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Aug 25, 2017 - Divestment and Solidarity Part 2 The Public Bank option
There are an array of viable stakeholder oriented financial institutions ready to take the deposits of many individuals and businesses. Things get a little bit more tricky when we think about a city, like Seattle, divesting and reinvesting.
Cities have financial needs that are not easily accommodated by the existing ecosystem of stakeholder oriented financial institutions. Broadly speaking, there are three possible solutions to the puzzle: (1) making creative use of the existing system; (2) creating new private institutions; or (3) creating a new public bank.
Future writings will outline the detail how to explore options (1) and (2), but this post will discuss the public bank option. The public bank movement has been working for years in Vermont, is picking up steam in Oakland, and seems to be garnering quite a bit of focus from divestment activists.
The Public Bank Option
A public bank is a bank owned by a state or municipality. The idea has considerable potential. Lets walk it through our four important questions.
Who owns it?
A municipal bank is owned by the municipality and a state bank is owned by the state. Any profit that the bank generates flows back into the general account of the government that established it. That money can then be used for whatever the government decides is in the best interest of the people. This will be decided by whatever political process operates within the public entity that owns the bank.
An added benefit of this structure is that it gives a public entity more control over their financial destiny. This allows them to be less subject to the whims of the market or the pressure of presidents who threaten to revoke federal funding because cities refuse to comply with mass deportations of residents.
2. How is it governed?
The answer we often hear is "democratically and transparently," the full answer is, well, quite a bit longer. It all depends on the chartering documentation for the bank and the legislation that surrounds. A public bank would be a public institution subject to public pressures; just like city councils, the police, many prisons, and detention facilities. Placing the power and influence of a bank in the hands of a State apparatus that proven track record of oppression carries an array of complications. It may be a viable option, but it carries with it all of the complication and intersectional issues that are present in the current governmental structures and processes.
A whole array of interests and risks need to be carefully balanced when creating an institution with the power of a public bank. If the bank's board were appointed by the mayor, then the bank would be subject to the whims of whoever assumed political power. If the board were elected by the district the same way a city council is, then there would be money poured into campaigns for bank board positions and the interests of the those already in power might coopt the bank. All the while, we would need to ensure that the governance of the bank did not fall prey to petty politics.
The question of what makes for good governance of the bank is a political one; it is all about whose interests the system gives power to. The balance can be struck well, but it is not a given. It will require a firm charter that directs the mission of the bank; tightly cabined power of board members that are elected and appointed through political processes; powerful positions for voices that represented historically marginalized communities, and a decision making mechanism that can enable employees to make responsible decisions in service of the community.
3. What is its loan portfolio?
The answer to this question will ultimately be a function of the governance. If the governance of the bank is appointed by the executive administration, the loans will reflect that administration's politics. That could range from supporting low income housing, to financing gentrification. This will be limited by the chartering documentation of the bank, but the important thing to note is that a public bank does not necessarily imply alignment with progressive values. For example, the North Dakota public bank financed a militarized response to peaceful water protectors at Standing Rock.
4. What are its legal obligations?
The legal obligations of a public bank will be determined by the chartering documentation and the legislation surrounding it. These documents could mandate that the bank refuses to do business with any entity that finances, operates, or constructs pipelines or private prisons; or the documents could be toothless guidelines that can be ignored on a whim. They could sharply define what the "community interests" are in order to focus the bank on activities that will create dignified livelihoods for residents, or they could leave the door open for exclusively market rate lending.
Legal obligations are often worth no more than the paper they are written on. Just ask Native people who have had their treaties broken time and time again. A charter will not be enough to protect an institution like a bank from cooptation by people who do more deeply feel for the well being of all of their relations. In some ways, having public funds in private hands creates some leverage because we can pit competitors against each other.
Consolidating more power in the State is a risk. A charter will not be enough to protect it from the corrupting influence of the very institution that creates the laws and will interpret the charter.
Bringing Public Banking in Alignment with #NoDAPL Divestment: The Perspective of Defenders of Mother Earth- Huichin
In some ways, a public bank is the best possible option for divestment. It creates the potential for a genuinely transparent institution that operates in accordance with democratically determined principles for the good of the community while creating a surplus the government can use to provide even more services. It is an option worth pursuing, but it carries risks. A patient movement with strong solidarity and a deep political/economic/social analysis could shepard a public bank through the legislative process in Oakland, California, or anywhere in the country. But the path is fraught with danger and potential fractures. It's best that we talk about them up front.
"Public ownership" hasn't been a good thing for plenty of people. State control has committed a genocide of indigenous people, placed Africans in bondage, locked Black people in jails, and committed an uncountable number of atrocities against people from all walks of life.
The system of state governance we have in place is imperfect at best. As we know, it affords vastly different opportunities, access, and impositions to different people based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, ability, and income. Though we have a one citizen- one vote system, the entire mechanism takes place within the context of capitalism and concentrations of power that often leverage the state apparatus to oppress people.
On top of this, the State apparatus has always oppressed certain people. Consider the issue from the standpoint of indigenous people. Why would a native Ohlone person be excited about Oakland having a public bank? How good has the government of Oakland or California been to native people? It is the government itself that rationalized and permitted the very behavior that we are trying to stop. Not just investment behavior, but the continued physical, psychological, and structural violence against Native people. Why do we trust a political system that we know has failed to serve indigenous people to be able to manage a bank in a good way?
If we assume that a bank is good because it is public, we will have completely ignored the relationship between capitalism and the State, we will have completely ignored how oppression actually works. The profit of the few and the force of the State have been deeply intertwined from the very beginning of the United States' emergence. The Catholic Church's Doctrine of Discovery created 'religious right' for European Christians to violently conquer land around the world in order to extract profits. This laid the groundwork for this extraction to be validated and enforced by the United States law. The doctrine has been cited as recently as 2005 by Ruth Bader Ginsburg to rationalize the seizure of indigenous land. This whole process enabled the people who dominated the government (at a time that only white men could vote) to create rules that governed who could do what with land and resources. It built up the legal and economic artifice that has created the gross wealth disparities that we see today.
Our indigenous leaders and their history teach us that it is not just private capitalist entities we must resist, it is often the State itself. The State operates to serve the interests of some and deny the interests of others. This has been the case from colonization, to slavery, to Jim Crow, to the denial of rights to women, to internment camps for Japanese people, to the invisibilization of trans folks, to the marginalization of people with disabilities, to deportations, to mass incarceration, and more. If we need any more reason to be skeptical of the official political processes of our country, we need only look to the person who currently occupies the oval office.
All of these intersecting oppressions are aspects of a system that leverages State violence in service of a financial system that consolidates wealth in the hands of the few. In many ways, the government and private capital have collaborated in the establishment of the system. While grassroots social movements and champions within government have made gains for justice, inclusion, and equality, they have not fundamentally altered the basic governance of the physical space we call the "United States." Different groups still have different access to the political system, different abilities to direct their own lives, and different abilities to have their voices heard by the government that is "by, of, and for the people."
If we are going to work with the State system to create an institution that can move this thing we call "money" in ways that actually begin to transform our society, empower frontline communities, and regenerate the planet then we need to be be cognizant of the forces we are dealing with. We need to know that creating this institution need an innovative and ingenious governance model and a business plan that grows out of a deep understanding of systemic issues. Again, the issue is much less "what must we divest from?" and much more "what must we divest into?". And the real question is how do we make a new solution that does not reproduce the problems we are trying to escape from.
This is part two in a multi part series on the divestment. This piece was written by Simon Mont on behalf of Defenders of Mother Earth-Huichin
Read part one here


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Jessica Ordway is one of the hundreds of Massachusetts residents running in this month's Boston Marathon. The Daily News wants to be sure to spotlight local runners. We have asked our local runners to share their stories. If you are running the marathon click on the Share Your Story link below, and the Daily News will be happy to spotlight you as well.
Get to Know: Jessica Ordway
Hometown: Natick
Age: 38
Profession: Senior Business Analyst
What made you decide to run the 2018 Boston Marathon? It has been on my bucket list since I was a wee one.
What was the most challenging part about training? Finding the time for all of the running. I had no idea the training plans for the marathon would be so intense. I assumed there would be weekend long runs, but the amount of running you need to do during the week is significant, and I was not prepared for that.
Do you have goal for a finishing time? I would love to be as close to four hours as possible, but realistically it will be around 4.5.
Have you run the Boston Marathon before? If so, in what years? This is my first Boston Marathon and first marathon ever.
Newbie, what have you learned so far? Eat. Eat. Eat. Train your stomach to handle water and food. You'll need it, and it'll make you feel so much better after those long runs. Find a friend, or two, or three, or more! Running 15+ miles with a friend is a lot easier than doing it alone.
If you running for charity, which organization are you supporting? 15-40 Connection
Why did you select this charity? What does it mean to you? 15-40 Connection teaches the value of early detection of cancer. I found breast cancer early at age 32, and I was lucky enough not to have to go through chemo or radiation. I've seen way too many people who found lumps and didn't say anything, or knew something was wrong but kept quiet. The earlier you can detect cancer, the better your prognosis. 15-40 is so important and I'm honored to raise money for them.
What is your fundraising goal? $7,500
How to contribute to Ordway's run: https://www.crowdrise.com/15-40connectionboston2018/fundraiser/jessicayoung19
Compiled and edited by Caitlyn Kelleher, Daily News staff.

