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Spend Your Summer Break with Us!
The New Children's Museum offers camps at both its downtown and Del Mar (Art + Play Space) locations that are project-based and taught by artists and educators. All camps include classroom time to explore art projects and learn new skills as well as physical play in its spaces. Family and friends are invited each Friday to an exhibition to view artwork created during the week.
NOTE: All Summer Camps at the downtown Museum and Art + Play Space in Del Mar have reached capacity and are sold out.
Select a Camp Program by Location
Downtown Museum Camps
Our downtown location offers camps for students ages 4-9 that are project-based and taught by artists and educators.
Summer Camp Open House (Downtown Only)
Saturday, June 18 | 1-3pm
Join us for a free camp open house at our downtown location! Whether you have already registered for camp or are still deciding, we offer this opportunity for you to meet the summer camp team, tour our facilities and get to know our programs through fun, hands-on activities for all ages. RSVP not required.
U.S. Bank Scholars Fund
Thanks to the support of U.S. Bank, we're pleased to offer 12 camp scholarships this summer season! If interested, please complete the 2022 U.S. Bank Summer Camp Scholarship Application. U.S. Bank Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to those who qualify (based on financial need). Learn more about our camp scholarships here.
For questions regarding camps, contact us at email@example.com.


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I'll bet you've heard of "CliffsNotes". A Nebraskan by the name of Cliff Hillegas had the idea back in the '50's to write college required literary works in a capsulized, abbreviated form. This way the student could get the gist of the whole book in pamphlet form, or short version, without having to read the entire book. For instance, the book, Romeo and Juliet might be nearly 200 pages while the CliffsNotes version might be a third of that. CliffsNotes has plenty of detractors who argue that students miss out by not reading the entire book, but for the student trying to just get through it and move on, it's ideal.
My regular readers are aware that my Dad, Cliff Taylor, changed addresses a couple of weeks back…from Oklahoma to Heaven! He was a pretty amazing man and our whole family is missing him in a big way. His life was an interesting one and there's a lot of stories that I think need to be told. Stories that are sad, stories that are funny, stories that are inspiring (and might even help to change your life for the better!) and stories that detail a life well-lived. Most of the stories won't take a lot of space to write so it seems logical and suitable, kind of a no-brainer blog title for those stories would be, Cliff Notes.
Cliff Notes would be good reading for anyone who knew my Dad or anyone who would like to get a glimpse into the life of someone who never wasted one day of his 86 years. And rather than posting a notice on social media sites (like I do now with other blog posts) such as FaceBook, Twitter, etc, you can only access Cliff Notes by going to andyrtaylor.com and clicking the "Follow" link (upper right-hand side of page). You'll get an email notice every time I post a Cliff Notes story. I hope you join me! I think you'll be glad you did!
You might like these too: (Click on highlighted link)
VIP's #10 – Cliff & Charlene Taylor

subset: commoncrawl


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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - US Open champion Daniil Medvedev made a smooth return to ATP action on Saturday (Oct 9), downing American Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round at Indian Wells.
The second-ranked Russian - the top men's seed in the combined WTA and ATP Masters hard-court tournament - played his first ATP match since capturing his maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows - where he denied Novak Djokovic a rare calendar Grand Slam sweep.
Since then, Medvedev helped Team Europe beat Team World at the Laver Cup, and kept things rolling with a convincing win over 57th-ranked McDonald.
Medvedev did not face a break point, and converted three of his seven break chances against the American to wrap things up in 72 minutes.
"I'm actually really pleased, because usually I haven't played well in Indian Wells and I haven't been playing that well in practices before (the tournament)," said Medvedev, who was 3-3 in prior appearances in the California desert.
"Really happy with my performance," he added. "That's the most important no matter how I played before the tournament.
"Mackenzie is a really strong opponent, he can put pressure on everybody. I'm happy to be through quite fast."
Women's top seed Karolina Pliskova also eased into the third round as fifth-seeded Garbine Muguruza was toppled by Ajla Tomljanovic.
Pliskova, ranked third in the world, needed 80 minutes to get past 23-year-old Polish qualifier Magdalena Frech 7-5, 6-2.
Pliskova fired six aces to take her WTA-leading tally to 387 for the season, converting five of six break chances against Frech.
It was the 106th-ranked Frech who grabbed the first break of the match, taking a 4-3 lead in the opening set.
But Pliskova promptly broke back and leading 6-5 the Czech gave herself a set point with a backhand winner before Frech fired into the net.
Pliskova powered to a 5-1 lead in the second set and, after dropping her serve while serving for the match, broke Frech for the fifth time in the match to claim the win.
Spain's Muguruza, meanwhile, was bundled out 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 by Australia's Tomljanovic, who reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final at Wimbledon earlier this year.
Muguruza appeared to have turned things around when she pocketed the second set to level the match - aided by a rise in errors from the Aussie.
But Tomljanovic regrouped, breaking Muguruza in the opening game of the third.
Muguruza pulled the break back to knot the set at 3-3 only to drop her serve again and Tomljanovic finished it off with a final service break.
In other early women's second-round matches, Ons Jabeur edged Anastasija Sevastova 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 to reach the third round.
The night session saw Canadian Bianca Andreescu launch her defence of the title she won in 2019 - the most recent edition of the tournament - as she took on American Alison Riske in the second round.


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Moving further along our superb Girl and the Fig cheese course, in order of distinctiveness (to me), we find the Fiscalini Farms Bandage Wrapped Cheddar. This was my husband's very favorite cheese on the plate.
It is, indeed, a special cheese. It has a wonderfully strong, complex taste that features a mix of salty and sweet flavors. There are hints of grass and nuts, along with a pleasing buttery quality.
Far from the gummy, uninteresting, mass-produced cheddars that can give this cheese a bad name, the Fiscalini is dry and on the crumbly side, without sacrificing any creaminess of texture. It's aged 18 months, using unpasteurized milk from the Fiscalini Farmstead cows and traditional methods that include bandage-wrapping the wheels in cheesecloth. The cheesecloth lets the cheese breathe as it ages and lends it a nice porous rind.
The Fiscalini Cheese Company, in the California Central Valley town of Modesto, has been operating since 1914. Their current cheesemaker, Jorge "Mariano" Gonzalez, studied at Montgomery Farms in England and perfected his methods at Shelburne Farms in Vermont. His bandage-wrapped cheddars consistently win awards, competing with such cheddar stalwarts as Neal's Yard Dairy in England.
Cheddar doesn't boast the same name-protection as some other European cheeses, which can only call themselves by certain names if they come from specific geographic areas. As such, cheddar is produced in many parts of the world. The first cheddars were created in Medieval times, in the village of Somerset, England, and it is the "Somerset model" that some use to determine a true traditional farmstead cheddar.
Randolph Hodgson, the proprietor of Neal's Yard Dairy, has worked with the Slow Food Movement to develop standards for artisan Somerset cheddar. These include using unpasteurized milk from a farm's own herd, employing traditional "cheddaring" methods, like stacking and turning the curd by hand, and aging at least 11 months. Aside from geographic considerations, Fiscalini fits the bill, and is the only American farm to do so. (Shelburne Farms makes a clothbound cheddar, but it is in extremely limited production.)
After enjoying this tangy cheese, it will be harder for me to take the cheddars for granted. Pair the complex Fiscalini with a hearty ale or a fruity wine, and crisp apple slices. Due to quality and price, I'd make it a nibbly cheese, rather than a cooking cheese. And I'd certainly give it its rightful place on the cheese board.
Photos by Susan Sachs Lipman


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Lonely ShoresPosted on April 20th, 2016 No comments
I still sit here,
on these lonely shores,
awaiting your arrival.
My eyes tired of searching the sea,
my shoulders burn from the rage of the sun.
The tiny candlelight of hope inside me
serving as a humble lighthouse for your travel,
flickers in yearning.
All awaiting your slightest touch at my shoulder,
your thoughtful eyes to finally meet mine,
your warm smile to revive me. Hand in hand we would walk off
this beach upon which I have waited for so long.
But until you arrive,
I sit,
And wait.
1 responses to "Lonely Shores"
Beautiful! There is depth in those verses. It doesn't quite sound like you but then again…Love it!
Leave a reply


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elevated 6JdEi August 6, 1927 ~ March 15, 2019
elevated 6JdEi Visitation
Sunday, March 17, 2019 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
elevated 6JdEi Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 6JdEi Funeral Mass
Monday, March 18, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
elevated 6JdEi Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 6JdEi Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated 6JdEi
elevated 6JdEi Obituary
elevated 6JdEi Born on August 6, 1927 in Ceprano, Frosinone, Italy. Passed peacefully in Toronto, Ontario on Friday, March 15, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 91. Beloved wife of the late Rocco Germani. Loving mother of Mario Germani (Theo), Anna Chiesa (Adrian), Rita Miars (Mark), Tony Germani (Sandy) and Vince Germani (Lisa). Adored grandmother of Miranda (John), Elena, Adrielle, Daniele, Marissa, Laura (Michael), Tamara (Danny), Candice, Dayna and Sarah. Dear great-grandmother of Edward, Eleanor and Sophie. Cherished sister of Teresa ( the late Giuseppe), Yolanda (Mario), the late Vincenzo (Angelina), the late Fausto (Lucy), the late Luigi, the late Benito and the late Maria Domenica. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society.


