is no less than spirited ecstasy. When everything slows down, memory awakens. Instinct and consciousness are no longer experienced as two polar opposites, pulling and fighting against each other's impulse, but are linked together, inseparable, clean, and precise.
It is no wonder that in cultures worldwide mountains are often imagined as sacred centers, as places that rise up out the ordinary, but paradoxically, return us to the mundane in an extraordinary way. To backpack into the mountains requires careful attention to detail: to each step along a rocky path, to the thunder clouds that develop over the pass, to the preparation of good shelter and food. Such simple tasks take on a numinous quality when stripped to their barebones essentialness. Even the body which falters and fails us serves as a reminder that there can be no separation from the soles of our feet to the very heights that we attempt to climb. There can be no peaks without the soulful lows.
For this reason the mountain serves as a symbol for the axis mundi – the world axis. While the base of the mountain outlines the circumference of sacred space, the axis acts as a medium between the upper, middle and lower regions. This demonstrates that the bright white peaks are inseparable from the shadowy ground below; sky is inseparable from earth, spirit is inseparable from matter, consciousness is inseparable from the unconscious. Essentially, the mountain mirrors the Self in its most starlit and sultry existence.
Taoist philosophy has long recognized this interdependence between upper and lower regions as demonstrated in the concept of Yin and Yang. Whereas the mountain is symbolic of Yang – masculine principal, phallic consciousness, spirit and light – to climb the mountain is also to encounter the opposite Yin – feminine principle, receptivity, water, mud, movement, the ebb and flow of life.
Together, the Yin and Yang make up the multiple dimensions of the mountain as we know it: the light and dark sides of the slopes, steadfastness of rock and the motion of rivers, the purity of glacier lakes surrounded by the footprints of a mountain wanderer. And just as water can become solid, mountains can flow, the two engage in a universal dance between stability and flow.
I imagine "spirit condensed" is another way of expressing the mystical union between spirit and soul. Like vapor, when spirit condenses it becomes heavy, falls to earth, turns to snow, which melts into rivers that flow thick with life. In a similar fashion, we may rise in spirit, but at a certain height we become icy and cold, and eventually we must condense and return to the warmth of soul. To remain solely in spirit is to be untouchable, impassive, and transcendent. On the other hand, soul carries us down into our individual depths, ultimately rooting us in the material realm of nature. Obviously, spirit without soul is rather boring. And soul without spirit may become overly depressed.
When Joe and I returned from our backpacking trip this summer we felt the radiance and ecstasy of having spent a glorious week in the high-country at Devil's Punchbowl and the lakes around Hell-For-Sure-Pass (Not very sanctimonious names for such majestic landscapes. Somehow appropriate). We fought against our aging bodies with burning lungs and sore knees as we hiked past towering pines, singing creeks, slick rock water falls, and glacial lakes. We jumped naked into swimming holes fifteen feet deep and gathered wild strawberries in sleepy meadows. We tasted the Garden of Eden and felt untouched by the tarnish of calendars and clocks.
But upon our return, Nature was there to great us in her fuller sense. As soon as I got cell reception and checked my messages I discovered that my dog was dying due to liver failure and that my father's illness had worsened. The ecstasy of the mountains came crashing down and my tears began to flow steady and strong. At first, I resented being home and having to face such loss, but then I realized that this too is an essential aspect of Nature. My tears connect me to nature – my nature – just like the river that flows from the mountain.