subset: commoncrawl


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Guest Blog Post by JM Rayburn of Forge Columbus. Last month, Forge Columbus released a 90-page framework called Forge Ahead, a community-driven transportation campaign that serves as a visioning document and resource book. You can read the full report here.
A smart city is one that is both clever and restless. It's a city that works 24 hours a day to provide services and pay bills yet still sets aside time and money for that constant side hustle of becoming something other than what history had intended. It's a city that aspires to something greater. A smart city and an entrepreneur are two sides of the same coin. They relate to each other and need each other.
Columbus continues to lead the state in both population growth and job creation, attracting the best and brightest from around the world. The driving force behind this exciting demographic shift is the convergence of opportunity, affordability, and accessibility that our city offers. Young professionals use these quality of life yardsticks to determine where to call home. Transportation is vital for making our city accessible, attractive, and affordable.
Cities such as Columbus depend on effective and reliable operation of infrastructure systems to deliver energy, mobility, water, sanitation, shelter, information, emergency response, and other critical services. Across the globe and at home in Columbus, governments, businesses, and communities are beginning to see the impacts of climate change. These events are playing out as population growth continues and urbanization accelerates. While most see these as challenges, smart cities and entrepreneurs only see opportunities.
(photo by Michael Tyznik)
For Columbus, there is a tide coming that is robust population growth and job creation. The latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show the 15 cities with biggest population increases were in the South and West — with two exceptions: New York City and Columbus. The good news is investments are in the pipeline for a variety of infrastructure systems. The bad news is that Columbus leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to smart, multi-modal transportation investments.
The very presence of a convenient and accessible multi-modal transportation system will help attract and retain a skilled and creative workforce. The growth of the region cannot be accommodated by expansion of the highway system alone. As the costs of car ownership and fuel continue to grow, there is a need to provide an expanded, more intelligent transportation system to sustain the social and economic well-being of the Columbus Region. Investment in new and expanded pedestrian, bicycle, and transit services can ease growing congestion while providing an equitable transportation system. As for nascent transportation technologies, Columbus is right to take a leadership role in their development. Why? Because that's what world-class cities do. Columbus Startup Weekend is here to provide those leadership opportunities if you're feeling clever and restless.
This has been years in the making to arrive where we are now. COTA is undergoing the NextGen initiative and building the CMAX bus rapid transit line; MORPC is updating its Metropolitan Transportation Plan; The Columbus Green Team has recently come out with Green Memo III, calling for smart transportation investments; and Forge Columbus, in partnership with Transit Columbus, Civic Artworks, the Create Columbus Commission, has launched Forge Ahead—the largest participatory transit plan in the nation.
As many of you know, Columbus is vying for $50 million in what is essentially seed money as a finalist in the U.S. Smart City Challenge. The U.S. Department of Transportation and Vulcan, Inc. are the first of many "angel investors" we hope to court for a long-term relationship that will redefine our city. That could be a city that provides greater access to jobs through a bus rapid transit network. That could be a city that champions smart logistics or a smart grid to electrify our transportation system. Whatever that city is, it's going to change the world. There is no turning back now. Columbus has grown stronger today than any of the citizens before us could've imagined. The only way to know how strong is to keep testing our limits. I hope to see you at Columbus Startup Weekend this Friday through Sunday. Come clever and come restless.
Tickets for our next event, Smart City Edition, May 13-15 at Rev1 Ventures are still available! Click here to learn more and punch your ticket.


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I'm sure our builder, Ron, figured if indeed I possessed the bonafide article, I either bought it off eBay or committed some dastardly crime to obtain it. To Ron's and many others' amazement, I do legally and proudly own my very own, dearly cherished, Olympic Torch.
In the summer of 2001 I checked the mailbox and found an envelope from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) addressed to me. Normally I would have suspected a donation request, but since my daughter Dani had carried the Torch previously in the Relay Across America, I thought it might be some follow-up information concerning her achievement. Dani's masterly-framed Olympic Torch hung proudly on her den wall and I admired it each visit. I came to realize what a coveted honor it was to be selected for this special event. Through my daughter's participation, I grew to better understand the true spirit of the Olympics.
I opened the envelope. I was shocked. I, Ed, me, was invited to partake in the Torch Relay for the for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. I immediately thought it must be a prank one of my "good buddies" played on me. I scanned the neighborhood expecting to find some interloper hiding in the bushes or in a paneled truck taking pictures of my startled reactions. Was I to be humiliated on one of those TV "gotcha" shows? Once inside and sitting, I combed the material looking for signs of forgery, but no, the letter and application seemed legitimate. Someone had actually proposed me as a torchbearer and I was thrilled.
A few weeks later I received more written information and two videos. Being so ecstatic about my upcoming role, I sucked in every written word like a dying man gulping for air. The videos were the best part though. The first showed the outfit I would be wearing and what each detail represented. This was so informative. Learning about all this little known information juiced me up even more.
The second video totally bowled me over. (I know writers are taught not to use clichés like "bowled me over," but sometimes old clichés best describe feelings or situations. That's why they become clichés.) This video depicted the inception of the Olympic Flame in ancient Greece. The sun was shown lighting the original flame. Special priestesses lit their torches from this primary flame and carried them to the known continents of the world. The ancient Grecian Games were played from 776 BC to 393 AD in Olympia. They stemmed from the religion of honoring the Gods by creating the best bodies and minds through sport. Wars were stopped for the Olympics. I believe the true spirit of the Games is bringing peace to the world through athletic competition instead of war.
Another information packet arrived and I learned I would be representing East Tennessee in the Greenville, South Carolina segment of the relay. The Flame would arrive in Atlanta from Athens, Greece in the plane's special compartment to allow for an open flame. The FAA and other agencies bent over backwards to comply with this situation. The relay of the Flame would begin in Atlanta, site of the last American-hosted Olympic Games, and continue to Salt Lake City, the location of the 2002 Winter Games. Knowing I would be a part of this filled me with grand excitement. The packet info also advised my outfit would be arriving soon. I couldn't wait.
|Here I am in my Olympic
torchbearer uniform at a
Child Advocacy fundraiser
with Tennessee's former
First Lady Andrea Conte.
Torturous weeks crept by while I waited. I checked the mailbox hourly. I sat by the door listening for the UPS man to knock. Where was my official Olympic outfit? Then the day came. The doorbell rang and before it stopped, I threw open the door, grabbed the item, shut the door and hugged the package to my breast. It happened so fast, Mr. Brown probably stared at his hands wondering if a package was ever there at all. The outfit consisted of a white nylon jogging suit accompanied by soft fleece mittens and toboggan cap. Everything was white. I had been told to wear white shoes and socks. I, of course, had bought the newest, most expensive sneaks available. I paid more for them than the down payment on my first house. Adorned in my new, all white, official Olympic torchbearer uniform, I gazed into the full-length mirror. I looked like the third base line at Yankee Stadium.
Along with my entourage, I arrived in Greenville for my performance. Family and friends from five states accompanied me. I dressed in my official suit and noticed the gray in my beard didn't go well with the pristine white of my suit, but so what? My participation in the Olympic Torch Relay reigned supreme over all other matters. Many of my friends said I looked like Osama bin-Laden, but again, so what?
My run was scheduled for l l pm, but I had to be at the meeting spot at 7. The crisp December sky sparkled with stars and the bright full moon reminded me of a gigantic friendly eye waiting to watch the awesome event. Because the Relay wasn't until much later, Main Street was devoid of people. For a block or two, the street was covered by a canopy of trees lit with white Christmas lights. On both sides of the street, American flags were stationed about six feet apart acting like stately sentinels for the parade to come.
Entering this magnificent tunnel, I slowed. An eerie feeling overcame me and I stopped the car. Alone with my thoughts, I wondered about the Olympic Flame's trip from Athens, Greece to Salt Lake City, USA. How many people must be involved to pull this off? What a tremendous effort. I thought about how this flame has never been extinguished since 1896. I thought about the spirit of the Olympic experience. I don't know how long I sat there, but other people or vehicles were never seen. I felt like I existed in a wonderful vacuum. I sat there thinking if this moment in time, with a scene better than Hollywood could conceive, on this planet, in this country, in this state, in this elaborate tunnel on this street, time stood still for everyone, but me. I can't say it was a religious epiphany, but I sure can say it was truly spiritual.
After final instructions, the torchbearers entered vans to be transported to the the locations for their runs. I was placed in the rear of our van because I was last in our group to run, or in my case, be pushed in a wheelchair. The streets, sidewalks and porches were filled with people enthusiastically waving small American flags. Our country was still reeling from the terrorists attacks a short four months earlier. Patriotism ran high.
We stopped at our designated spots to wait for the Flame to arrive from Atlanta, GA. We waited with great anticipation. After about an hour, we were told the Flame still hadn't made it to Greenville because the procession had lingered in Atlanta. Coke was a major sponsor so the Relay Team had to spend unscheduled time going through Coke's main complex. I didn't actually mind the waiting; since the start of my Olympic Relay experience, I had become pretty good at the waiting game. I spent the time talking with other torchbearers and heard of real heroics. Did I belong there? Some of the stories made me feel like a comic strip hanging in a museum next to the world's elite masters. The Torch Relay crew kept us enthused with feel good Olympic videos and stirring music so our fervor didn't wane.
I will never forget the moment I first saw the actual Olympic Flame. It came around a corner atop a specially prepared truck. The bright yellow fire burned full and proud against the crisp, star-glistened sky. I'm not sure how to describe my feeling but the impact was tremendous. My patriotic zeal, Olympic-spirit awareness, Olympic history, appreciativeness of effort by people circling the globe, the honor of my small part in this grandiose world event, and my spiritual experience in that wonderful tunnel collectively manifested into an emotion I can't explain--but it was fantastic.
I had watched every other torchbearer in our van run his segment of the relay and now it was my time. There were second honorees who wore blue outfits and one blue-clad girl pushed my wheelchair for my portion of the Relay. I sat in my chair with a special holder for my torch waiting for the last runner to light my torch. Excitement and anxiety boiled through my blood. My waiting game management skills melted away. Out of the night she approached. She seemed like an apparition quickly nearing. Was this really happening? Was I imagining this blonde-haired, white-clad priestess with a flame? Instead of the nylon running suit, she appeared in flowing white cloth billowing from the swift pace her mercury winged feet ran. Her lovely smile beckoned me to touch my torch to hers. A calm soulfulness in her eyes promised eternal, sustaining love once the Flame jumped from her torch to mine. I had overdosed on the Olympics.
My aide-de-blue nudged my chair and I returned to reality. The previous Torchbearer, who was at least blonde, lit my torch from hers and we took off. My pusher must have thought this was a race and she was going for first place. She pushed me so fast the Flame went horizontal. I searched for an emergency brake. It was over so fast, I don't remember it. I wasn't worried because my good friend Terry (Buckwheat) Boyes was supposed to jog alongside and take pictures or shoot a video or something to memorialize this great moment in Ed Conte's life. Buckwheat often bragged about being a football running back and star on the college track team so I knew the quick pace of my relay wouldn't bother him. What I failed to take into account was his athletic prowess took place about 50 years ago. He couldn't keep up with the little girl in blue. I later learned he was cold and sought out another friend's (Archie) trunk. This trunk is better stocked than many famous bars in the country. I'll say no more.
The night wasn't over. We all went back to the hotel and celebrated until we partied out. Sharing this experience with family and friends made this great night even better. Wow, what a night.
I'm including a poem I composed about this special experience. I hope you enjoy it.
My "day in the sun" transpired in Greenville at night
Neath a majestic full moon and stars, oh,so bright
Nothing but magic filled the crisp air
As the flame arrived, a torch I would bear.
They told me of priestesses, a flame lit by the sun
I dreamed of winged feet and the race to be run
My emotions, so varied, were churning in breast
Should I really be there, could I stand to the test?
I was last on the van to carry the torch
Should I really be there, could I stand to the test?
I was last on the van to carry the torch
I saw people-lined streets, sidewalks and porch
I watched as these runners, inspirational, all
Victoriously advanced it, answering their call.
Now my test was at hand, how did I feel?
Humble pride overcame me, it was all so surreal
My family, my friends, not behind, but aside
You all were with me on that wonderful ride.
Each one of your hands carried that flame
Through the years thousands, I could easily name
All who sustained me with love and support
Your spirit more regal than any king's court.
I was an agent for you that cherished night
With the majestic full moon and stars, oh so bright
You all are winners, each dame, each fellow
Deserving God's golden Olympic medal.