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Nikki Whiles
- Name: Nikki Whiles
- Age: 35
- Follow Nikki Whiles:
- Location: South Wales, UK
- Riding with Marin since: 2016
Meet Nikki
- Who is Nikki Whiles? I'm Nikki Whiles. Full time trail builder, part time rider. Get on two wheels as much as I can and try to enjoy life to its fullest.
- Must have MTB accessory for a ride? Got to be a multi tool
- What would be your desert island luxury item? Phone
- What size Marin bike frame do you ride? Large
- What's the best piece of riding advice you've ever been given? If in doubt, flat out!
- How did you get sponsored/get into the Marin family? Always loved riding my bike and I guess good things have happened because of that.
- Favorite place to ride? Whistler
- Favourite event you've been part of? Whistler Crankworx
- What inspires you to ride? Watching other people ride. Whether that's in real life or on the internet, watching other people send gets me hyped!
- What's your go to food & beverage after you ride? 2 slices of toast and a cup of tea
- Which emojis best describe your riding 👍😀🤙
The Rift Zone is our most speed oriented MultiTrac bike, created for the rider looking for the speed and roll over capabilities of 29" wheels in a trail capable package.
The Headlands takes what we have learned with the alloy Gestalt X line, and brings the spirit to an all-new, full carbon fiber frameset. Modern geometry, generous tire clearance, and sublime ride quality, all combine to make an incredibly capable, lightweight bike that'll exceed your expectations.VIEW BIKES


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Owning your own home is the great Australian dream, yet for many these days that's exactly what it can feel like – just a dream.
It used to be so easy, You'd live with your parents until you were 20-something, you'd drink instant coffee instead of takeaway lattes, you have tins of home brand tuna for lunch – eaten at your desk. Your colleagues knew not to ask you when collecting money for a farewell present or charity chocolate box.
You were saving for a deposit on a house – slogging away at it, cent by cent. Dollar by miserable dollar…
However, no matter where you are in Australia, buying a home to live in or as an investment actually isn't impossible. And we're just kidding about not having Avocado on toast for brunch. You can most definitely do both… with a little limitation.
Saving tips for first home-buyers:
- Prepare a budget and stick to it.
- Put money towards your home deposit first.
- Pay off your credit cards and any personal loans
- Record and analyse your expenditure over a month/quarter to reveal any more opportunities for savings.
- Look into your state governments First Home Owner Grant and check your eligibility.
Costs to consider when buying a home:
- Deposit – initial up front payment on exchange of contracts. Banks usually want you to have 20% to avoid borrowing over 80% of the purchase price and having to add on the hefty buyer's mortgage insurance.
- Stamp duty. This will depend on your eligibility.
- Conveyancing costs which includes all legal advice and management of the entire transaction on your behalf from start to finish.
- Settlement costs such as a share of the rates, land tax and/or body corporate fees from the date you become the official 'owner'.
Ready to buy your first home? Get in touch with our experienced team of Solicitors today and we'll help you with the next steps to fulfilling your home-owners dream.
If you're not ready just yet, give your parents a call and check if the spare room is free. We'll hopefully chat to you very soon!


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Pueblo Revival
Pueblo means "town" or "village" in Spanish. Pueblo Revival refers to the building style that emulates traditional Native American pueblo dwellings of the American southwest. Key to this style is adobe, a molded mixture of mud and straw that serves as the primary building material of these structures. The words pueblo and adobe have come to be used almost interchangeably in English and refer neither to a village nor to the building material, but rather to the style of the finished edifice.
This look was "revived" in the southwest United States, especially in New Mexico, and in pockets of Florida in the early twentieth century. The Pueblo Revival style is characterized by thick walls constructed of adobe or substitute materials, which result in deep-set windows and doorways. Typically, ceiling beams extend through the walls that support the roof--you can see the ends of these beams from the outside of the building. Other interior features are sculpted niches and benches, tile floors, and a fireplace.
Pueblo style homes are named for the Native American tribe that first used adobe bricks as building materials. Hence Pueblo homes are also referred to as Adobes. Pueblo Revival homes incorporate Spanish Colonial influences, and there are several sub-categories: Santa Fe Style, which complies with Santa Fe historic zoning, Pueblo Deco, and Contemporary Pueblo. Pueblo style homes first became popular in the early years of the 20th century and are still being built today.
The main feature of a Pueblo style home is the massive, round-edged adobe exterior walls. Heavy timbers called vigas extend through the walls to support a flat roof with a rounded parapet. Window and door openings are deep, and floors are of brick, flagstone, or wood. Other features include carved wall niches, benches protruding from the walls, and beehive corner fireplaces. Additional Spanish influences can include enclosed courtyards, porches, and elaborate corbels. Pueblo style architecture is found primarily in the Southwest and in Florida.
There are currently no photos for this style. To upload a photo of this house style please click the "Upload Photo" button.


text: You're a long haul paddler. You've run the gauntlet many times over, training, racing, or just exploring. The miles add up and the scars tell the stories. But you and your trusty ship have a few more tricks up your sleeve. If anyone can do the 340 in under 12 parsecs, it's you.


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S04 Human Growth and Development II
Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling, and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) double‐spaced pages; refer to the "Format Requirementsʺ page located at the beginning of this learning guide for specific format requirements.
Respond to the items below.
Part A
Clearly describe the purpose of your assignment by identifying the groups and the development focus of each.
Part B
Discuss how identity of self is developed in middle childhood and continued in adolescence and early adulthood including concrete examples of how growth occurs.
Explain how interpersonal relationships, including those from family and school, experience growth from those from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Describe a relevant example of each.
Describe how intimacy is apparent in middle childhood and contrast this with intimacy in the adolescent and the young adult.
Please provide a brief description of the physical and cognitive changes of early and middle adulthood highlighting the similarities and delineating the differences.
Part C
Describe the purpose of this assignment and integrate what you learned about these populations and their developments. Please include how this information has aided you in the understanding of these topics.


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Qty : 1
This is another special kind of accessory we'd like to offer you for your Doberman-female. She is elegant and sweet and you'd like to emphasize on her special traits of character? This pink leather collar will be of great help. Your female dog will look strict and at the same time she will be protected from other dog's bite. This collar is made of pink leather because we believe that your little princess should have have something entirely different from what other pets have. This tool presents luxury and elegance. Nickel plated spikes on pink leather add stylish look to this collar. We made it of genuine quality leather and thoroughly worked it out, so that we offer you to get completely safe and comfortable equipment that will be great accessory for any time use. Spikes are securely hand set with rivets. All fittings are rust-resistant, therefore they will look like new even after years of usage.
Click on the pictures to see bigger image
What is so special about this collar:
When this collar is indispensable:
Sizes available:
Available colors:
Please be advised that:
These are few more benefits of incredible pink leather collar that are mentioned as follows: 1. This is good looking leather collar which is extra wide and made of pink leather to emphasize the beauty of your female Doberman. This tool is equipped with three rows of symmetrical proportional nickel spikes and it is an indispensable tool for everyday walking your pet. 2. This fancy elegant equipment looks strict and at the same time totally beautiful and attractive. Your Doberman wearing this equipment will find herself in the center of attention. 3. Special perfectly oiled leather was used to create this collar. This material is of the best quality, our craftsmen use full grain genuine leather which is known by its durability and safety for the pet's health. 4. What makes it comfortable to wear on? The edges of this collar are rounded and the inside part is soft and gentle to your Doberman skin. It won't cause irritation to your pet so she will be happy to wear this luxury comfy tool. She is protected, therefore, from any discomfort. 5. If you want to get a tool that will make your female Doberman look awesome, show others how gorgeous she is, attract admiring glances to her style and elegance, you should definitely take this collar into consideration. It will be of any use for everyday. Besides, where else will you find stylish elegant equipment of the finest quality fabrics?
Check how our products look on the dogs / Pictures from Customers
Walking pink leather Doberman collar with luxury spikes
Pink leather Doberman collar with three rows of spikes
Good fit leather Doberman collar for stylish walks
* 1-5 business days on average once the order is shipped (not including holidays and weekends)** 3-5 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)
* 9-20 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)** 3-7 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)
You can return all items (except close-outs and custom made products) within 21 days after delivery. Please, contact us before you send item/items back to receive a return/exchange authorization number.
Wait a minute!
You can take this promo code for a realy good deal


text: Hi Ning, I had similar problems with exactly the same ERROR message. I figure this is lvm10...? In that case, please check if _noprocdir[] and _devdir[] sections in LVM/1.0.3/tools/lib/lvm_dir_cache.c contain the line: LVM_DIR_PREFIX "nb", If not, insert, make (in LVM/1.0.3/), make install and it should work. If you're on Debian, you could also check out the APT archives at deb http://people.debian.org/~patrick unstable main and install lvm10 from there (they're OK also for Debian 3.0 woody). That package already contains these fixes. (BTW, I am actually building a HA cluster with DRBD+LVM. DRBD uses nbd. Currently there are some issues on the standby node - LV detection not working yet -, but we're slowly getting there. The active node has ext3fs on the LV, and the replication works great... so far.) Best regards, Csan PS: thanks for the above fixes go to "ejt" and "pjc" guys on #lvm (irc.openprojects.net) Please CC: me if you're replying as I am not subscribed to the list. Quoting Ning Ye <nye at csee.wvu.edu>: > Hi!, > > I want to make them work together, which makes me crazy these days. > > > I can initialize the disks and partitions exported by ENBD, but when > trying to create a volume group on it, vgcreate fails. > # vgcreate my_volume /dev/ndb > vgcreate -- ERROR "pv_read(): read" reading physical volumes > After examine the debug output, it looks to me lvm trying to > enumerate all physical disks present to the system. These disks include > SCSI disks(sda...), IDE disks(hda...) and loops(loop0...). However, the > LVM will not recognize the exported disk as a physical one. > > Did any one ever make it work before? I would like to know before I > am trying to look into the code. Combining these two great packages > would be wonderful. But how? Help needed. Thanks. > > Ning > > Csan János Holányi Association of Hungarian Linux Users Email: csani at lme.linux.hu