Protect your prized firearm from travel bumps, harmful dust, and the elements with the 34-Inch Fieldline Striker Tactical Rifle Case. Featuring all-black heavy duty polyester fabric and a padded interior, the gun case also features a full-length zipper to help you easily store and remove your gun from the case, and a heavy duty wrap handle. The inner layer is made from a soft synthetic liner to prevent nicks and dings. It measures 38 x 11 x 2 Inches.
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The National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) is made up of 120 young musicians ages 16–19. David Fickes is one of a small number who have already completed a year of college. He was surprised at what he found as one of the oldest members of the group.
Being one of the few college students in NYO-USA, there were many things that I did not worry about in preparation for the residency and tour. I knew how to do laundry; I knew how to live on my own; I knew how to manage my time and get enough sleep. But one worry that I had because of college was whether or not the other students would be as mature as the people I was used to living with. I remember how huge the jump in maturity was from high school to college, and I was a little afraid to go backward. I have since learned that my fears were unfounded—I would even go so far as to say that there is a higher maturity level here. The level of respect that the musicians here have for both their teachers and their colleagues is phenomenal.
David Fickes (left) rehearses with NYO-USA.
As an example, at the very first rehearsal with maestro James Ross, the orchestra was warming up with gusto. The amount of sound was absolutely incredible. But when the maestro lifted his arms to call us to attention, the room was silent within a matter of seconds. And this level of respect and maturity doesn't just apply to musical situations: Everyone incredibly friendly and welcoming—inviting others to morning runs, chamber music, or even group practice sessions—and it is clear that everyone has genuine care for each other.
I don't know if this is because of the drive and dedication required to join an orchestra like this, or if this maturity grows out of learning an instrument (I definitely prefer the latter idea), but I can honestly say that these musicians are not only incredible performers, but have grown to become wonderful humans as well. It is my personal belief that this respect is necessary to become a great musician. How can one play music without respecting the ideas of others? Everyone must both lead and follow, and the sounds that come forth from this level of mutual respect and trust are astounding.
I applied to NYO-USA for a fantastic musical experience, and it is certainly delivering in that regard. But what I didn't expect was the level of openness and camaraderie that sprung up almost before the residency began, and I truly hope that I will be able to continue playing with these musicians in settings beyond NYO-USA. This friendliness, this willingness to look outside of oneself, shows the level of maturity of these musicians. There have even been moments (and will certainly be more once we begin the tour) when I found that others, some as young as 16, surpassed me in this regard. Of course, as Igudesman and Joo showed us when we attended their concert last night, you can be mature without outgrowing a love for both music and life itself, and I believe music helps you to do just that.


The first step is getting a signal from the factory system. A "line output converter" is needed if the amplifier does not have "high level inputs". This will have to be coordinated with what you buy.
Your best bet is to buy a package containing an amplifier, subwoofer, and matching carpeted box. You can find these on several online retailers or hit up a local shop. Buy what you can afford.
You will also need an amplifier installation kit. It will include a fuse you install at the battery and you will have to run the power wire through the car. It will have to pass through the firewall, you can look up "honda accord power wire routing firewall" and see what you find for ideas.
Feel free to reply with some of your options. Kicker has several sub/amp/box packages that are affordable.


Life In A Pink Bunny Suit: Hook and Needles: There's a YARN TRUCK!!!
because I forgot my iPhone at home....duh moment!
But a truck with yarn?
May I introduce you to the Yarnover Truck, carrying lots of luscious yarns to locations all around Southern California?
And I got to touch all these beautiful yarns!
And the label is just too cute, don't you think?
This truck makes me just want to go out and learn to knit!


You don't have to choose between great locally brewed craft beer and a casual-yet-upscale dining experience. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has both.
The crown jewel of the Hershey Towne Square retail development finally launched Monday, Nov. 19 after a brief soft opening. The 9,000-square-foot space houses a bar, dining room and outdoor patio with seating for 290 patrons, plus an on-premises brewery capable of producing Iron Hill's full line of original craft beers.
Whether you're a beer aficionado, a foodie or you just appreciate a great meal, you really can't go wrong.
With 15 beers currently advertised, from Iron Hill's signature brews to their special and seasonal varieties, there's likely a style for every drinker. And, again, it's all brewed right there in the building.
Right now, you can grab Iron Hill's Russian Imperial Stout, which has won multiple gold medals at both the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. Or, staples such as the Iron Hill Light Lager, the Vienna Red Lager and Pig Iron Porter – a perfect choice in Hershey with its notes of chocolate – are always on tap.
And if you want to take some of Iron Hill's beers to go, growler fills are available, while select varieties are for sale in limited-edition cans.
To reiterate, you do not need to drink beer to enjoy Iron Hill – they have wine and spirits, too!
The menu is large and adventurous. If you want a burger or a steak, Iron Hill can do that, too, but you'll also want to try a side of Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Fried Brussels Sprouts or sweet and spicy Luau Shrimp. Even a dish like the Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad has an unexpected but welcome kick.
Iron Hill takes pride in its "scratch kitchen," which means everything down to the dressings, stocks and sauces are made and prepared on-site. The menu also showcases dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients, much of it sourced from the area.
The food and beer may be upscale, but the atmosphere at Iron Hill is relaxed. There's no need to get dressed up, and don't worry about using the wrong fork, either. Sure, it's a nice spot for date night or to impress a client. It's also a fine place for a family dinner or to watch the game.
Iron Hill's can pricey. On average, a pint of beer will run around $6. Some burgers and sandwiches will run you less than $15, but higher-end dishes such as the Char-Grilled Ribeye Steak approach $30. Even most of the appetizers will cost you more than $10.
Admittedly, these prices aren't for everybody. For many diners, the cost could be the difference between visiting Iron Hill for special occasions or making it part of the regular rotation.
While this is the first Iron Hill in Central Pennsylvania, it's the Delaware-based brewery and restaurant's 16th location overall in 22 years of business. By now, they sort of have this down to a science, and it shows. The new facility was operating almost like a seasoned establishment during its soft opening.
Reservations during peak dining hours are highly recommended, either online at ironhillbrewery.com or by calling 717-312-5164.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is at 101 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, and is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays.