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Check out a preview of Jen & Ben's lovely wedding at The Grand Tradition Estate in Fallbrook CA -- this couple rocks! After photographing an epic engagement session with them at Elfin Forest (that can be found here), I was definitely looking forward to working with them again. More images to come! :)
Venue // The Grand Tradition Estate
Videography // Vantage Point Productions
DJ // DJ Daniel Peterson
Cake // Cute Cakes
Florist // Joyce Nobutama
Photography // Justice Photography


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Pinocode is an Offline Frontend Playground right in your browser
Lives completely in your browser. There is no network involved, so it opens and shows previews instantly, with preprocessor support plus external libraries too.
This extension provides you with a very easy accessible and offline playground for your lovely web experiments.
Perfect for developers who want to experiment or practice in HTML/CSS/JS quickly, even without Internet connectivity.
* Works offline
* Supports preprocessors: HTML (jade, markdown), CSS (SCSS, LESS, Atomic CSS, Stylus) & JavaScript (ES6, CoffeeScript, TypeScript)
* Code Analyzer for HTML, CSS and JS
* Auto-CSS Prefixer
* CSS Normalizer.
* Cody Tidy Feature for HTML, CSS and JS
* Inbuilt Console
* Save and load your creations with Auto-save
* Fork any creation
* Multi-monitor support with detached preview
* Import & Export all creations anytime, anywhere
* Configurable settings
* Code autocompletion
* Very easily accessible. Simply open a new tab in Chrome! (configurable setting).
* Multiple layouts with saved collapsed states
* Save as HTML file
* Edit in CodePen
* Preview screenshot capture
* and lots more
Lets create!
Permissions Required
* Read URL of the opened page - This is required to give optional new tab replacement feature because Web Maker shows itself only when chrome://newtab is opened
Pinocode does not track any user specific data. It uses Google Analytics to track aggregated events to improve user experience based on what features are used more.
Source Code
With partial-support Pinocode runs on the WebMakerApp Code hosted on github
"Web Maker" is open-source under the MIT License.
Help & Support
Twitter - https://twitter.com/pinocode
Website - http://pinocode.io


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Weather in mountain areas can be very changeable. For many, ever changing light, cloud formation and weather patterns often encountered in the hills can be one of their main attractions. Leading up to your Mountain Trek, and during it, the weather conditions will be monitored and analysed on a continuous basis, with plans and routes adapted accordingly. Whenever possible we will try and give you a clear indication before your arrival of the weather conditions that might be encountered during your Mountain Trek and how they might impact on it.
All Cairngorm Trek Mountain Trekking Guides have significant experience in coping and reacting to a range of inclement weather conditions including heat wave, heavy rain, poor visibility, high winds, electrical storms and cold temperatures.
One of the keys of successful Mountain Trekking in upland areas is not to rigidly stick to original plans and objectives irrespective of the weather. As conditions change we will adapt your Mountain Trek to ensure your safety and comfort.
In terms of restrictions, rain and poor visibility would not necessarily need significant route changes but we might look at different objectives and wild camp sites. However, in the case of high winds we would avoid exposed ridges, edges and plateaux and would possibly change a high level Mountain Trek onto lower routes. Though a rarity in the summer months, significant upland snow would also mean we would move to lower levels.
In extreme weather conditions we would look to cancel your Mountain Trek or cut it short. In such exceptional cases we would reimburse you accordingly.


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Lavender Sale & ArtWalk
Thank you to all who stopped in on Friday during our First Friday Event!
Our art exhibition was such a huge success, along with our everything lavender sale. "We're Human" artwork will be shown through June 30th. We've also decided to extend our lavender sale thru Friday June 13th - So hurry in, great deals while supplies last!


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Xbox 360® 4GB Console
- Xbox 360® has blockbuster games, HD movies and controller-free fun for everyone
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy connection to Xbox LIVE®
- Super quiet with sleek new design plus matching controller
- Ready for the controller-free fun of Kinect
About the Xbox 360 4GB Console
The new Xbox 360® 4GB Console. Here today, ready for tomorrow with a brand new, leaner machine. Wi-Fi is built-in for easier connection to the world of entertainment on Xbox LIVE, where HD movies and TV stream in an instant. It's ready for the controller-free experiences of Kinect – you don't just play the game, you are the game. Xbox 360 is more games, entertainment and fun.
What's In The Box?
- Xbox 360 4GB S Console
- Xbox 360 Black Wireless Controller
- Xbox 360 Composite A/V cable (standard definition)
- One Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership
Product Features
Built-in Wi-Fi: The new Xbox 360 is the only console with 802.11n Wi-Fi built-in for a faster and easier connection to Xbox LIVE. Stream HD movies and TV or download games from Xbox LIVE in 1080p and 5.1 surround sound from anywhere in the house. Compatible with b/g/n networks.
Xbox LIVE: Xbox LIVE brings a world of entertainment to you. Instantly watch movies and TV streaming from Netflix. In crystal-clear HD, or download game add-ons like new levels, characters, maps and songs. Easily jump right into online multiplayer fun and play along with friends around the world. Plus, get your favorite music from Last.fm, connect with friends on Facebook® and post Tweets on Twitter. Xbox LIVE is your connection to more games, entertainment and fun.
Kinect Ready: Featuring a dedicated, specialized port, the Xbox 360 4GB is built to connect seamlessly with the Kinect Sensor. Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways – no controller required. Easy to use and instantly fun, Kinect gets everyone off the couch moving, laughing and cheering. See a ball? Kick it. Want to join a friend in the fun? Simply jump in. Even control an HD movie with a wave of your hand.
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black): This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller features a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries.
More ports: Connect more accessories and storage solutions with added USB ports. Now with a total of 5, (3 back/2 front) you'll find more places to plug and play. Plus, in addition to the standard Ethernet port and HDMI output, we've added an integrated optical audio out port for an easier connection to the booming sound of your A/V receiver.
Attach Recommendations
- Kinect Sensor
- Xbox 360 250GB S Hard Drive
- Xbox LIVE Gold 12 month card
- Microsoft 2100 Points Card
* Kinect sensor and supported games coming November 2010. Microsoft Points required to purchase games, add-ons and media content (sold separately). Instant on HD in full 1080p available with select videos; requires HDMI cable, HDCP compliant 1080p display, minimum 4 mbps broadband speed. Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Netflix unlimited membership required to instantly watch movies streaming from Netflix. See Netflix Terms of Use for details about Netflix service. Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer, video chat, Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm. Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Zune Pass subscription required for Zune Pass. Broadband internet required.
When will my order be dispatched?
This item is on order. It will usually be dispatched within 5-7 days after the order has been placed.
How will my order be sent?
Our standard delivery option is FREE in the UK via Royal Mail First Class, with large or high value orders sent via Parcelforce courier service. Delivery to Europe (from an additional £2 per item) and other Worldwide countries (from an additional £4 per item) are sent via Royal Mail International who work with trusted delivery partners to deliver to the destination country.
When can I expect it to arrive?
- UKDeliveries to destinations in the UK usually arrive within 1-2 working days after the order is dispatched with the vast majority arriving on the next working day.
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Deliveries to destinations in Europe take on average 3-5 working days, but times will vary depending on the import regulations and postal service in your country. Please check with your local postal service for an estimate on how long it takes to ship items from the UK to your country.
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If your order has not arrived by the expected delivery date this is usually no reason for concern - see our delivery help pages.
|Xbox 360
|Release Date
|20th Aug 2010
|Age Rating
|Age 3+