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LocationBerlin, Germany
Within the megatrend of digitising the society, all sectors will experience new concepts and approaches to respond to societal needs and to conceive products and services. The health sector will not derogate the rule and has to rethink the role of healthcare in the society and redesign the provision of services to individuals.
In view of these changing requirements, the European Technology Platform on Smart Systems Integration (EPoSS) invites you to the
EPoSS Workshop on Smart Systems for the Automated Hospital
Digital technologies offer interesting opportunities to improve the healthcare system and to contribute to a more personalised medicine. However, eHealth does not only mean digitising healthcare through a software approach but also comprises hardware-centric or hybrid hardware-software visions. Additionally, if healthcare is in the future seamlessly integrated in people's life, specific medical interventions will still require dedicated, high-end and costly medical equipment and a framework that only hospitals will be able to provide. The hospital environment has therefore to adapt. Automation appears as one smart approach to support the digitisation of hospitals.
To be able to fully assess all these aspects of the "Automated Hospital", the workshop is open to the EPoSS community as well as external stakeholders. The active involvement of other European Technology Platforms shall further guarantee the cross-platform and pan-European alignment of discussions. Regarding the programme, different interactive formats shall ensure highly effective discussions. The preliminary agenda will be circulated in a timely manner.
The results of the workshop will be condensed into Position Papers that will provide a point of reference for shaping the European Framework Programme 9.
For any further information we gladly remain at your disposal.
We look forward to your participation!
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To quote Gartner, "Technology is now on the cusp of moving beyond augmentation that replaces a human capability and into augmentation that creates superhuman capabilities." What boundaries can we push when we consider not just how technology makes life livable but noticeably enhanced? The trend we have seen technology moving in isn't creating for the sake of it but considering the human aspect first.
While automation isn't new, using a combination of edge technologies that span across a range of tools that can be automated is called 'hyper-automation'. It also refers to the sophistication of the automation (i.e., discover, analyze, design, automate, measure, monitor, reassess.) Hyper-automation often results in creating a digital twin of the organization (DTO), allowing organizations to visualize how functions, processes and key performance indicators interact to drive value.
Much like an ambient experience, multi-experience focuses more on the use of AR, VR, and Voice to create immersive experiences. It's the idea that there are multiple points of interaction a computer can use to create and enhance the experience.
A huge push we've seen that will continue into 2020 is providing people with easy access to technical or business expertise without extensive (and costly) training. It focuses on four key areas — application development, data and analytics, design and knowledge.
Human augmentation
Physical augmentation changes an inherent physical capability by implanting or hosting a technology within or on the body and falls into four main categories: Sensory augmentation (hearing, vision, perception), appendage and biological function augmentation (exoskeletons, prosthetics), brain augmentation (implants to treat seizures) and genetic augmentation (somatic gene and cell therapy). Understandably, this technology carries huge ethical implications as many genetic therapies have for years.
Transparency and traceability
As consumers have become more educated on how their data is collected and used, organizations have realized that they must stay ahead of the curve to keep consumer trust. As AI and ML are increasingly used to make decisions in place of humans, evolving the trust crisis and driving the need for ideas like explainable AI and AI governance.
The empowered edge
Edge computing is where information processing, content collection, and delivery are placed closer to those sources, with the idea that keeping traffic locally distributed will reduce latency. This includes all the technology on the Internet of Things (IoT). Empowered edge looks at how these devices are increasing and forming the foundations for smart spaces, and moves key applications and services closer to the people and devices that use them.
The distributed cloud
Distributed cloud allows data centers to have locations anywhere, but the provider remains control. This solves both technical issues like latency and regulatory challenges like ownership.
Autonomous things
Autonomous things, which include drones, robots, ships, and appliances, use AI to perform tasks usually done by humans. This technology operates on a spectrum of intelligence ranging from semiautonomous to fully autonomous and across a variety of environments including air, sea, and land. While most autonomous things work in isolated settings, the futures sees them as not only existing in public spaces but also interacting together.
Practical blockchain
Blockchain allows parties to trace assets back to their origin, which is beneficial for traditional assets, as it serves as a digital transaction record. It also has other uses, such as tracing food-borne illnesses back to the original supplier. It can allow two or more parties who don't know each other to interact in a digital environment safely and exchange value with no centralized authority.
AI Security
With quickly evolving technologies such as autonomous things that use AI to create transformative experiences, there is an ever-increasing chance for security vulnerabilities. Being aware of how to expect these challenges involves:
- Protecting AI-powered systems
- Leveraging AI to enhance security defense
- Expecting nefarious use of AI by attackers
These trends don't exist in isolation; technology leaders must decide what combination of these trends will drive the most innovation and make sense for their strategy.
Sign up for the Shockoe newsletter and we'll keep you updated with the latest blogs, podcasts, and events focused on emerging mobile trends.


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We've crafted a sophisticated design combined with the benefits of gemstone hematite, used for centuries to help restore balance to mind and body, to harness the power of the element of earth, to lend you strength and dispel negativity. Finely edged square shaped 6mm stones, elegantly strapped together into the Gravity Bracelet.
Make a lasting impression with Gazaly, complete your look with hand-finished jewelry crafted into perfection with love.
We offer FREE shipping, on orders above 150 AED, across
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For more details please visit Shipping & Returns


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React Presents today announced dates and a new location for their flagship Spring Awakening Music Festival, set for June 7-9, 2019 at Chicago's Douglas Park.
Originally hosted at Soldier Field and most recently at Addams/Medill Park, the move to Douglas Park provides additional space and more convenient access to public transportation and parking. A new redesigned Solstice Stage is also in the works.
Spring Awakening 2019 early-bird passes go on sale to the public at 12 p.m. CT on Tues., Nov. 13.
Fans who purchased tickets via SeeTickets/Flavorus in 2016, 2017, and 2018 will also receive a special loyalty code for discounted 2019 passes, which can be purchased on Mon., Nov. 12.


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Welcome Home for the Holidays!
This lovely single level home nestles in a pretty countryside setting. Spacious and full of light, the house is move-in ready and awaits your personal touch. This little pocket of Cotati is quite unique and a hidden gem if you've never been there. It's surrounded by farmland and is an eclectic collection of homes, some very small, some quite palatial but all on larger lots and within minutes to highways 101 and 116, so super for commuters.
Inside, the home has a cozy feeling despite having high ceilings and large rooms. The kitchen has been updated, beautiful hardwood floors installed, and a lot of upgrading including a newer roof, fixing up the barns, adding a lovely Trex deck, taking out an old pool, reconfiguring the master suite… and lots more to boot. With about 1840 square feet and lots of storage, you'll find it easy to spread out.
And with 1.3 acres +/- you've got space for lots of toys, RVs, horses, goats, chickens, playpens… whatever your heart desires! Gardeners will love the sandy loam soil here, rich and productive like the farmlands all around. This property would be perfect for those downsizing from larger country properties or for people who just need more space and elbow room.
The really extraordinary asset that this neighborhood offers, almost unlike any other in Sonoma County, is the direct access to a beautiful network of trails. Roughly 9 miles of great trails meander from Cotati almost all the way to Sebastopol. These are great for walking the dog, hiking or horseback riding and they are county maintained. As a result, this area is a mecca for equestrians.


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ExxonMobil is the world's largest oil and gas corporation – its main 'business lines' involve producing a range of fuels for cars, planes and ships, as well the technologies surrounding the extraction and refining of these fuels.
ExxonMobil: Key Facts and Stats
- Registered in Texas, USA.
- Assets (2016) – $330 billion
- Revenue (2016) – $218 billion
- 75 000 employees globally
- The CEO from 2006 to 2016 was Rex Tillerson, until Donald Trump appointed him as the 69th Secretary of State, a position he formally took up in February 2017. Tillerson has a relatively modest Total Net Wealth of $245 million (although I simply CANNOT believe that's an accurate figure.)
Criticisms of ExxonMobil
This video outlines a fairly basic criticism of Exxon's dealings with the ruling family of Equatorial Guinea – which is the richest country in Africa in terms of GDP, but not in terms of social development, because although Exxon pump a lot of oil out of the country, pretty much all of the money from that oil revenue gets pumped into the hands of the ruling family. They're so rich, that the Vice President (the president's son) owns a $30 million dollar mansion in Malibu.
I posted about Equatorial Guinnea a while back – this post covers some of the figures surrounding oil extraction.
NB – Obiang is going on trial in Europe to investigate the obvious corruption that has led to his vast wealth, thanks to the French courts, no thanks to the TNC Exxon.
A second criticism of Exxon is that it could have effectively prevented climate change: its own internal memos show that the company proved the link between burning fossil fuels and global warming in the late 1970s, but then buried the research and instead funded climate change sceptics to spread doubt about man-made climate change, and cynically invested in areas such as the arctic which it thought global warming would open up for further oil extraction.
According to this Guardian article, Bill Mckibben argues that if only Exxon had been honest, we could have taken much early steps to avert global warming.
Further Sources of criticisms of Exxon…
Related Posts/ how to use this material
The most obvious use of the above information is to use it to evaluate the role of Transnational Corporations in Development, summaries of which are provided here:
- Arguments and evidence that transnational corporations promote development
- Arguments and evidence that transnational corporations harm developing countries