Page High School took down Antioch in impressive fashion on Friday night at home, 41-6.
Charles Rathbone, head coach of the Patriots, was quick to point out the key to his team's performance was their ability to get going early, but also pointed out some areas of improvement.
The Patriots got off on the right foot with a 16-yard touchdown rush by Quincy Brock-Compton.
Jackson Satterfield got involved in the action by scoring two touchdowns within two minutes, the first a one-yard run after breaking free for a big gain on the previous play, and another one-yard run after he blocked a punt on special teams.
Quarterback Trey Faunce connected with Cade O'Neal for a 21-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put Page up 24-0.
Page kicker Chase Tidmore notched a couple field goals, one from 22 yards in the second quarter and one from 29 yards in the third, further extending the Patriot lead.
Antioch got on the board late in the third quarter when Richard Shelton threw a 77-yarder to A.J. Williams.
Shelton's last play of the game was a fumble forced by Hank White, which was recovered by Nolan Henry and returned for a Page touchdown.
Michael Burdick, Brady Buckley and Luke Bowers each tallied one interception in the game as well.
Faunce was 8/16 with one touchdown and one interception in stead of starer QB Cade Walker, who was out with injury.
Satterfield led the team in rushing with eight carries for 43 yards, and on the other side of the ball, White was credited with four unassisted tackles and a sack.
Page got some help from Antioch on the night in regard to field position. The Bears incurred 14 penalties for 179 yards.
After the game, Satterfield received special recognition for his performance on both sides of the ball.
"He is a solid player," said Coach Rathbone of the senior who plays both running back and linebacker.
When asked about his touchdowns, Satterfield gave the credit to the guys in the trenches.
The new running back added about what he liked about his team's defensive performance.
Page improved to 4-1 on the season and will take on district foe Summit on the road next week.
Below is a slideshow from photographer Steve Wheeler.