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A Star Wars sequel is in the pipeline for 2015 launch. The open auditions will start in the United Kingdom this November. The memorable 80s experience will be coming up before the senses of a rapt audience soon.
Star Wars, the 80s film series, that was a favorite among the teenage crowd is about to return to the silver screen. A sequel is in the works. Great Britain has been chosen as the venue for the movie's casting sessions. London, Dublin and Glasgow are the hotspots. Star Wars production company, Lucasfilm, had already been bought by Disney in October 2012.
Star Wars: Episode VII open audition will begin in Bristol on 9 November. Director and co-script writer of the movie, JJ Abrams, will not be present at the open auditions. Females participants must be above over 16 years in age. Males who want to give audition must be over 18 years.
The two lead roles in the film will be a worldly and resilient female orphan in her late teens as well as a savvy and competent male figure in early 20s. The Star Wars Series originally belongs to Walt Disney Studios. This time around it will be called Star Wars: Episode VII. The casting process will be hectic and painstaking. Star Wars has always chosen ordinary people to fill the roles of its characters. The last time around Luke Skywalker was played by Mark Hamill.
Other examples of movies that have had open casting sessions include the Harry Potter Series. The Director of this effort, J.J. Abrahams will be noted by his absence from the casting sessions. As for the ages of the male and female characters, they will be 18 and 16 respectively.
The filming is due to begin in the spring season next year. The movie itself will arrive in 2015 to an audience that will include Generation X members. They will get to relive the golden memories of this unforgettable Sci-Fi Series.
Source: BBC


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Here is a question I answered a mom recently about her 3 week old baby:
She is no longer sleeping peacefully. When I lay her down, she grunts, and moans herself to sleep, even though she was sleeping peacefully in my arms. She is restless and gets her arms out of her swaddle while sleeping. When feeding (BF) she gets over amped up and white knuckles her fists, kicks her feet, and grunts. I have to stop her every 3-5 minutes to burp her because she is sucking too much air.
I have been able to get good burps out of her, but she still remains fussy. I am finding that she is throwing up about 1 meal a day… and its not from her gut because its not curdled, it still the milk she just ate.
I went to a naturopath yesterday and they tested me and found that I am sensitive to dairy, gluten, chocolate, and coffee, so I have eliminated those. My ped recommended the Mylecon gas drops, which we have tried, but with little success..
I have been putting her on her tummy, laying across my lap, and massaging her back, which is also massaging her belly on my legs.. I would get a little bit of relaxation from her at times, but in most, it just irritated her more.
Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Answer (by Kimberly Bepler):Dear Mama,
Your experience sounds similar to others that I have heard from. Babies around 3 weeks of age often start to become more gassy and fussy, and parents often are mystified by this. However there are a few things you could try to ease this time for her.
You mention the feedings being difficult for her to manage. Sometimes a lactation visit can help with this, as you could work with some positioning that might help (and it is hard to think of new positions when you are brand new to nursing!). You might try a position that uses gravity to slow the flow of milk to your baby (often when they white knuckle like that they are struggling with the flow being too fast, and just trying to hang on and get what they need—kind of like drinking from a garden hose!). They suck air because they are trying to suck, swallow and breathe (in that order, usually) and they are just getting hit with milk too fast to breathe slowly. So they gulp, and in turn it causes burps and gas that need a lot of management afterward. (There are other things it could be as well, like reflux, but I think your Ped would be a good person to take a look at that, and there are so many ways to work on the breastfeeding first before we start to diagnose anything else. You can find a lot of different nursing positions on http://www.kellymom.com.)
It might take up to 3 weeks to get the allergens out of your system (and hers) completely, so sometimes there is just the waiting period. In the meantime, try using the baby yoga hold with her, either in arms or in the sling/wrap. This can be done by placing her back to your chest and holding her legs in a flexed position at the hip level. Keep her back straight, but allow her legs to be bunched up. You will be surprised how much easier it is to get gas or burps out in that position.
You can also use some baby massage to ease her digestion. Baby massage is wonderful for so many things (including good sleep patterns and weight gain!) but can be done with just some tummy strokes to relieve some gas. There is too many details to go into here, but there are baby massage vides everywhere, as well as classes around PDX that would go into more detail with communicating with your child as well as easing her body discomforts.
Regarding the sleep grunting, I would say that many babies this age do a lot of grunting while asleep. Ask at a local moms group about this and a huge show of hands will illustrate how many babies start really grunting at 3 weeks. (I host 2 of these per week in the Providence system, all new mamas with babies under 6 mo old are welcome; http://www.providence.org/classes for more info.) Swaddling can make a big difference with this, but you might have to use the bat wings to keep the arms tucked in (arms out really doesn't help much with swaddling until they are much older, and can suck on their hands for comfort). If you don't have a source to teach you the 'bat wing' technique (we teach it at Providence so many new mamas know how to execute this technique) consider getting a postpartum doula or other professional to show you. You might also try having her sleep at an angle or use some movement at night to ease the grunting. (Many moms use a bouncy seat/vibration chair or use a vibration unit on the baby's bed to allow the parents to get some sleep while baby is still being "moved.")
It sounds like you are trying many things already that will help, and hopefully some of these suggestions can ease her way as well as yours! I do think you would benefit from the help of a postpartum doula, as they are specialists in this early age and transition into parenthood when you are learning how to interpret your newborn's behavior. There are many wonderful postpartum doulas in PDX, and they can really make a big difference when you are learning so many new things all at once.
Congrats on welcoming your little one and I hope things resolve for you soon!
Kimberly Bepler ABC Doula Service