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Detroit has new fling with motor racing
| Detroit
The streets of the Motor City were transformed last weekend into the country's only downtown racecourse for Detroit Grand Prix V, one of 16 worldwide Formula One events. The attentive spectator might have noticed that two of Detroit's big auto companies, Ford and General Motors, are once again building and backing race cars.
While such programs were virtually required in the 1950s and '60s, carmaker involvement in motor sports faded in the late 1970s and early '80s, primarily because of the oil crisis and a devastating recession.
Going billions of dollars into the red didn't help much, says Michael Kranefuss, director of special vehicle operations at Ford. Another reason ``we got out of racing was because we needed all the engineering capacity it tied up'' to meet increasing demands for fuel economy, as well as safety and clean air standards, he says.
Grand Prix races are the most prestigious in the competitive world of motor sports, a broad term covering everything from the Indianapolis 500 to small-town drag strips. At the Detroit event, spectators saw 600-pound racing machines with the most advanced technology in such categories as engines, suspension, electronics, and aerodynamic design.
But the big question then and now is, are these expenses justified?
French carmaker Renault gave up its Formula One team this year, although it continues to be a major promoter of other motor sports around the world. Ironically, it was a Renault-powered Lotus driven by Brazilian Ayrton Senna that won this year's Detroit Grand Prix. Several independent teams were using the company's engines this year.
Although Formula One engines are barely as large as those in small economy cars -- about 1.6 liters -- they boast 750 horsepower or more, allowing them to hit speeds of up to 200 miles an hour along the short straightaways of the 2.9-mile Detroit course.
Designing and building such complex machines can be phenomenally expensive. The Formula One team sponsored by Renault was estimated to have run up an annual tab of more than $10 million for vehicles, engineering, salaries, transportation, and other costs.
Ford spent about $8 million just to design a new Formula One engine, which made its less-than-exciting debut this year. Ford will likely spend millions more to improve the engine.
While Grand Prix racing may be the most expensive of motor sports, it involves only a small portion of the time, effort, and funding that United States and foreign carmakers spend on auto racing. Exact expenditures are closely guarded secrets, but the totals are estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
There are a variety of reasons with which car companies justify such expense. For one thing, they often use motor sports as a way to train and measure up their young engineers under fire. In turn, racing demands rapid technological developments, which can then be incorporated into production automobiles.
``There [also] is a recognition that motor sports are a valuable part of the automobile business in marketing an image,'' says Herbert Fishel, director of special products for the Chevrolet division of General Motors, the largest sponsor of motor racing among domestic carmakers.
Chevrolet has developed a loyal cadre of speed-oriented buyers who equate their Corvettes and Camaros to what they see on racing circuits.
Searching for ways to boost the disappointing sales of the German-built Merkur sports sedan, Ford sponsors such events as the Merkur Motor City 100 NASCAR race, which ran along with the Detroit Grand Prix last weekend. Ford spokesman Paul Preuss notes: ``If you're interested in proving you can match the world's best, there's nothing better.''
Japanese carmaker Honda, which has become a major player in the Formula One game, advertises that the engine in the company's new Integra luxury brand of cars evolved out of the Honda Grand Prix power plant.
But Ford's Kranefuss has his concerns about the escalating costs of motor sports, particularly in Formula One racing: ``If anything requires us to double or triple our efforts in order to remain competitive, we would to take a very serious look at our future participation in Grand Prix racing.''
Although Renault, Honda, Ferrari, and BMW all sponsor their own teams in various forms of motor sports, the Big Three US carmakers prefer to limit their involvement to either developing engines and other hardware -- which can then be used by a number of competing teams -- or sponsoring actual events, like the Merkur-backed races of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.
Measuring the cost effectiveness of these programs in terms of sales is difficult. In fact, Rod Campbell, head of Campbell & Co., which contracts to promote motor sports for Ford, calls it ``a black art,'' noting that it is ``primarily promoting image.''
Still, most automotive marketing and advertising executives agree that motor sports pay their way.
``Many potential buyers, young people particularly, are spending a lot more time doing things than passively watching TV,'' says Jay Kuhnie, national marketing plans manager of the Chrysler-Plymouth Division at Chrysler. ``It's harder to find out what they are watching or reading, so it helps to bring the product right to them at events.''
Fleishman Hillard Inc., a St. Louis-based public relations firm, commissioned a telephone survey of 1,000 racing fans earlier this year to measure how much effect sponsors gain. The results found that 94 percent of those surveyed identified STP as a racing sponsor, while companies such as Ford, Champion spark plugs, and Goodyear tires were identified by more than 70 percent of those polled.
Occasionally, carmakers have found ways to tie their names to a popular motoring event at a relatively low price. Chrysler, which has no Formula One programs, simply sponsored the special race update signs placed around the Detroit track. This put the word ``Dodge'' high in the air, where it was visible from virtually any point around the twisting track.
Similarly, Detroit race promoters reportedly sought as much as $300,000 for a well-placed track-side banner.
``It's great to be competitive and win,'' says Jesse Snyder, who has covered motor sports for Advertising Age, ``but it can be much more effective if, as those cars go around the track, your name is on the wall on the most photographed corner.''


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The Philadelphia Eagles moved to 2-0 in the preseason with 27-17 win over the New England Patriots on Monday Night. The Eagles were led by rookie QB Nick Foles who went 18-28 for 217 yards and a pair of TDs. It's the second straight strong showing from Foles.
But the Eagles QB who made the biggest headlines was not Foles.
The story tonight, just like it was against Pittsburgh, was Michael Vick getting injured. Only this time it wasn't him banging his hand on a helmet and standing there with his thumb a cup of ice. He got crushed, helmet-first directly in the ribs. He got up slow and looked as if he was going to continue, but ended up going down to one knee and could not continue. He left the field in obvious pain, but luckily x-rays on his ribs camp back negative. He didn't return to the sideline or the game.
Everyone immediately got on Vick after the play and blamed the fact that he got hit all on him. Never mind that Evan Mathis let his man through free on Vick, who spun around to avoid that hit only to get crushed by a defender that Todd Herremans allowed through free. ESPN's Dan Graziano immediately wrote a piece claiming that Vick "doesn't get it," but from what I saw he's got to be kidding himself if he thinks Vick had even a half second to "throw the ball away" or "run out of bounds." Those just weren't possible. Now, if you want to say he should have just turtled rather than try to make a throw? He probably could have done that. I don't see any way he could have avoided a hit, but if he immediately tried to turtle he could have avoided the shot in the ribs.
Either way... The reason the play happened was the awful blocking. It's not 100% Vick's fault every time he gets hit. Yes, he has to protect himself, but his line has to protect him as well. That said, I certainly understand the frustration that comes from seeing him leave the field injured for the second straight game.
Moving on... ESPN got a lot of traction today with DeSean Jackson's quote about worrying about his health last season, but "giving it all" this time around. If tonight is any indication, he sure seems all in.
DeSean caught 4 passes for 82 yards in a little over a half of work. Plus, his tackle after a pick made for one of our favorite gifs of the night. Its good to see #10 with some swagger out there having fun. He should be in for a big year.
But the man of the night has to be Nick Foles, who turned in yet another impressive night going 18 of 28 for 217 yards and a pair of TDs in about 2.5 quarters of work. He also threw a pick while driving the team down the field at the end of the second half.
What really was impressive about Foles is how he bounced back from that pick. That's what NFL guys will tell you about QBs. Anyone can get off to a nice start, but you don't know what you have until a guy faces adversity. On Foles' first possession in the third quarter, he marched the Eagles straight down the field for a TD going 5-6 for 87 yards and a TD on the drive. The highlights were a 40 yard deep ball to DeSean Jackson and a perfectly placed throw on a cross route to Clay Harbor for a TD. That was Harbor's 2nd on the night. His first was an even prettier throw from Foles that came on the run and ended up with Harbor dotting the i in the corner to ensure the TD. Incredibly impressed by both of those guys.
Harbor finished the night with 6 catches for 30 yards and the two TDs. He's had a great camp and has been very good in preseason so far.
In the end, what can we say about the offense? Overall, the starters did play pretty well putting up 24 points over the first 2.5 quarters. But they did so against a lot of Patriots backups and they did it with Nick Foles at QB. Once again, we barely got a chance to see Vick lead the offense. He threw 3 passes... and the likelihood is that we won't see him again until week 1 at Cleveland.
The easiest way to put it, is that the defense simply did not look like a bunch of starters playing a team of backups... Problem was, they were. There were a few problems, but chief among them were penalties. They were called for 3 personal fouls! That's 45 yards! At least one came on a third down and extended a drive. Andy Reid got so angry at the penalties, he lost his temper on the sidelines and screamed right in Cullen Jenkins' face. It's as mad as I've ever seen Reid get on the sidelines.
That leads up to problem #2, getting off the field on third downs. Time and time again, more in the first half than the second, the Pats would make a play on 3rd down to extend a drive or the Eagles would take a penalty.
The main way the Pats would make those plays were screen passes. Over the first two quarters, it seemed like every other play the Pats ran was a screen and yet consistently the Eagles would fail to diagnose it. I get being fooled by a screen from time to time, but when it's seemingly the only play the opposition has? How are you not expecting it?
On the good side though, they were fantastic against the run. The Pats ran 26 times for just 53 yards, for average of 2 yards per carry.
The defense did hold New England to just one first down in the entire second half.


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Chinese Premier WEN Jiabao visited Italy after the EU/China summit that took place this week. Wen had been to Greece earlier as China is looking for assets in the battered peripheral economies of the EU. Are the Chinese sovereign wealth funds truly interested in European troubled assets or merely attempting to buy some good will so as to break up a possible unified action by the developed nations against the renminbi? The Chinese are in Italy and making some noise about buying Italian companies to ensure a place in the European economies.
This is interesting for there is no currency advantage to buy in Rome rather than Berlin or any major European center. Yes, some Italian assets may be cheaper due to stress, but why not try Spain and Ireland where many assets are severely distressed? It is interesting where the Chinese have shown up and again, we sense that at this point it is just a matter of discussions. Wen did come under a heavy verbal attack by the politicos in Brussels so we think that Wen is in Rome on a goodwill adventure. With all due respect to the Chinese, they are probably tired of Schumer and being jerked around by CIFIUS when they try to acquire U.S. assets. As the Chinese Premier will remind the denizens of Washington,D.C., they are not the only game in the world.
Unemployment is Friday and this one sets up to be of huge importance. First, we get the Canadian number at 6 a.m. CST and it can portend the way the U.S. number will appear. The Canadians are looking for job growth of 11,000 and the rate to remain stable at 8.1 percent. We caution that recent data from Canada has been mixed as the PMI was robust, but recent housing data has been soft. BOC Governor Carney has warned that the consumer up north is getting a little over extended. A robust jobs number will rally the LOONIE and set up the U.S. for a better number.
In the U.S., the consensus is for a NEGATIVE 10,000 on Non-farm payroll but the important number will be private jobs creation. The census takers will take 70,000 off the payrolls, but the consensus for private sector jobs appears to be around 40,000. The unemployment rate is projected to climb to 9.7 percent as more workers start to search for work and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS are expected to come in at a .2 percent increase. If wages rise more than that it will be deemed a positive as employees are having to pay more to keep workers and will soon have to start hiring.
Also of importance is the average work week, presently at 34.2 hours per week. If the hours number moves up that will also bode well for future hiring. If the number is stronger than expected look for the DOLLAR to rally and the precious metals to get hit, even after today's selloff, as it will mean that the FED can hold off on QE. The equities will initially sell off also but should find a rally as the FED would still be on hold with some underlying better economic growth. The TREASURY market will be the main area though as the shorts are looking for a sea change to establish their view that U.S. long rates have been heavily distorted by the anticipation of a new round of QE.
Tags: average hourly earnings, BOC, Carney, China, CIFIUS, Dollar, EU, Fed, Loonie, negative, PMI, QE, Treasury, Wen Jiabo


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The Digital Convergence Alliance, a single master-control facility in Florida ramping up to serve public television stations in four states with customized programming streams, has received $7 million in support that CPB initially announced last April.
Over the past year, the DCA has grown from six stations to 11 as it worked to secure vendor contracts for a network operating center in Jacksonville. Alliance founding members now include Florida stations WJCT, Jacksonville; WFSU, Tallahassee; WEDU, Tampa; WUCF, Orlando; WBCC, Cocoa Beach; WFSG, Panama City; and WPBT, Miami. Also, from three other states, WPBA, Atlanta; WTTW, Chicago; WILL, Urbana, Ill.; and KERA, Dallas. Each founding member station has a representative on the nonprofit's board of directors. JCT Services, a for-profit entity of WJCT, will run the operation.
Susan Howarth, president of WEDU and current DCA Board chair, said the alliance hopes to have several stations online this summer and add one or two per month until all are broadcasting from the facility by the end of 2013.
"We've talked to several stations already about potentially being clients," Howard told Current. "There's quite a bit of interest."
The DCA is the second such facility in the pubcasting system. In September 2011, CPB approved $6.6 million for Centralcast LLC to serve all nine pubTV stations in New York state plus New Jersey's four-station network from one master control in Syracuse, N.Y.
CPB estimates that each centralcast facility could save participating stations up to $20 million over the next 10 years.