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text:
Youth movement helps Delta golf
swilson@muncie.gannett.com
EATON – Practice was fun for the Delta boys golf team last season. With a roster heavy on inexperienced players, the Eagles were often able to play scrambles. It was an enjoyable exercise, even if it wasn't the most competitive way to practice. Without a lot of competition for spots in the lineup, each player didn't need to have a score of his own to try to earn or maintain his spot.
This season has been different, thanks in large part to the arrival of freshmen Blake Shanayda and Tyler Jobe. The two ninth-graders, who have experience with the sport and played together in the school's middle-school program, were able to immediately jump into the Eagles' lineup.
But the benefits of their arrival go beyond just using their marks to improve the team's score. There's also a trickle-down effect, with each spot in the lineup becoming more competitive with the arrival of two more capable players. So, instead of scrambles, Wuthrich is now having each golfer play for himself most days, giving the coach another score he can use to determine the lineup. While it's more serious than the scramble format, it's right where Wuthrich wants to be.
"We're better," Wuthrich said. "We're a ways from where I'd like to be, but I think with some of the young talent that we have, (in) the next year or two, we can compete much better in invitationals."
With their improved 2015 lineup, the Eagles will compete in the Delaware County Tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday at Muncie Elks Country Club. Delta will face a stiff test, with Yorktown, who finished ninth as a team at state last season, being the clear favorite. Wapahani, who shot just eight strokes behind Delta at the recent Monroe Central Invitational, will also present a challenge, Wuthrich said.
Shanayda and Jobe were playing in the No. 1 and 2 positions in the Eagle lineup at that Monroe Central tournament, where Shanayda shot 81 to lead the Eagles. Jobe shot 86 that day, while the No. 3 and 5 players each shot 84s as Delta benefited from added depth and shot 335 to finish fourth. Jobe shot 85 in the squad's first tournament of the year, the Yorktown Invitational.
As the two freshmen head out for a practice round, some of their differences are clear. Jobe is the shorter of the two players and plays right-handed. Shanayda plays left-handed and is taller. Both players list getting out of the mid or low-80s and into the high-70s as the next goal in their development as golfers.
"They can, I think that's really realistic," Wuthrich said. "Tyler's still kind of a smaller kid and just from him growing, and I know he's in some strength, conditioning types of stuff that he does, he'll get stronger. Just by getting stronger, he's going to drop his scores just a little bit, because he's just not long off the tee yet. But Blake is long off the tee, because he's just a taller guy."
Both freshmen say the older members of the team have been welcoming, with Shanayda highlighting Dawson Sloan and Brett Carlson as being particularly helpful. Shanayda said Carlson and Sloan have hit with the pair on the driving range, and the two freshmen have played with them often in practice.
Jobe said he received some advice from the team's older players, just telling him to remain calm as he adjusted to playing at the high school level.
"I was intimidated the first week," Jobe said. "But after I shot a few low numbers, and I knew I was a part of the team, I was confident and I knew how to shoot lower."
While having two freshmen added to the team's depth has made things more competitive in practice, Carlson said the added depth also relieves some of the pressure when the Eagles are in a competitive setting, with no one golfer counted on to carry the team.
"There's always going to be pressure, but less than last year," Carlson said. "It's a little more relaxed this year.'
Contact prep sports reporter Sam Wilson at (765) 213-5807. Follow him on Twitter @SamWilsonTSP.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Why Pick DISH TV over Cable TV in Shelton, WA?
One of the most admired places in Shelton, Washington, is the Mason PUD 3. That's right—your electric company.
The PUD 3 has 10,000 Facebook Likes. That's more than the number of humans living in Shelton city limits, and one-sixth the number of humans living in Shelton and surrounding towns.
And it's more Likes than Bob's, Mo's, or Doug's has.
Probably, some of those Likes come from outside Mason County. The PUD 3's smart online presence might draw some love from advertising geeks, and its environmental practices make it a darling of conservationists everywhere.
But Facebook Likes won't make your life better—good service, and the ratings to prove it, will. Good thing PUD 3 also has a Facebook rating of 4.4 of 5 stars.
You know what other utilities company rocks it with customers? DISH Network. Rural and semi-rural customers all over the country enjoy DISH satellite TV plans with the same channels and better pricing than you'll get from a big-city provider.
Usually an invisible but necessary part of life, utilities in Shelton are actually fun. After you start your new account with PUD 3, make DISH your next call and get started with one of the best providers in TV.


Used Vans for Sale - Lancaster . Poulton Vans supply quality used commercials delivered to the Lancaster area.
At Poulton Vans we offer a comprehensive nationwide delivery service with our 'Money Back Promise'. So if you are looking for a used vans and are in the Lancaster area we can supply the van you need. View our Full Stock List for vehicles currently available. Our stock changes daily so call us on (01253) 891911 to speak to our professional sales team.
It is known that there existed a permanent Roman fort on the hill where Lancaster Castle now stands. The Romans built many of the roads that are still in operation today so why not use these to make the 21 mile journey to Poulton Vans head office. As the most famous Roman Julius Caesar once said 'I came, I saw, I conquered'. With our experienced sales people and all our vehicles having a full service and MOT we are confident you will have 'conquered' purchasing a quality used van.