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Date of registration: Aug 6th 2013
First name: Mario
Location: Ohlstadt
Favorite tobacco: Bislang Nakhla Pfirsich
Tuesday, September 3rd 2013, 5:59pm
Date of registration: Apr 8th 2013
First name: Simon
Location: Saarlouis
Favorite tobacco: Al Fakher
Tuesday, September 3rd 2013, 9:18pm
Tuesday, September 3rd 2013, 10:02pm
This post has been edited 1 times, last edit by "kammerun1979" (Sep 20th 2013, 12:50pm)
Wednesday, September 4th 2013, 6:59am
Date of registration: Apr 14th 2010
First name: Martin
Location: Goch
Favorite tobacco: Al Waha
Thursday, September 19th 2013, 5:58pm
Date of registration: May 21st 2009
Location: Bonn
Favorite tobacco: GAF Bl.Grape, Fantasia Cactus Breeze, Serbetli Minze
Friday, September 20th 2013, 10:36am
QuotedRauche immer nur zuhause und zu 99% draussen.
habs jez bisschen versucht grade zu biegen.aber es lässt sich nur schwer biegen also hab ichs lieber abgebrochen
wie lieber abgebrochen?
Er hat nich das Tauchrohr abgebrochen sondern er hat aufgehört weiter zu biegen
Date of registration: Oct 14th 2013
Location: Frankfurt
Favorite tobacco: Al Waha blue mint, fruits
Monday, October 14th 2013, 7:12pm
Date of registration: Oct 3rd 2013
Location: Düsseldorf
Favorite tobacco: Amy gold - Crazy shape, AF - Grape, Adalya - Cola Dragon
Saturday, October 26th 2013, 12:30pm
Date of registration: Oct 10th 2011
Favorite tobacco: Rosanna (Cola!), Take Away, Ultimate
Monday, October 28th 2013, 3:07am
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Date of registration: Nov 8th 2013
First name: Philip
Location: Ottweiler
Favorite tobacco: Fantasia Purple Haze
Saturday, November 9th 2013, 2:26pm
Date of registration: Feb 24th 2009
First name: Mark
Location: Bruchköbel
Favorite tobacco: Adalya - Cola Dragon
Saturday, November 9th 2013, 5:59pm
Date of registration: Nov 19th 2008
Tuesday, November 12th 2013, 5:57pm
Date of registration: Oct 4th 2013
First name: Normen
Location: Berlin
Tuesday, November 12th 2013, 6:18pm
ach wenn man ne Pfeife mitschleppen kann mit allem drum und dran, da macht der Kocher auch nich mehr viel ausDraussen nur mit SZ, ist doch voll der Umstand immer den Campingkocher auszupacken
Date of registration: Aug 1st 2008
First name: Paul0o
Location: Jena, Erfurt Thüringen
Favorite tobacco: Px1 Waldmeister/ Ultimate Yellow -Cream / Al Waha Lazourdi
Wednesday, November 13th 2013, 1:00am
Date of registration: Jul 30th 2013
Favorite tobacco: Social Smoke Voltage/ Lemon Chill/ Baja Blue
Thursday, November 14th 2013, 8:45am
Date of registration: Apr 11th 2010
Location: unterfranken
Favorite tobacco: tangiers - peach iced tea
Thursday, November 14th 2013, 10:46am
Date of registration: Dec 18th 2007
First name: Michael oder auch Mikey ;)
Location: Hamburg CITTTTY
Favorite tobacco: Starbuzz Blue Mist
Thursday, November 14th 2013, 12:31pm
Date of registration: May 19th 2009
First name: felix
Location: Bayern
Favorite tobacco: bisan blue mist
Friday, December 6th 2013, 6:50pm
Date of registration: Jan 21st 2010
First name: Juan
Location: FFM
Favorite tobacco: Gibt soviele leckere <3
Friday, December 6th 2013, 8:09pm


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Joining in
We have a Google group for discussing Ash where we discuss the project, how to develop it further and how best to use it.
The Google group is the best place to ask questions and raise feature requests. If you have found a bug then please either raise it in the group or create an issue in Github's issue tracker.
If you want to know when we add features to Ash, please watch the project on Github, join the Google group or follow me on Twitter.
If you want to contribute to Ash, please join us in the group and discuss what needs doing, and fork the project and start contributing. I'm happy to receive pull requests for small improvements and bug-fixes. For larger changes and additions it's best to start a conversation in the group before you spend too long on your idea so we can coordinate.
The following ports of Ash have been or are being developed. These ports are not certified to be complete ports of Ash or to be production ready, they are here for information and to encourage involvement by others who would like to see Ash ported to their own favourite language/environment.


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Beautiful Creatures | Book Review
Release date: December 1, 2009
Series: Caster Chronicles (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance
So many book series on my to-read list and I apparently completely missed this one when it came out. I read some mixed reviews, but inspired by the fact that the movie based on this book was coming out, I decided to give it a try. And look: it's not a dystopian novel! Overall, there were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, but other parts I didn't care much for. I will probably finish the series at some point later this year, but for now I'm putting them away.
The story takes place in Gatlin - a small town in South Carolina where, according to the main character's father, only two kinds of people live: "The stupid and the stuck." Ethan is a 16 year old high school student, who has been having weird reoccurring dreams involving a mysterious girl he has never met. His life changes when the girl from his dreams, Lena, appears at his school. What Ethan doesn't know is that Lena is a powerful Caster with a complicated family. Of course, nothing can stop the two from falling for each other and as the situation gets more complicated they try to stay together. It's not all cheesy romance though: Lena has bigger problems on her mind. Because of a curse brought on by her ancestor she is about to face a Claiming for Darkness or Light - something that could completely change her forever.
The first thing that got me really excited when I started reading the book is that it was told from a guy's perspective. Let's face it: this doesn't happen too often in YA books (or I've just been picking the "wrong" books). Unfortunately, the more I read the less I was convinced that this was actually a male. I get it, everyone loves a sensitive guy and Ethan is meant to appeal to the female audience, but this was a whole different level of sensitive. It was hard for me to even picture this guy. The characters I did love were, well, pretty much everyone else: from Lena's supernatural family to people close to Ethan to the annoying town folk - I wanted to know more about most of them. It's not even that Ethan didn't interest me as a character - I just kept wishing he would, for lack of a better wording, snap out of it.
The majority of the book actually felt like a long-winded setup for the rest of the events that probably take place in the other three books. And when I say long-winded I really mean it: Beautiful Creatures is about 560 pages long. This "setup mode" is probably the reason it took me a while to get through the novel and it's not that I wasn't interested - I just kept wishing something big would happen already (and it does, but not until about the last 100-150 pages). Funny thing, people were asking me "So, how's the book? Do you like it?" and the only response I had was something like "You know... I'm about 200 pages in and I'm not sure..." I knew I didn't hate it or anything, I knew I cared about the characters and how it all was going to end, but I found it easy to put this book down for something else. Is there such a thing as background reading? Because I think if I listened to this as an audiobook instead, that's exactly what it would have been: a pleasant background to which I would pay just enough attention to keep up with the story, but ultimately be busy with other things.
OK, that sounded horrible. I really didn't dislike it as much, I promise. I just feel like in order for me to really tell whether or not this is worth reading, I would have to read the rest of the series. If the point of the first book was to keep me reading I can't say that it really worked, at least not on the "top of my to-read list" level.
What I did like was that, even though this is a pretty typical paranormal teen romance at its core, this book was not nearly as cliche as it could have been. I liked that the characters actually had interests other than their undying love for each other, they cared about things bigger than than themselves. Not Harry Potter big, but definitely closer to it than the Twilight series.
I think paranormal romance fans love this book with good reason and if you're one of them an still haven't read Beautiful Creatures you should definitely check it out. Just don't expect the story to be flashing before your eyes - the authors took their time to get it going. As for me - I'm giving it an "OK" for now, since I do feel like after reading over 560 pages I should be left with a better impression than "this might make more sense if I read the next book..."
What about you guys? I've read some rave reviews and also some disappointed ones, but not much in the middle ground. What did you think?


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Tuesday, November 6, 2012
my new jean jacket...
15 comments:
Love it! I never thought of layering a long sleeved shirt over a maxi, what a great idea. Stealing this outfit idea for sure ;)ReplyDelete
Love your blog! And I love the maxi outfit!ReplyDelete
so cute! love that maxi!ReplyDelete
you are so cute! and I love it with the maxi dress!!ReplyDelete
i love it with the maxi dress, you look so cute!ReplyDelete
such a cute vest!!! i've been looking for a fur one for myself and never thought of a jean one!ReplyDelete
Love it! I've been looking for a jean vest for such a long time. And I love that maxi!ReplyDelete
So cute! I love the vest! I want to order it, but I've never heard of SheInside. Do you recommend ordering from them?ReplyDelete
You are too stinkin' cute!!ReplyDelete
I love it with the jeans and boots! hotness!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 6, 2012 at 11:39 AM
I freakin looooove it! Can I just be you? you're toooo adorable! it's not fair! :) love ya girl!ReplyDelete
you rock it soo well!ReplyDelete
what a great shop! love their clothes! i love the What's Up Her Sleeve Dress: BerryReplyDelete
Cute outfits!! Love the vest!ReplyDelete
Dee Ann