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Online phishing sites skyrocket in number during past year
Fake retail websites can harvest your personal information and credit card numbers, warns a new report.
Be careful, online shoppers.
The number of fake retail websites designed to phish for customer information is on the rise, according to a joint report published Wednesday by e-commerce fraud prevention company Riskified and cyber intelligence company IntSights.
Analyzing data from the third quarter of last year to Q3 2018, Riskified and IntSights found a 297 percent increase in retail phishing sites. These phishing sites are meant to look like legitimate retailers, but they actually steal information like your contact information and credit card number, according to the report.
"Retailers are increasingly focused on driving sales through a variety of online channels -- Facebook, SMS messaging, Instagram, Twitter and more -- all of which provide an ideal opportunity for fraudsters to lure in new victims through phishing attacks as it is the most common way to obtain stolen credit card numbers," said Guy Nizan, CEO of IntSights, in a release.
To avoid phishing scams, consider sticking to trusted sites and online retailers you're familiar with. Also be suspicious of to-go-to-be-true offers, warns the report.
Besides fake websites, phishing attempts can also be made to look like emails coming from legit websites, such as PayPal and FedEx. Here's a few things you can do to spot phishing emails.


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Whether you're expecting twins or have a second baby on the way, you're probably going to need a double stroller. From lightweight umbrellas to joggers, side-by-sides and front-to-backs, we've tested the newest double strollers—with each model evaluated by an expert and also road-tested by parents who've been there. Here are the best double strollers of 2012 so you can find the right one for your little duo.
Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats
Weight capacity: 100 lbs.
Stroller weight: 32.5 lbs.
Dimensions: Assembled: 44" x 29.5" x 30-43.5" Folded: 31" x 29.5" x 12.5"
Car seat: accommodates two infant car seat (adaptors sold separately)
Price: $580
Buy It Now:Pish Posh Baby
Expert Review: The new 2012 City Mini GT Double has well-padded seats (now 1.5" taller), full-coverage canopies and a complete recline to keep your kids happy. The new adjustable handlebar and pedicure-saving hand break will make you a fan. Storage is limited, however: The underseat basket is a good size but difficult to access and there are no included storage accessories. New all-terrain, "forever-air" tires (a rubber tire inflated with a lightweight foam instead of air) provide good maneuvering on a variety of surfaces and an impressive turning radius making the City Mini easy to handle around stores or on city streets. Our favorite feature: the one-step fold is simple, effortless and leaves this double stroller compact and easy to lift.
What We Love: Great canopy coverage; full recline; easy assembly; adjustable handlebar; compact fold; accessory mounting bracket to easily customize and attach accessories; excellent handling.
What We Wish It Had: Easier access to underseat storage; storage options for parent and child; included cup holder for parent/child.
Great For: Twins; parents who need to fold/unfold the stroller often; indoor; outdoor; grass; playground; easily adding accessories to customize the stroller with the accessory mounting bar.
Bottom Line: While we love the easy assembly and excellent maneuvering of the City Mini GT Double, it's the quick and easy folding that makes this stroller a best pick for parents who need to frequently fold (and unfold).
Parent Rating: "The sturdiness and ease of handling are a big plus for me. After buying lightweight strollers in the past, it's fantastic to be able to walk this one over any kind of ground—blacktop, grass, broken sidewalk—and have it be a smooth ride for both me and the girls."
"I also love the parking brake—it's so easy to use and handy. I'm used to foot brakes, but this hand brake seems much easier."
"I love that the hood comes down so far—it really cuts the wind and provides nice sun shade."
"The ease of handling sticks out as most impressive. I can push this stroller with one hand which amazes me given the sturdiness of the stroller."
"Folding the stroller is also incredibly easy for such a heavy-duty piece of gear. Just one motion and it's in half. And it unfolds in a second—truly the easiest unfold of any stroller I've tried."—Maryellen and her 2-year-old and 3-year-old, from East Islip, NY
BOB Duallie Revolution SE
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats
Weight capacity: 100 lbs.
Stroller weight: 34 lbs.
Dimensions: Assembled (in swivel mode): 52.5" x 40.5" x 30.5" Folded (in swivel mode): 39" x 16" x 30.5"
Car seat: accommodates two infant car seats (adaptor sold separately)
Price: $659
Buy It Now: Let's Go Strollering
Expert Review: The BOB Duallie isn't high on style, but what it lacks in fashion, it makes up for with function. Updated for 2012, the BOB Duallie Revolution SE boasts improvements to its already amazing suspension, redesigned seat backs, a new integrated accessory adaptor and black fabric option. A large underseat basket gives you plenty of room to stash your stuff and full-coverage canopies provide ample shade. Mesh pockets on the back of each seat and on the inside of each seat give you additional storage options for drinks, snacks or to hold the included rain shield. Superior maneuvering, turning and suspension make the BOB one of the easiest strollers to push whether you're adventuring through Target aisles or forest trails. Plus the unique fine-tuning tracking knob (one of the only ones on the market!) ensures the wheels actually go straight when locked for running. The stroller folds and unfolds with ease though at 34 lbs., it's still a beast to lift.
What We Love: Excellent suspension; one-handed maneuvering; fine-tune tracking knob; mesh storage pockets for kids; large sunshade; large underseat storage basket; easy cleaning.
What We Wish It Had: Included accessories; more color options.
Great For: Anywhere and everywhere; trails; jogs; runs; errands; parks; parades; rough terrain.
Bottom Line: Whether you're an actual jogger or just want to look like one, the BOB Duallie's maneuverability and suspension provide one of the smoothest and easiest rides on the market.
Parent Rating: "I cannot say enough about the BOB stroller. The colors are great, and the design is sturdy and sleek."
"The elastic mesh pockets on the rear of the seats are great. I always keep the rain hood in there. I also really like the elastic mesh pockets at hip level inside each seat. They are great for kids to easily access their cup of choice."
"The maneuverability is really impressive. I can definitely maneuver the double BOB jogger one-handed. You can feel the heft of the stroller, especially when kids are in it, but it moves very smoothly, has great shocks and turns on a dime."
"The design makes it easy for my kids, regardless of their age, to climb right in. The seat is almost bucket-like, so it's not as easy for them to climb out."
"The stroller is extremely simple to fold. I love the flat fold and strap to secure it closed."—Kelly and her 5, 4, 2, and 1-year-old, from Chatham, NJ
Britax B-READY
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats
Weight capacity: 55 lbs. top seat, 35 lbs bottom seat
Stroller weight: 32 lbs. (with second seat)
Dimensions: Assembled: 40.75" x 45" x 26.5" Folded: 30" x 16" x 26.5"
Car seat: Can accommodate two infant car seats (adaptor for non-Britax car seats sold separately)
Price: $500; $150 for second seat
Buy It Now:Amazon
Expert Review: Sleek and stylish, the modular B-READY grows from a single stroller into a double with 14 different seat configurations to choose from. The new 2012 model includes upgraded foam-filled, rubber tires so you'll never have to worry about a flat, a fourth upright seat position and a deeper storage basket. The canopy provides good coverage, an extra fold out expansion, and mesh peek-a-boo window. The adjustable handlebar is not only designed for comfort, but has a low position for shorter parents and letting siblings help push. One of the best features of the stroller is the unique underseat basket that has zippers on the front and sides to allow for easy access regardless of the seating configuration. Also, the B-READY is the only inline modular stroller in our line-up that can fold with both seats attached.
What We Love: Multi-point access to the underseat basket; full coverage canopy; adjustable height handlebar; ability to fold with second seat attached; versatile seating configurations; one or two-handed handlebar comfort; 4-position recline; cushioned head pad.
What We Wish It Had: More included accessories; snack tray; safety wrist strap.
Great For: Growing families; various height parents; easy access to storage basket; seat versatility.
Bottom Line: The new foam-filled rubber tires and improved shocks give the B-READY a smooth ride and its ability to fold with both seats attached gives this modular stroller a notch up on the competition.
Parent Rating: "The underseat storage on this stroller without the second seat in is amazing! When the second seat is in on this stroller, the underseat storage also doubles as footrest, so anything in there's bound to be a little beat up. But the zipper access points on all three sides of the basket were very helpful and useful when using both seats."
"One of my favorite features on the stroller is the great harness system -- easy to use, well-padded and easy to get the child out quickly."
"I also love the ease of function. You can pop out the seats, change the orientation from forward to backward, and pop in the second seat with such incredible ease, it makes using it so enjoyable! While it seems this ease of function is for the mom, it's actually a huge benefit to the child that all of these things are done so quickly."
"Another great feature is its great turning radius and maneuverability. It turns, backs, and maneuvers around things very smoothly. You can definitely push it with one hand, and it was easy to navigate between aisles while shopping."—Jenny and her children (6yrs, 5yrs, 3yrs, and 6mo) from Sherwood, OR
Contours Options LT
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats
Weight capacity: 80 lbs.
Stroller weight: 33.8 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 26" x 49.5" x 39.75" Folded: 26" x 21" x 38.75"
Car seat: Can accommodate two infant car seats (one car seat adaptor included)
Price: $260
Buy It Now: Amazon
Expert Review: Make sure you're looking at the LT version of the Contours Options stroller as this updated model includes a lighter frame and an easier fold than the previous models. The interchangeable and reversible seats are the highlight of this tandem (6 seating options total), each with a 5-point harness, infant head support, canopy, adjustable footrest and multi-position recline. Included extras are limited (dual bumper bars and an adjustable parent cup holder), but you won't miss them with the huge storage basket and easy handling. The Contours Options LT performs well on turns (despite being one of the longest strollers in our line-up) and on a variety of terrains (though not well-suited to going off-road). The stroller folds easily, auto-locks and stands on its own when folded, but the two seats must both be facing forward or removed in order to fold -- a potential hassle depending on your children's favorite seat positions.
What We Love: Interchangeable and reversible seats; huge underseat basket; excellent maneuvering; easy fold.
What We Wish It Had: Peek-a-boo windows in the canopy; adjustable handlebar; cup holders for kids; more foot room when seats face each other; key/phone compartment.
Great For: Twins; versatile seat options; lugging a lot of stuff around with you.
Bottom Line: The Contours Options LT is a great choice for parents who like seat versatility and lots of storage room and don't mind the additional length.
Parent Rating: "My favorite feature is the versatility of the seats. It gives my children an opportunity to face one another and keep each other occupied while also providing me the option of facing them away from one another when I need to."
"The underseat storage provided with the stroller is not very accessible especially when both children are facing one another. The only time that it is functional and accessible is when the children are both facing opposite directions."
"One of the most useful accessories was the infant car seat attachment mechanism. Many stroller companies make you purchase the infant car seat attachment at an additional cost, but it was included with this stroller."
"The stroller requires you to make maneuvers using both hands, but does so with ease."
"Although the stroller is narrow enough to move through doorways it is difficult to push through because of the length of the stroller. Because the stroller is so long, it is difficult to hold the door open while pushing the stroller through."
"The folding process was very easy. With both seats facing forward, all I had to do was press a button and pull the stroller up, and it folded like an accordion."—Christine and her 3-year-old and 1-year-old, from Bayside, NY
Bumbleride Indie Twin
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats
Weight capacity: 90 lbs.
Stroller weight: 34 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 29" x 36" x 34.5" Folded: 29" x 32" x 15"
Car seat: Can accommodate one infant car seat with universal adaptor or two Maxi Cosi Micos (adaptors sold separately)
Price: $689-$719
Buy It Now: Fawn & Forest
Expert Review: Chic and stylish, the Bumbleride Indie Twin offers the perfect blend of style, luxury and functionality. With ample comforts for baby (head and should strap padding, multi-position footrests, backrests and canopies) and parent (adjustable handlebar, zippered storage pockets on the canopy back and included cup holder), the all-terrain Indie Twin maneuvers well in stores and on sidewalks, through thick grass and on dirt trails (we even jogged effectively with it!). The seats recline nearly flat making them suitable for infants and the high canopies allow older children to ride without feeling scrunched. Plus there are 8 colors to choose from, from subdued neutrals to show-stopping brights.
What We Love: Infant headrest and shoulder pads; adjustable handlebars; large canopies with SPF 45; large underseat basket; all-terrain wheels; large color selection; narrow width; good maneuvering.
What We Wish It Had: Ability to hold two infant car seats; included tire pump.
Great For: Style-conscious parents; parents of different heights; handling various terrains; plush padding for baby.