Danebank's Pre-Kinder program uses play along with an understanding of little girls' natural curiosity and sense of fun to enable them to explore and look at things in a new light, thoroughly preparing them for Kindergarten.
Our Pre-K girls are learning all the time, without even being aware of it. They are learning to socialise and develop new friendships, and gain the necessary skills and independence to be able to go to "big school". They play and explore non-stop, while being encouraged to think, observe, identify and differentiate.
In the brand-new Pre-K facility, girls are welcomed and nurtured by a fully qualified and experienced early childhood teacher and a qualified trained teacher assistant. The aim is to give them the best start as they develop routines in a safe, caring and enriched environment so that the first year of "big school" is anticipated with excitement.
The girls in our Pre-K classes enjoy the full benefit of being part of the Danebank school community and educational environment, with specialist Sports, Library, Music and Christian Studies staff also teaching them weekly.
1. A Great preparation for Kindergarten.
By the time the children enter Kindergarten, they are familiar with the whole school environment so they are not entering a new environment. This makes Pre-Kinder an easy, nurturing way to give children their start.
When there are no settling in problems to Kindy, it means children are ready to concentrate.
Pre-Kinder children are excited, not nervous about starting Kindy – they looked forward to a new teacher and more interaction with other children.
Socialisation and development of friendships in Pre-Kinder also impacts on starting Kindy. They already know other children.
Learning to be responsible for their own things in Pre-Kinder and learning to work in set routines is very good preparation for Kindy.
Danebank's Pre-Kinder is a safe, caring, enriched environment which emphasises Christian values. Many parents comment on the caring, nurturing attitudes of the staff.
Pre-Kinder children are taught by specialist Sports, Library, Music and Christian Studies staff.
Parents say these are "Fabulous". Not only are children exposed to a broader scope of learning, but they also develop a whole school perspective. Many children love the Library best because of its whole school environment (they "see big girls there") and, of course, because of the books.
Pre-K in Summer wear the comfortable skort and polo shirt option of the official school uniform. Their hot pink socks and white joggers differentiate them from the older girls. In winter they wear a special Danebank Pre-Kinder track suit. These are available from the school's Uniform Shop.
Parents appreciate opportunities to enrol children in extra activities like Learn to Swim and Gymnastics which means parents don't have to take their children somewhere else to do these activities. One mother said she was glad she "didn't have to drive all around Sydney" for these programs.
Students are taught an accredited pre-school program in a happy, secure environment. The Program caters to individual needs and interests and gives opportunities for creative expression.
A Library lesson once a week.
Pre-Kinder Classes have access to other Danebank facilities – Performing Arts Centre, Aquatic Centre, Gymnasium, Resources Centre (Library), play equipment etc.
The class of 22 students is taught by a fully qualified and experienced early childhood teacher and a qualified trained teacher assistant.
A brand new Pre-K area was completed in early 2018. Pre-K are enjoying the larger classroom of the new module building which is closer to the Stage 1 classroom area.
It is recommended that students turn 4 years old before 31st March in their Pre-Kinder year. Students whose birthdays fall from March to May may spend two years in Pre-Kinder if they are not ready to move on to Kindergarten. That decision is discussed between parents and the teacher so that each students' learning and social needs are met.


Fitness Trends: Bikes, as ... Fashion Statements?
Biking is so much fun, and great exercise (not to mention a great way to get around town). But, lately I've been getting a lot of pitches from publicists suggesting I write about the latest new glamorous lines of custom bikes, or cute bike skirts and accessories. I had to wonder: Since when has biking become a fashion statement, and what's wrong with heading out in a pair of tennis shoes and shorts?
Is it just me, or has biking gotten really chic? Yesterday, I received a pitch from someone about Villy Custom Bikes, a custom bike maker whose web site features a photo on its opening page of two women, on cute bikes, dressed in mini dresses and wedge heels.
I mean, I'm all for cute, but apparently I missed the memo that biking is now something to dress up for. Just look at these celebs reinforcing the trend.
P.S. How to bike yourself fit, and would you dare try this crazy new fitness bike?


Nortech, UK specialists in long-range identification solutions, launched and provided live demonstrations of Nedap's next generation of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera at this year's Parkex show.
The ANPR Access V2 short-range keeps up with the rapid growing demand for effective number-plate reading; it is purposely designed for vehicle access control applications, whilst guaranteeing customers benefit from the latest developments in ANPR technology.
The ANPR Access V2 was also selected by the Parkex 2019 panel of industry experts as one of 10 prime examples of cutting-edge innovations that have emerged within the market in the last 12 months.
In a relatively short period of time, number-plate recognition technology for vehicle access control has become very popular.
Nedap's ANPR cameras identify vehicles by capturing their number plates, making it the ideal solution for applications where it is undesirable or not possible to issue (RFID) tags.
It is perfect for situations in which vehicles need to be granted continual or temporary access to a site, such as in employee or visitor parking applications.
The ANPR Access V2 supersedes Nedap's ANPR Access, offering better performance, power over Ethernet and built in Wiegand modes – it now has 28 European libraries preloaded by default.
Furthermore, it is still fully backwards compatible with existing installations.
This new camera can also easily integrate with any third party security, parking and traffic management systems, by accessing the built-in Wiegand options.
The ANPR Access V2 cameras take the effectiveness of using ANPR for vehicle access control to the next level. Its available options for configuration and interfacing have been enhanced and extended, making ANPR now a viable option for installations all over the world, including the Pacific and the USA.
Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company.
The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients' needs, designing everything with the customer in mind.