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Thank you for choosing Family RV for your RV Rental needs.
Renter must be 27 years old or older and have a major credit card, valid driver's license, and full coverage insurance in his/her name. Please read the following Policies and Conditions carefully. It forms any rental agreement you make with Family RV. Please print this page out, read all Policies, sign it and bring it in to the Rental Agent when picking up your rental. After you've read it you'll find a link to our Online Reservation Form. The link appears immediately following the Policies and Conditions. Rental prices, Policies and Conditions are subject to change without notice.
1. Rental Payment: If reservation is made within 30 days of departure date, the total rental payment is due at time of reservation. If the reservation is made outside of 30 days, a reservation down payment of $1000.00 will be due for Class C, and travel trailers. $1500.00 will be due for Class A gas models and $2000.00 for Class A Diesel models. Down payments and rental amounts paid are non-refundable for rental dates booked from 8/24 - 9/10. The balance of the rental is due 30 days prior to the departure date unless rental dates are 8/24 - 9/10 then the balance is due 60 days prior to the pick-up date. If paying by check, check must be received 4 weeks prior to departure date, returned checks by the bank are subject to fees in addition to amount of check.
1a. Labor Day/Burning Man Rentals: If renter purchases Family RV's primary insurance if available $29.95-$49.95/day on the vehicle during the rental period 8/24 - 9/10, there will be a $5,000 security deposit for Class A, B & C Motor homes. There is a $3,000 security deposit for Trailers, 5th Wheels, and Toy Haulers if Family RV's primary insurance ($19.95 per day) was purchased.
2. Cancellation Fee: All cancellations need to be submitted in writing to email@example.com. If the rental is canceled from the time the reservation is made, or up until 30 days prior to departure date, renter forfeits 50% of the down payment. If the rental is canceled within 30 days of the departure date, is a no show, or does not pick-up the rental within the pick-up times allowed, there will be no refund. Cancellation insurance is available at a cost of $200.00 per contract and must be purchased at time of the initial reservation. The cancellation insurance allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before departure and only forfeit the $200.00 on original scheduled dates, cannot be used towards rescheduled dates. Cancellation insurance is not available for rentals booked from 8/24 – 9/10. If the cancelation is made within 72 hours of the departure date, there will be no refund. If renter cancels because their insurance company will not cover the Motorhome, cancellation fees still apply.
3. Rental Floor Plans: Reservations are made by floor plan only, not by year, make, unit number, or color. Family RV reserves the right to substitute vehicles of similar, older, newer, smaller, or larger grade. Should a smaller floor plan be offered, liability will be limited to refund of price differential between model paid for and model taken.
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8. Travel Areas: Travel is not recommended in the summer months (July & August) in the desert areas (i.e. Death Valley) due to overheating, which may cause tire damage, engine failure and other problems. If a problem occurs you will be responsible to pay for any damage caused and any loss of revenue while the vehicle is being repaired. If you are traveling to an elevation of 2500 feet or more you may encounter troubles with the operation of the generator. If this occurs we suggest you hook up to 110 volts to operate the 110 volt appliances. If the generator malfunctions due to elevation please do not use or try to adjust the generator. No compensation will be made for generator malfunction. During the winter months we do not recommend that you travel to or through snow areas, use snow chains, or travel where the weather is below freezing. Tire chains can damage tires if not properly installed and the holding tanks may freeze and burst, the renter will be responsible to pay for any damages caused and any loss of revenue until the rental vehicle can be rented again. All rental vehicles are not allowed directly on any beach/sand areas as doing so can cause damage to the rental vehicle and for the rental vehicle to become stuck in the sand/beach. All damages/towing/cleaning fees or other fees from the rental vehicle being parked or taken on a beach/sand areas will be billed to the renter.
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10. Smoking and Pet Policy: There is No Smoking in any of the motor homes. If the Motor home returns with a smoke odor, renter will be charged additional fees to remove the smoke odor from the Motor home. Costs will vary with a minimum of $500.00 and up. You must inform the rental agent that you will be bringing along a pet, there is a pet cleaning of $150.00 per pet that will be added to your rental. If the cleaning for your pet(s) exceeds 3 hours you will be billed at $50hr. Any damages caused from your pets will be deducted from your security deposit.
11. Renter Damage/ Additional Drivers: If the RV is returned with damage while the RV was in possession of the renter, renter is responsible to pay all damage costs whether the renter was at fault or not or if damage was caused by acts of nature (Wind, rain, earthquake, fire, flood, etc). If an accident occurs, renter is responsible for obtaining a police report, contacting the renter's insurance company and contacting a rental agent at Family RV immediately at 408.612.4700. Renter(s) who's names appear on contract are the only authorized drivers to drive the Motor home. Additional drivers must be listed as insured drivers on the primary renter's auto insurance policy and must be present on the rental pick-up day. . The renter (Name on contract) is responsible for all rental costs and any and all damages. Renters with an insurance endorsement will need to go through their insurance company for reimbursement. If damage amounts are substantial and a claim must be submitted, and renter is responsible for any and all damages, loss of revenue, or additional expenses not covered by insurance. Check in time may take up 2 hours for damage estimating, please allow yourself enough time. Family RV will estimate the damage and expedite the repairs.
12. Insurance for Motor homes: Renter must contact their auto insurance company and have them fax a certificate of insurance to Family RV showing that the rental vehicle is fully insured. The insurance certificate must be acceptable to Family RV and be received by Family RV no later than one week prior to the pick-up date. Deductibles, coverage's, rental vehicle info must be listed on the form, and Family RV listed as the Lien Holder. If rental cannot get a insurance binder, renter must contact the rental agent. Family RV's insurance if available is $29.95-$49.95 per day. Deductibles with the insurance are $2500.00 (class C), $2500.00 (class A gas), and $2500.00 (class A diesel) per occurrence. Family RV's insurance costs may vary during seasons. To purchase Family RV's insurance renter must be 27 years of age or older and have a valid drivers license ** See #25 for coverage description. It is the renter's responsibility to contact their insurance company for a binder and to give the insurance company the information on the vehicle they are renting. The vehicle information must be on the form as the insured vehicle that the agent faxes over. Renter must call Family RV before their departure to acknowledge receipt of the binder. The renter cannot leave with the rental vehicle unless the insurance binder has been received and is acceptable to Family RV.
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14. Tires: Tires are the responsibility of the renter once the rental vehicle leaves Family RV's lot. Renter can purchase tire protection plan prior to leaving with the rental vehicle, please contact rental agent for more information. Renter should not change the tire him/herself, renter should have a qualified service company change the tire.
15. Dry Camping is not advised: When the renter is "Dry Camping" (not connected to an external power source), problems will most likely arise due to a low battery or failure. It may help to start your engine and let it run for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes several times a day or until the battery is charged. The battery will continue to become low until renter is connected to a external power source. Family RV is not responsible for the battery being low or any appliance or vehicle malfunctions of the vehicle due to dry camping, NO reimbursements will be given for "Dry Camping Malfunctions".
16. Early Returns / Extending Rental Dates: Renter is responsible for looking over the rental contract to ensure that all rentals costs and rental dates are correct before they leave on their rental. If renter wishes to extend their rental dates, renter must call Family RV at 408-612-4700 for approval. There are NO refunds for early returns. If renter does not return on their scheduled return date and has not called Family RV for approval to extend, renter will be charged additional rental day (s), inconvenience fees, or loss of revenue whichever is greater.
17. Parking/Traffic Violations: Renter is responsible for reporting and payment of all parking/traffic violations at rental return. Non- reporting of parking/traffic violations breaches the Rental Contract and may result in an administrative charge of up to $100 in addition to the fines.
18. Late Pick-Ups: No refunds will be given for late pick-ups (after 4pm), no shows, or early returns.
19. Generator: Renter will receive 2 hours free per day of generator usage, and $3.00 per hour thereafter. No refunds will be given on unused generator hours.
20. Security Deposit: The security deposit is refunded (if returned with no damage, clean in/out, full of gas, no amounts owing) 7 business days after return of vehicle if paid by credit card or cash, 21 days from return if paid by check. (Renter understands that by submitting an online reservation form that he/she has read and agrees to all Family RV's policies and conditions and authorizes Family RV to check his/her credit, employment history, and to ask questions about his/her credit experience.)
21. Responsibility of Damage and Loss: Renter is responsible for the following:
22. Fuel: All of the RV fuel tanks are full before departure (unless otherwise noted) and is to be returned in the same condition. A refueling fee of $5.50 per gallon will be billed for Class C gas and Class A units and $6.50 per gallon for Class C diesel or Class A diesel units if not returned full. No warranties are made regarding the fuel tank capacity or fuel mileage. We assume no liability for fuel consumption rates. All gasoline, diesel, or refueling during the trip is at renters expense.
23. Check out of rented RV: Renter will be given a walk-through of their rented RV on their pick-up day. It is the renters responsibility to ensure that they understand all functions of the RV before departing, and to mark down all pre-existing damages on the check out sheet. If renter has any questions or concerns with the rental unit prior to departing Family RV's lot, renter must inform the rental department so that the concerns or questions can be addressed before departure.
Coverage: Family RV primary insurance provides coverage to the rented vehicles where the renter has purchased the primary coverage through Family RV. The primary insurance coverage purchased extends to the rented vehicle, providing renter is in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the rental contract.
Family RV's Motor home Primary Insurance insures the rented motor home for comprehensive, collision, and liability with state statutory limits of liability 15/30/5 less the deductible. Renter must have been involved in an accident with another vehicle and obtain a police report in order to submit a claim. Exclusions of coverage's are noted on the rental contract.


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|Researchers Seronda Robinson, Kevin P. Williams and Jodie Fleming received a grant for training and research into breast cancer disparities.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation has awarded $405,000 to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to establish a graduate training and public health initiative focused on breast cancer disparities.
NCCU professors Kevin P. Williams, Ph.D., Jodie Fleming Ph.D., Xioahe Yang, Ph.D., and Seronda Robinson, Ph.D., will collaborate to train graduate students in breast cancer research, as well as to develop and implement community-based strategies to address the disease's disproportionate impact on African-American women.
The NCCU Graduate Training in Disparities Research (GTDR) grant was announced Sept. 19. It takes a cross-disciplinary approach to addressing breast cancer, with students from under-represented groups conducting research, as well as participating in hands-on, grassroots engagement.
"In order to develop treatments that reduce breast cancer disparities and eventually cure aggressive breast cancers, we desperately need to increase our understanding of how biology and genetics impact aggressive breast cancers in young African-American women," said Williams, an associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and a faculty member at NCCU's Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE).
"Perhaps no group of individuals is more strategic in our fight against aggressive breast cancers than talented, well-trained and passionate researchers from those populations affected by disparities in breast cancer outcomes."
Williams is primary investigator (PI) for GTDR program. Fleming, Ph.D, an assistant professor of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, will serve as co-PI, and Xioahe Yang Ph.D, associate professor of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, as lead mentor.
Seronda Robinson, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of NCCU's Public Health Education Department, and Nadine Barrett, Ph.D., director of the Health Equity and Disparities office at Duke Cancer Institute, will lead the public health and community engagement component of the program.
The funding is part of a $2.9 million overall grant package Komen awarded to NCCU and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for breast cancer initiatives.
"For nearly 35 years our organization has been a leader in the fight to end breast cancer, changing how people think about, talk about and treat this disease," said Komen President and CEO Judy Salerno, M.D., M.S. "Not only will these grants accelerate our understanding of key areas in breast cancer research, but they include funding for early-career investigators."
Williams' research focuses on inflammatory breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels and cause the breast to become red and swollen. It more often affects African-American than Caucasian women and is frequently diagnosed at an early age
Because the type of cancer involved is hormone receptor negative, patients cannot be treated with hormone therapies commonly used in other types of breast cancer. Fleming's lab explores the mechanisms at cancerous lesions that induce metastatic triple negative breast cancer most commonly found among premenopausal African Americans.