Bottom Line: For parents who want equal parts style and substance, the side-by-side Bumbleride Indie Twin offers the fashion, comfort and functionality to keep newborns through toddlers content (and looking cute) on any terrain.Parent Rating:
"Everything about this stroller feels really top of the line and well made—from the handle bar to the big wheels, to the thick padded fabric, you're definitely pushing around a luxury stroller."
"I did the braking-in-sandals test and this stroller passed with flying colors. Sometimes pushing up or down the break bar with open shoes can be painful and hard—this was effortless!"
"At one point I had a both seats fully reclined and a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old sleeping comfortably side by side. This stroller grows with your family!
"Love, love the super easy jogging stroller fold. Just lift the strap and the whole thing collapses."—Liz and her 3-year-old and 5-year-old, from Montclair, NJ
Mountain Buggy Duet
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats
Weight capacity: 80 lbs.
Stroller weight: 34 lbs.
Dimensions: Assembled: 40" x 25" x 48" Folded: 38" x 25" x 12.5"
Car seat: Can accommodate two car seats (attachments sold separately)
Price: $600
Get It Now: Giggle
Expert Review: Fear doorways no more! The new Duet from Mountain Buggy is the same width as their single stroller—just 25 inches wide! Inside this compact frame you'll find lots of exceptional standard features like padded seats with a full recline, full-coverage canopies, a multi-position handlebar and unique twist-and-slide harness adjustments that let you kiss tangled straps goodbye. The Duet has an impressive turning radius, though maneuvering takes more effort than the competition (erhaps due to the stroller's 34 lbs). The folding latch is located on the child's footplate which means you have to face the front of the stroller in order to fold it. It takes some getting used to, but the stroller locks shut and stands when folded.
What We Love: 5-position handlebar adjustment; full-coverage canopy; full recline; durable fabric and footplate; narrow width.
What We Wish It Had: An included tire pump; more storage options for parent and child; included accessories like rain covers or foot muffs.
Great For: Twins; parents of various heights; rugged terrain; maneuvering through narrow aisles, hallways and crowded streets.
Bottom Line: The narrowest stroller in our round-up, the Duet delivers easy turning, comfy seats and full-coverage canopies. But it falls short on storage options for parent and child.
Parent Rating: "The best feature of this double is by far the size and its compactness for a side by side -- a great feature as we would take it everywhere and through any door."
"The sun shields provides great coverage, and the footrest is extra big and sturdier than most other strollers."
"I also love the adjustable handlebar. My husband is 6'2" and I'm 5'3" and we both loved it."
"I don't particularly like the harness belts because they are very difficult to open and close. We spent a lot of time trying to get children in and out of the belts."
"The maneuvering of this stroller is superb. We both could push with one hand. It is very easy to turn and it fit really well in tight areas in stores and restaurants. We even took on a ferry and it was extremely easy to get on and off."
"The folding process is a bit complicated, as two to three steps are required to fold it. You must fold in handlebar, lock the tires and then pull both sides at the same time."—Sadia and her 6-month-old, 2-year-old and 4-year-old, from New York, NY
Bugaboo Donkey Duo
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats
Weight capacity: 74 lbs.
Stroller weight: 33.1 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 29.1" x 32" x 35" Folded: 34.3" x 23.6" x 15.7"
Car seat: compatible with two infant car seats (adaptors sold separately)
Price: $1,499 (Duo—comes with 2 seats, 1 bassinet); $1,659 (Twin—comes with 2 seats, 2 bassinets)
Buy It Now:Magic Beans
Expert Review: With a simple click of three latches on the frame, the unique design of the Bugaboo Donkey expands from a single stroller with a side luggage basket to a double stroller. Parents will appreciate the reversible seats, interchangeable bassinets, easy recline and extendable handlebar. Plus, both the bassinet and seat can be used independently of the stroller for midday naps at Grandma's house or giving your child a seat at your park playdate. The all-terrain tires handle everything from grass and gravel to snow and sand but do require pumping up. The folding process involves a number of steps and isn't compact. But the folded stroller does stand on its own.
What We Love: Seat versatility; ability to grow as your family grows; using seats/bassinets independent of stroller; maneuvering; extendable handlebar.
What We Wish It Had: Peek-a-boo windows; more compact fold; smaller price tag; included accessories like cup holders and parent compartment.
Great For: Twins; parents who don't need to fold up their stroller; buying one stroller to grow with your family through multiple children; the ability to easily switch from a double stroller to a single with storage; varied terrains.
Bottom Line: The unique expandable frame means one stroller can last you through a growing family. But the price tag and size may be too hefty for some parents.
Parent Rating: "My favorite feature for my child had to be the comfort of the seat. Both the bassinet and child seat material and design are very comfortable."
"A nice feature of this stroller is that you can adjust the length of the handle depending on your height, and it was very simple to do. I also like that you can have the seats face you when your child is smaller or away when they are a little older."
"I was a little disappointed in the size of the underseat storage considering the size of this stroller. My diaper bag had to be shoved in and didn't leave much additional room for anything else. For smaller items the space is easily accessible from the front and back of the stroller."
"The maneuverability is the best feature of this stroller. I was able to do circles with the double stroller using one hand. That was pretty cool."
"It is a very large stroller, so maneuvering through a store when using as a double is rather difficult. I can't imagine taking this stroller to the mall or shopping. It is just too wide for maneuvering through doors and aisles."
"The first couple of times I tried folding the stroller, I found it very difficult. You need to press in two buttons, which because of the distance apart it is a little awkward, but with a little practice it got much easier."—Melissa and her 5-month old and 2.5-year-old, from Milwaukee, WI
UPPAbaby 2012 VISTA with Rumble Seat
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats Weight capacity: 50 lbs. main seat; 35 lbs. Rumble SeatStroller weight: 29 lbs. with Rumble SeatDimensions: Assembled: 25" x 41" x 31" Folded: 21.5" x 32" x 15"Car seat: can accommodate one infant car seat (adaptor sold separately)Price: $700; Rumble Seat $100
Buy It Now: Hip Baby Gear
Expert Review: Sleek, modern and utterly sophisticated, the 2012 VISTA includes a new adjustable height canopy, lay-flat fifth-position recline and fresh color combinations on the new carbon black frame. The canopy and mattress of the included bassinet have also been redesigned to allow for more ventilation. The best feature is the amazing canopy. Fully extended, it provides excellent coverage, but also includes an additional fold-out SPF 50 sunshade and a large, magnetic-closure peek-a-boo window (read: quiet). The combination of foam/rubber wheels and improved suspension provide a smooth ride and easy maneuvering for you. Folding, with or without the main seat attached, is one easy step, but the stroller can't fold with the Rumble Seat on –- a major drawback.
What We Love: Maneuvering; magnetic-closure peek-a-boo window; reversible elevated seat; superb canopy coverage; fold-out SPF 50 sunshade; vivid color selection; extendable handlebar; easy access to underseat storage; included rain shield and mesh bug net.
What We Wish It Had: Side carry handle for easier lifting when folded; ability to fold with Rumble Seat; reversible Rumble Seat; cup holder.
Great For: Easily switching between being a single and double stroller; parents that don't need to fold the stroller often; providing excellent sun protection.
Bottom Line: While its multi-feature canopy makes the VISTA ideal for sunny locales, the style and performance make it an excellent choice for any growing family. But its inability to fold with the second seat attached may be a deal-breaker for some.
Parent Rating:"The look of the stroller is modern and sleek. I love the look!"
"The underseat storage is one of my favorite features. There is more then enough room to put all of the kid's and my stuff. It is so much bigger than other strollers I've used."
"I love the harness straps and the adjustable seat positions. The straps are so soft and easy to use!"
"One of my favorite features is the on/off brake pedal -- just one gentle click to lock the wheels."
"The way this stroller maneuvers with two kids in it is fantastic. It is lightweight and fits like a glove through all doorways."-- Kristin and her 4-month-old and 2-year-old, from Hubertus, WI
Instep Safari Tandem
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats Weight capacity: 80 lbs.Stroller weight: 39.5 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 60.6" x 25.2" x 43.3" Folded: 32" x 25.2" x 43.7"Car seat: accommodates one infant car seat
Price: $260 ($199 at Walmart)
Buy It Now: Walmart
Expert Review: This unique inline jogging stroller means you don't have to sacrifice width on your walk or run. But at nearly 40 lbs., the Safari Tandem is the heaviest stroller in our line-up which impacts the ease of maneuvering. The stroller performs reasonably well going straight, but despite the front swivel wheel, turns are still tricky. Seats are wide (though not tall enough for some) as is the underseat storage area -- though the lack of a supported bottom keeps you from packing too much. Both parent and child (front seat only) have dual cup holders and a storage compartment but both run on the small side. Folding is a simple process, but the effectiveness of the locking mechanism seems to vary. Carry handles do help you heft it into the car.
What We Love: Generous seat width; built-in reflectors; narrow stroller frame; included infant car seat attachment.
What We Wish It Had: Adjustable handlebar (fixed 43" handle may be too high for some); bottom support in underseat basket; canopies with more coverage and easier to adjust; higher seat back; head support; larger parent cup holders and compartment.
Great For: Parents who don't like the width of traditional double strollers; long straight paths; jogging in crowded areas where a traditional jogger would take up too much room.
Bottom Line: A unique jogging stroller for those who love in inline design even for exercising.
Parent Rating:"I would not use the front seat if I was jogging. The backrest offers no head support (it came to the top of every child's shoulders). We started out on several long walks and the front passenger complained every time. The back seat offers more support, but the seat height again is not as high as it could be."
"One nice feature is that the stroller includes an infant seat attachment to be used in the back seat. It was very easy to add and detach."
"The storage compartment under the back seat was very user friendly. It was large enough to store a few shopping bags. Also, the back seat had a foot carriage so my son's feet were not in that space."
"The parent tray was a problem. The cup holders had interior plastic guards which were so small they dented my 16oz cup. I had to literally squeeze the cup every time I tried to put it in or out! I tried it with a 12oz cup which was only slightly better. Plus the compartment on the tray was not large enough to fit my iPhone."
"The front swivel wheel makes maneuvering the stroller easier. But since the stroller is so long, turning is still not super easy. Pushing it one-handed is possible but probably not very far. It is a fairly heavy stroller."
"The inline design of the tandem makes it ideal for going through doorways."
"Folding it was easy, but it is still large and heavy and hard to lift easily into the back of the car."-- Alison and her 2, 3 and 5-year-olds from Sherwood, OR
Simmons Tour DX Side X Side
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats Weight capacity: 70 lbs.Stroller weight: 26.4 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 34.25" x 29.5" x 42.25" Folded: 16" x 17" x 44"Car seat: NonePrice: $220
Buy It Now: Bed, Bath & Beyond
Expert Review: Umbrella strollers are often bare-boned, but this Simmons gives parents adjustable-height handles and a pair of cup holders while kids will enjoy the comfortable Simmons memory foam-filled seats. The stroller is surprisingly nimble with a good turning radius and smooth maneuvering. Folding involves just a few steps, and the locking frame and side carry handle make transporting the stroller a breeze.
What We Love: Padded seat; adjustable handles; side carry handle; cup holders; sturdy frame.
What We Wish It Had: Larger underseat storage; bigger cup holders; smoother seat recline; bigger sunshade; included rain shield.
Great For: Lightweight strollering; traveling; comfort in a lightweight, compact frame; a sturdier frame than many umbrella strollers.
Bottom Line: Whether you're traveling overseas or just around the block, this sturdy umbrella stroller is comfortable, stylish and easy to carry.
Parent Rating:"The seat recline is great. There is a pulley system in the back that allows you to lock it into place at any position. The recline goes back far enough that my kids will be able to nap in there without any problem."
"The underseat storage is small, but it's nice because there are two baskets, one underneath each seat. The manual says they only hold 3 lbs each so it's definitely still an umbrella stroller, but at least you have two decently accessible baskets."
"I like the built-in cup holders. They sometimes hit my belly as I was walking, but I was glad they were built in!"
"You can push it one hand but the handles are slanted so it's easy to push with two. It's small (although slightly heavier than I would have thought), but maneuvers very easily."
"Each wheel has a break which is a little annoying as you have to break all three tires instead of applying one break."
"Once you get the hang of folding it, it's fairly easy. Though many times I would need to manually push the stroller down further to engaged the side locks and ensure it didn't pop back open."-- Sherrill and her 16-month-old and 3.5-year-old, from Newton, MA
Graco Ready2Grow Stand and Ride Stroller LX
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats Weight capacity: Front seat, bench seat & standing platform holds child up to 50 lbs.; Rear seat holds child up to 40lbs.Stroller weight: 33 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 41.5" x 27.2" x 22.5" Folded: 15" x 48.5" x 21.5"Car seat: can accommodate one or two Graco car seatsPrice: $180-$190 depending on fabric
Buy It Now: Diapers.com
Expert Review: With 12 seating combinations to choose from including forward, backward, with an infant car seat, sitting bench or standing, the Graco Ready2Grow LX offers lots of versatility for a growing family. The stroller also includes snack/storage trays for both parent and child and a large underseat storage basket. But the canopies provide only moderate coverage and the front seat is unusually narrow (8"). Easy maneuvering and turning are not the Ready2Grow's strongest assets, but the true one-handed fold (when the stroller is in the right configuration) is unique for double strollers and though bulky when folded, it does stand on its own. Choose the basic model for fewer features or this LX model for upgrades like comfort grip handles, padded seats, head support and harness covers.
What We Love: Seat versatility; infant car seat, seat, stand or bench options; parent and child trays; large underseat basket; easy fold if stroller is in the right configuration.
What We Wish It Had: Better handling; larger canopies; deeper front seat; way to remove/flip up standing platform when not in use.
Great For: Twins; kids who like seat versatility; older siblings (bench and standing options are especially big-kid friendly).
Bottom Line: A versatile stroller best for those with older kids who will appreciate the bench or standing option and parents who need a large underseat basket.
Parent Rating:"The flexibility in seating was my favorite feature. I think that as your kids grow, it's great to give them options rather than limiting them to the same seat."
"I LOVED the amount of space in the storage basket. I was able to go grocery shopping and put a lot of the items in the basket without having trouble getting them in."
"The front seat doesn't have something to keep an infant from sliding out of the bottom. When I first put my 13-month-old in the seat, he slid out when I unlatched the harness. The same thing happened when I put him in. While I fumbled with the difficult harness system, he slid through the space and onto the floor."
"Pushing the stroller was not a problem. It rolled along quite well though I had difficulty at curbs. I couldn't lift the front wheels up by simply pushing down on the handle bar, but had to step on the standing board really hard and force it up and over the curb."
"The folding process was both complicated and time consuming depending on how you arranged the seating. Because of all the steps, I just kept it set up except when we put it in the car. But it was quite easy to open the stroller from the folding position."-- Anne and her 13-month-old and 2.5-year-old, from Brooklyn, NY
Valco Baby Zee Two
Expert Rating:
Stroller Stats Weight capacity: 90 lbs.Stroller weight: 26.8 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 29.5" x 34.5" x 40" Folded: 29.5" x 26" x 18"Car seat: can accommodate one car seat with adaptor (sold separately) Price: $529.99 (But $500 with coupon WELCOMEZEE at www.valcobaby.com); or for coupon Valco Baby
Expert Review: This brand new release from Valco has a durable frame and well-padded seats, but weighs in at only 26 lbs. The only included accessories are dual bumper bars, but the Zee Two has easy seat reclines, adjustable footrests and full-coverage canopies with additional zip-out extensions. The Zee Two folds down relatively compact, locks closed and is easy to carry over your arm with the handle -- a rarity for double strollers.
What We Love: Narrow silhouette; lightweight yet sturdy frame; full-coverage canopies; easy maneuvering; easy to carry; large storage basket; quick opening frame.
What We Wish It Had: Dual car seat capabilities.
Great For: Parents needing to carry the stroller upstairs; securely locking in tiny escape artists with the child-proof 5-point harness.
Bottom Line: At just 26 lbs., the Zee Two is extremely lightweight for a double stroller (tying for first place with the Simmons Tour DX in our line-up). But unlike the Simmons, the Zee Two has the look, maneuvering and durability of a much sturdier stroller.
Parent Rating: "I can't believe how lightweight it is for a double stroller. You can actually fold it up and carry it!"
"If you want a side-by-side stroller that's good for the city, the width is narrow enough that you don't feel like you're taking over the sidewalk.""The storage basket is great -- I was definitely able to load it up."
"I realize the color has nothing to do with its performance, but I LOVE the powder blue. It's such a great shade, works with boys and girls, and you'll never get confused about which stroller is yours."--Jennifer and her 4-year-old and 1-year-old, Queens, NY
Maclaren Twin Techno
Expert Rating:
Stroller StatsWeight capacity: 110 lbs.Stroller weight: 26.9 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled – 43" x 29.5" x 31" Folded – 44.5" x 21" x 19.5"Type: side-by-side, umbrella strollerCar seat: Cannot accommodate infant seatsPrice: $380; includes rain cover, mosquito net, head cushions, two baby bottle holders
Get It Now: Shopping.com
Expert review: Though pricey for an umbrella stroller, the Maclaren Twin Techno offers comfort and handy features in a compact, lightweight frame. Sturdy and stylish, each seat is lined with soft material and more padding than other brands. It also comes with two head cushions as well as a 5-point harness with shoulder covers. Seats can recline to five different positions, though the increments of recline are small (with the deepest recline only getting to about 45 degrees), and the reclining process requires two hands. Dual canopies provide good coverage, including an additional fold-out sun/rain shield. But the peekaboo window is on the back panel of the canopy instead of the top and doesn't provide kids with the best view. There's easy access to the twin underseat baskets, two Velcro pockets on the back of each canopy and two baby bottle holders that clip onto the back side of the stroller. The Techno maneuvers well on smooth surfaces but doesn't fare quite as well on tougher terrains, like a gravel driveway. Folding took some muscle, but seemed to get easier with each use. The stroller folds compactly (though the final shape is a bit awkward), locks shut and has a convenient carrying handle on the side.
Why we love it: Lightweight but sturdy; plush seats; good storage; nice maneuvering.
What we wish it had: Deeper seat recline; more color options (only black and grey offered); parent cup holder; lower price.
Great for: Sidewalks; smooth, indoor surfaces like a mall or airport; narrow aisles.
Bottom line: A little expensive for an umbrella stroller, but the Twin Techno is lightweight, compact and offers sturdy construction and nice extras for parent and child.
What Our Parent Tester Thought: "The handles are very comfortable and tall enough for my husband to push without having to bend down, as he's done with some of our other umbrella strollers."
"Recline is a little difficult, especially if the child is in the stroller. But once it's done, the seat is comfortable enough for sleeping."
"Love the sun canopy and rain protector. It's large, has full coverage and can be removed -- but doesn't pop off during normal usage."
"It is a little difficult to get open and closed. There is a place to put your foot and push down to lock the stroller in place, but you have to put all of your weight on it to get it down. And to push it back up when folding it up. I think this will get easier with time, but it definitely takes a little oomph to get it right."
"This is a luxury umbrella stroller. I love the size, and it has so many great features like the seat recline, underseat storage, sun shade, foot rest, bottle holders and padded seats."
- Keri and her 11-month-old, 3-year-old and 5-year old, from Senoia, Ga.
Chicco Cortina Together
Expert Rating:
Stroller StatsWeight capacity: 80 lbs.Stroller weight: 34 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled - 47.25" x 23.5" x 45.5" Folded - 44.5"x23.5"x13"Type: front-to-back, full-sizedCar seat: Can accommodate two Chicco Key Fit or Key Fit 30 car seats; no adaptor neededPrice: $300; includes interchangeable armbar and cup holders for the child, and parent tray with cup holders and storage compartment
Get It Now: Target
Expert review: Want a seamless transition between your car seat and stroller? Consider the Chico Cortina, which is easy to fold and locks automatically. But there are drawbacks: The stroller's small wheels make maneuvering difficult, especially in rough terrain or bad weather. Assembly will take 20-30 minutes, so keep the directions handy and be prepared to work. In order to even open the stroller, you have to lock in the parent console -- a process that's awkward and tricky. Assembling and attaching the wheels, canopies, storage basket and other accessories also takes multiple steps. But once you attach the parent console (which includes two cup holders and a lidded compartment) and open the stroller, you can enjoy features like an adjustable position handlebar, excellent storage space under each seat (plus a zip-down back pocket for easier access), and small but adjustable canopies that can rotate nearly 180 degrees. Each seat has a 5-point harness, footrest and padded shoulder straps. The front seat can accept either the included bumper bar or dual cup holders, but only offers two seat positions, fully upright and very slightly reclined -- unlike the back seat, which lounges to an additional third recline position. The back seat can also be transformed into a makeshift bassinet enclosure (though it's not well padded nor completely flat).
Why we love it: Parent console; ability to accept two infant car seats without additional adaptors; large storage basket with easy access; automatically locks when folded.
What we wish it had: Higher weight limit; easier assembly; better maneuvering on rough terrains; bigger canopies.
Great for: Fans of Chicco's Key Fit car seats; pushing over paved roads and smooth sidewalks; indoor surfaces (like a mall or grocery store).
Bottom line: The Cortina Together lacks quick assembly, large canopies and easy maneuvering, but redeems itself with excellent storage, an included parent console and the ability to accept two infant seats without additional adaptors.
What Our Parent Tester Thought: "I like the look of the muted aluminum. It adds a modern touch to the overall appearance of the stroller. I also like how there aren't a lot of plastic pieces to the stroller."
"I didn't like that only one seat fully reclined. That may be tough for parents who need both children to be reclined in order to nap. But the seats are very easy to adjust."
"The front canopy is disappointingly small and provides almost no sun coverage. The back seat canopy is barely larger then the front, but still very small and does not cover the child adequately. Also, the front canopy fully disconnected from the stroller when I folded the stroller. I would have to reattach it every time I unfolded the stroller. Plus the rear sunshade would not stay closed. It would always fall partially open, making it impossible to keep an eye on my child in the rear seat."
"The storage basket was very adequate in size. I loved the zip feature when the back seat was fully reclined - very easy access. Plus it was mostly mesh, so it was easy to see where your things were."
"There are two cup holders that can be attached on the front seat instead of the bumper bar. It was disappointing that I could not have both the bumper bar and a cup holder in front. The back seat has no storage or cup holders for the child."
"I used this stroller in the mall and it worked great -- no complaints at all. The stroller maneuvers easily despite the size. You can push it with one hand and the turn radius is surprisingly small considering the length of the stroller. But on the dirt roads around where we live, the maneuvering and pushing become much more difficult. And forget enjoying your walk if there is gravel. It's almost impossible for a smooth and easy push. Larger, inflatable tires work best for where I live."
"The attachments, such as the sun canopies and parent cup holders, seem a bit flimsy. During a walk, as I struggled to push the stroller though gravel, looked down a few times at the front wheels wobbling. I thought one or all might pop off."
"I loved the way this stroller folded and unfolded. It was so easy, and I loved how it automatically locked. I did not have to sit on top of it to fold and lock it like other strollers I've used."
- Allison and her 5-month-old and 18-month-old, from Palmer Lake, Colo.
Valco Baby Twin Tri Mode EX
Stroller Stats Weight capacity: 180 lbs.Stroller weight: 33 lbs.Dimensions: Assembled: 29" x 37" x 43" Folded: 28" x 29" x 18"Car seat: accommodates one infant car seat (adaptors sold separately)Stroller Price: $699.99Joey Seat Price: $80
Buy It Now: Valco Baby
What We Love:The Joey seat allows for triple seating; one-touch full recline; full coverage canopy; large underseat storage basket; all-terrain wheels.
What We Wish It Had: Easier assembly; the ability to stand when folded.
Great For: Growing families with twins or triplets; parents who don't need to fold the stroller often; parents of varying heights; easy access to ample storage.
Bottom Line: If you've got three small children that need to be contained, this is a luxury stroller that will provide a smooth, safe ride and comes complete with lots of storage.
Parent Rating:"Despite being a side-by-side stroller that sits three, not two children, the Twin Tri Mode can fit through all doorways. Revolutionary!""The pneumatic air tires make for a super smooth ride, it's essentially an all-terrain and a hiking/jogging-friendly stroller. Great for outdoors.""The seat design is awesome in that I can have one child in the Joey, alert and looking around, one baby sitting upright but shielded from the sun, and my newborn asleep, fully reclined in the shade.""There are lots of pockets on the stroller—zip-off storage on the back of the seats, plus pockets on the side of the underseat basket—which is a huge perk.""The wheels pop on and off easily. We have to take them off to transport the stroller in the trunk of our car, but they are very quick and easy to put back on.""The downside is that it does not fold down small, and is therefore a bear to get in and out of the car quickly. This stroller weighs about 8 pounds more than most other double strollers. But considering it's a stroller for three children—of which there are not many on the market—it's a downside we're willing to accept, give the many, many upsides."-- Courtney and her 18 month, 9 month and newborn, from Brooklyn, NY
A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.