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New and improved galleries!/
For those of you wondering why the pace of content has slowed down, it's because I entered a PhD program in paleontology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall, and I lost what was left of my free time. But that's not to say that there hasn't been substantial work going on behind the scenes of SkeletalDrawing.com!
First and foremost, there is a new skeletal gallery featuring some of my non-dinosaur reconstructions. "Non-dinosaurs" is admittedly a pretty broad category, and indeed it features everything from the proto-dinosaur Silesaurus to crocodylomorphs, turtles, mammals, and even the basal tetrapod Ichthyostega.
The reason for this hodge-podge is that most of my career has been spent working on dinosaurs, so these phylogenetic odds and ends have shown up when I was commissioned to do them for specific projects (e.g. the overhaul of the UMNH's fossil displays). Someday I hope to flesh out those groups enough to break them into separate categories, but for now if you are looking for a skeletal that doesn't happen to be a dinosaur you'll have to wade through a morass of animals that aren't closely related. At least they are posted now!
Along with the new gallery, all of the galleries have undergone substantial improvement in terms of usability. For starters, you can now link to a particular skeletal, whereas before the images did not have unique URLs. So if you want to talk about Stan the T. rex on a forum somewhere you can now link directly to that image (with proper credit, of course!).
This also means that you no longer have to browse through the galleries to learn if a specific animal is there - you can now use the search function that is available in the left-hand column on each page of my website. Previously it would discover if said animal was present, but it couldn't link you directly to the reconstruction.
The switch to unique image URLs allows another benefit that will be coming soon(TM). I will be adding an alphabetical index under the skeletal galleries dropdown, so those of you who don't care for the search function can instead browse through an alphabetical list of taxa and click on a link to be taken directly to the image in question. I'm doubtful that I will get this launched this week, since I'll be busy in Los Angeles at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's annual meeting, so look for it to go live in early November.
There is other exciting news to come soon, including the a look at the juvenile Parasaurolophus recently published by Farke et al., and of course the long-suffering mass estimate post on Spinosaurus. I'll also be introducing a couple of new article formats designed at speeding up the pace of new articles. Look for it all in the next month!
Update: In a fit of productivity I powered through all the links needed to make the Skeletal Index, so if you prefer to read through a list rather than browse a gallery or use the search bar you can now do so.


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Percents are always out of 100. Learn how to change 1/16 to a percent with help from a learning specialist with a master's degree in general and special education in this free video clip.
Hi. I'm Rachael Ward. I'm a learning specialist. And today I'm going to show you how to change 1/16 to 8 percent. Percents are always out of 100. So step one is to make an equivalent fraction out of 100. Step two is to divide the denominators. So we have 100 divided by 16. It goes 16, 32,48,64,80, 96, giving us a sum of 6. Step three is to multiply the sum by the numerator. 1 times 6 is 6. So we have 6 out of 100, giving us 6 percent.


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Biographies APAC
Pat Dunn
Chairman, Asia Pacific Global Customer Committee
Pat Dunn is Lead Captain for Asia Corporate Jet Singapore. He has Aviation Management and Pilot Experience. Pat is a detail-oriented, cost-conscious Aviation Management Professional. He has extensive expertise in operations management, regulatory compliance, aircraft acceptance and delivery, budget development and administration, employee recruitment and supervision and policy and procedure development in both start-up and established organizations.
His strengths lie in establishing relationships and negotiating contracts with third party vendors to decrease operational costs. Pat has talent for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective flight operations per company policies and procedures and FAA regulations. He possesses exceptional contract negotiation, organization, leadership, and research skills. Pat has a reputation for instilling teamwork amongst a diverse group of multicultural crew members.


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Capitol Alert Breaking
California chief justice warns of 'civil rights crisis'
California faces a "civil rights crisis" because of years of funding reductions for the judicial branch, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said Monday afternoon during her third State of the Judiciary Address.
Speaking to a joint legislative session in the Assembly Chamber at the Capitol, Cantil-Sakauye asked for partnership across the government to address what has been nearly half a billion dollars in cumulative budget cuts since 2008. She said the reductions have deprived more than 2 million Californians of access to a local court and have had a particularly negative effect on civil cases, which cede precedence to criminal justice.
"We face astonishing and harmful delays in urgent family matters, in business contracts, wrongful termination, discrimination cases, personal injury cases across the board," she said. "We want to be a partner in fair and collaborative solutions."
Cantil-Sakauye tied her comments to the 50th anniversary of the federal Civil Rights Act. She called the landmark legislation, which outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, "the fair thing and the right thing to do."
"But it also took collaboration" to create and enforce, she added. "That's how an effective democracy works – all three branches in collaboration."
She pointed to recent efforts within the California judiciary, including the creation of problem-solving courts, which emphasize rehabilitative programs over punitive solutions, and a push to address disparities in the juvenile justice system, where young people who are black, American Indian, disabled or in foster care are overrepresented.
At the top of the speech, lawmakers gave a standing ovation to Justice Joyce L. Kennard, who will retire in April after 25 years on the California Supreme Court. Honoring her rise from immigrant to judge, Cantil-Sakauye saluted Kennard's "uncommon intellect, integrity and courage."


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The Goulbourn Museum has a wonderful line-up of craft workshops planned for March Break.
Workshops take place from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, Wednesday March 14, and Thursday, March 15 for children aged 6-11.
Camps cost $25 per day or $65 for all three workshops (snacks and materials are included). Kits' Club members' rate is $20 per day.
Call 613-831-2393 or email firstname.lastname@example.com to sign up.
It is important to note that due to ongoing renovations at the Museum, March Break Craft Camp will be held at the Goulbourn Municipal Building located at 2135 Huntley Rd., Stittsville.
For more information, please visit https://mailchi.mp/e530e9a323a2/march-break-craft-camp?e=[UNIQID]