text:
The citizens of Belgium are among the many nationalities that can apply for a Kenya visa only. As a result, you are no longer required to visit the nearest Kenyan embassy to get your travel document. Instead, you can use the services provided by Aid-Air and have your e-visa in as little as 2 hours. But for that to happen, you need to fill in an application form.
The application form created by Aid-Air will seem easy to you or to any other applicant. That is because it is divided into three steps. Plus, in case you need some help, or you have some questions regarding the form, you can always contact Aid-Air's customer support. The service is at your disposal day and night, and it is entirely free of charge.
As mentioned before, the form you have to complete consists of three steps. During the first step, you need to provide Aid-Air with your personal information such as name, country of origin, date of birth, address, e-mail, and so on. Passport number and arrival date are also necessary.
During the same step, you are required to select a processing time for your application. Just keep in mind that the cost of our Kenya Visa depends on the choice you make. Aid-Air gives you three options so that you can opt for the one that is most convenient for you. They are as follows:
- Standard processing – this is the slowest option you have at hand, but most people go for it because it is also the cheapest. Your application is processed within 5 business days, and the cost is $88.
- Rush processing – this time, things move a little bit faster. You receive your Kenya Visa within 2 days since you submit your application. You are charged $118 for this option.
- Super Rush processing – while this is the fastest option you can choose, it is also the most expensive. Your request is processed within just 2 hours, but the price goes as high as $153.
When you finish with step one, you can move on to the second one. This time, you have to insert your payment details for it to go through. Aid-Air accepts multiple means of payment, you can use a credit or a debit card, but if you have an account on PayPal, Alipay, or WeChat, you can use one of them as well. Whichever you find most convenient at the time.
The second step also asks you to review your form to make sure that the information within is 100% accurate. Why is that important? Because if there are any discrepancies between your passport or ID card and the [Kenya visa], the travel document becomes invalid automatically, in which case you must apply for a new one. You can avoid that by going over your form a couple of times before moving forward.
After you are done with step two, you can proceed to the third and last. This is the moment when Aid-Air asks you to upload the documents that support your application. For example, you need to upload a scan of your passport's information page, a digital photo of yourself, etc.
After all three steps are complete, all that is left for you to do is to submit your application, and the Kenya visa will arrive in the timeframe you chose during step one. You must print the document, and we suggest that you get more than one copy. That way, if you lose it, you have a spare.
The Kenya Visa application form for the citizens of Belgium is the same as for every other eligible nationality. It is not hard to go over it and it should not take you more than 20 minutes. Plus, if you need help, Aid-Air is by your side at any hour of the day.