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Give To The Cause
Recent Posts
Gonzo Art
Hunter S. Thompson
The Goods
Category Archives: News
Ad for 'Gonzo'
A 1960s newspaper ad for 'Gonzo' by James Booker.
Posted in News Comments Off on Ad for 'Gonzo'
Hide Me Among The Graves (Book Review)
I'm a Tim Powers fan. Most of his books are my go-to reading when I'm in a funk or otherwise needing a jolt of industrial magic realism. I've given away more copies of Last Call and On Stranger Tides than … Continue reading
Posted in News Comments Off on Hide Me Among The Graves (Book Review)
Audio Review: Fear and Loathing at Rolling Stone
Flog me for an idiot — and for thinking this review was on the site when it's been in the DRAFTS folder the whole time. So, special thanks to the fine folks over at Brilliance Audio for sending the CDs … Continue reading
Posted in News Comments Off on Audio Review: Fear and Loathing at Rolling Stone
The Great Chicago Blizzard of 2012
The Chicago area is getting its first appreciable snowfall today and the weather prophets are broadcasting 'DOOM!" on every channel. I've already butchered the neighbors' cats, dried the meat and made gloves out of their hides. (The were small cats … Continue reading
Posted in Journalism, News Tagged Chicago weather, slow news day, snow, unnecessary panic 1 Comment
Penn State Witch Hunt and More Sloppy Journalism
The Penn State madness has turned into another witch hunt, as these things will. There's nothing for it and, when it's all said and done, our kids won't be any safer from these monsters than they were before. Sickos like … Continue reading
Posted in Journalism, News, Writing Tagged accuracy in reporting, college football, HST, Penn State Scandal, Sandusky Comments Off on Penn State Witch Hunt and More Sloppy Journalism
This just in from bookstore proprietor, publisher, and editor extraordinaire, Otto Penzler: I'm pretty jazzed right now. After two years of hard and often frustrating work, the website of my electronic publishing company is up and running. Click this link … Continue reading
Posted in Book Reviews, News Tagged e-reader, iPad, Mysterious Press, Otto Penzler Comments Off on MysteriousPress.com
Share it: QR dot for FLotU78 site
The Other Brad has been on me about doing something with the QR dot for this site. T-shirts, business cards, tribal tattoos. That kind of thing. All of which are sound ideas. I'm so focused on the book right now … Continue reading
KICK-ASS and the Hopless Stupidity of American Moviegoers
Let's be clear about something: the following rant is based on an actual event. Maybe more than based. Maybe it really happened. This was first posted over at my Junior Mad Scientist site with some password protection so little the … Continue reading
Posted in News, Writing Tagged Junior Mad Scientist, Kick-Ass, stupid parents, www.juniormadscientist.com Comments Off on KICK-ASS and the Hopless Stupidity of American Moviegoers
The Continental Shelf at Gannon's Pub
4264 N. Lincoln Ave. (on the southwest corner of Lincoln and Cullom) Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 281-1007 Last weekend was spent at Lollapalooza, working in Tent #19, taking money and handing out beers to crazy, sweaty drunks — most of … Continue reading
Maxfield Perish: Zombie Fighter
A few years ago, while working on another zombie novel, I went searching for connections to the outside world. After joining a few zombie and survival groups on LinkedIn, I found the Zombie Friends site. One of the reasons to … Continue reading
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OK, I've put this off long enough. Time to taste the accelerated stability tested Coors Light. Yum.
For those of you new to the blog, check out this posting for the full back story. The short of it is that in an effort to teach people about the differences between fresh and stale beer, I've asked anybody interested to store three cans of Coors Light in a warm place one, two and three weeks. At the same time, another can from the same 6-pack was stored in the fridge.
It turns out that my high-efficiency boiler only kept the beer at 85-90 °F; not as warm as the steam boiler at the Pump Station (110-120 °F) kept samples used in beer classes I've conducted there. The lower temperature did result in less damaged beer. Depending on how warm you kept your beer, results may vary.
The control Coors light has a very light, sweet nose with a hint of malt and more than a hint of fruitiness. It's flavor is also light, with a faint sweetness, no hop character and a short, crisp finish.
The sample thermally stressed for one week had a bit of a cooked beer aroma to it, almost biscuit-like, and was a bit sweeter than the control. Many people may not find the stale aromas offensive at this level. Indeed, some may find it adds a bit of character.
The flavor was somewhat compromised, however. The cooked beer character came through as well as a very faint taste of cardboard/lipstick (from the aldehyde trans-2-nonenal, or T2N). I am quite sensitive to the flavor of T2N (you learn these things at brewing school), so if your beer was stored at a similar temperature to mine and did not taste like lipstick, it could be that you are not quite as perceptive.
The two and three week samples were similar to the one week beer, but the stale flavors were more noticeable. (Who could have guessed that?) The three week sample was obviously stale, with a sweet, bready aroma and readily apparent T2N character. While some people might like Coors Light held at 90 °F for one week, not so many would like it after three. The QC people at Molson-Coors would certainly be unhappy.
If you are interested in learning more about how beer flavors change with age, feel free to try this experiment with different beers. While it can be considered extravagant to buy perfectly good beer to subject to thermal abuse, it is educational. The beer gods will understand.
On to something significantly more tasty…
My friend Mark recently hosted a small gathering to showcase some dusty bottles of barleywine from his and some friend's cellars. For those who aren't up on beer nomenclature, barleywine is simply a strong style of ale. It's made from the same ingredients as beer, including barley malt, yet has much more alcohol than the average beer, hence the name.
Unfortunately, I had to leave the tasting early (although my liver was probably grateful), but I still had a chance to sample a few very interesting beers. The oldest was a small bottle of Rogue Old Crustacean from 1996. It was probably about 10 years past its prime, with a huge amount of astringency and bitterness but not a lot of sweetness to balance. Thanks to Dave for bringing that one out of its slumber.
A newer bottle of Rogue's Old Crustacean, estimated to be three to five years-old, packed an incredible amount of hop bitterness. I say "incredible" because hop bitterness does decline with age. For this beer to still be exhibiting so much hop character is a testament to Rogue's penchant for emphasizing the flower. It also had some nice sherry-like flavors and even a little maltiness to balance – partially – the hops. It was pretty tasty.
Harpoon Brewing's "100 Barrel" series barleywine was there; it was three years-old. Unlike many barleywines, it is light in color. Some of you might recall that my post about fresh beer mentions that light-colored beers generally don't age too well, and this beer was no exception. Everyone in the group agreed that it was a bit bland, having lost its malt character but not gaining much in return. This is one to drink young.
Since I'm on the topic of beers that have been oxidized to some degree or another, I'll talk about another that I had recently: Birrificcio Italiano's Cassissona. It's a very spritzy, medium-strength beer that is flavored with currants.
It's aroma is fruity and spicy up front with an earthy quality. As it sits, caramel and sherry notes develop, the latter indicative of oxidation. Toffee character confirms the oxidation, but it is not so extreme as to dominate the beer.
It's a very carbonated brew; it is impossible to pour it without rousing the rather thick sediment at the bottom of the bottle. The beer is thus hazy – murky might be a better term – and supports a prodigious head.
The flavor was dominated by the sherry and toffee character with fruit revealing itself underneath. Sweet up front, the finish is more dry and has hints of licorice. The beer's body fades from medium to light as it sits on the tongue, the result of the high carbonation. There is a fair amount of astringency which balances the beer's sweetness. There is not a lot of hop character anywhere in this beer.
Most definitely an interesting beer, and one that I'd love to try at the source. I'm due for a vacation, and Italy is lovely in January. Dream on…


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I haven't done too much baking lately. I've hit a baking slump. Every time I bake, something goes wrong and it just bums me out. I was so excited to do baked cheesecakes as I've only ever done the standard continental ones. I did them especially for my boyf's parents and I failed. I think I overcooked them as they were almost cakey with a cheesecake centre which threw off the whole texture resulting in....bizarreness. Of course his parents lied and said they were good but I know they were a fail. I will try them again because the taste was there, just not everything else.
Then last night I cooked a Zucchini and Walnut Loaf. The recipe says it's bread but anything that has 2 cups of sugar has gone past the point of being bread and become cake. Anyway, I made little muffin ones as the recipe made oodles of batter, and they turned out perfectly. They taste amazing. However when I took the actual loaf out, it looked a tad undercooked. I took it out anyway given my tendency to overcook foods, and the stored heat would make it ok.BUT when I flipped it, it stank. Literally, 'OMG what is that smell?!' stank. The pan I cooked it in was a silicone loaf 'tin' and I think maybe some plastic melted?? I have no idea. The bottom of the loaf was black and set like a rock. The pan itself was burnt brown which I found odd since it's silicone and shouldn't burn. Right? Anyway, I was a tad upset. It's still useable and I'll just cut the bottom third off, slice it up and no onewill be the wiser. Just another total sigh moment.
SO I'm not sure. Maybe I need to just...I don't know. I seem to be having so many fails. I realise that's baking and lot of it is experimenting but it's still disheartening. Especially when you buy expensive special ingredients and it doesn't work.
This recipe is good though. Don't let my experience deter you! It's a lot sweeter then you'd expect and has a huge hit of cinnamon – almost too much if you don't love the stuff like myself. You could probably omit/reduce it and it'd be a totally different flavour. My roommates loved it if that helps?
2 cups zucchini, grated
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbspn cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup applesauce
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 eggs
To reduce the amount of moisture, press the zucchini between (multiple) sheets of paper towel. When most of the moisture has been absorbed, fluff back up and set aside.In a small bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, combine both sugars, oil, applesauce, almond extract and eggs and mix until well combined. Stir in the zucchini.Add dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in the walnuts. Divide batter between the two mini loaf pans.
Bake for 35-45minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes on wire rack before removing from the pan to cool completely.


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Gophers, Mbakwe Beat Bucknell
The Gophers downed Bucknell 70-58 Friday night in their regular season opener at Williams Arena. Minnesota led by at halftime and outscored Bucknell 37-27 in the 2nd half. Trevor Mbakwe led the Gophers with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Austin Hollins added 13 points and Ralph Sampson III added 8 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
The Gophers will host South Dakota State Monday night at 7pm, pregame on AM 1390-the Fan at 6:30.


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Brewski, the much loved watering hole in the heart of Brisbane is not just a place where beer and non-beer enthusiasts alike, join and marvel in a great night out. Believe it or not, Brewski is one of the best fuss-free venues to host your function.
It's rare to find venues these days with NO room hire fees, no compulsory function packages, and the option of a pay as you go or group bar tab system – but HCS have found one. It's a minor victory for us here in the office, and trust us when we say we have been celebrating.
Brewski is known for their extensive selection of local, national and international craft beers, both bottled and on-tap, and perhaps even better known for their dangerously dangerous burgers, so when you have these two things, plus an inner city location, your next party or event is sure to be a success. Or if you're after something low key and want to reserve a table for a group catch-up, they can help you out too, just give them a call.
Choose out of three different areas that can be exclusively booked for functions:
Featuring the iconic 'bird wall', this area in the front of the bar is perfect if you want to be in the thick of things. It also has the flexibility to have the tables repositioned for greater standing space for more cocktail-style functions. (Seats up to 35)
Get up close and personal in our comfy couch zone, great for more intimate groups.
Like being in your own backyard but better. Quiet, private and away from the Caxton Street crowd, this area can even be set up with its own designated smoking zone.
Big or small, let Brewski take care of hosting your next event.


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The organisers of the Perth Night Jump (PNJ) would like to thank you for being a Product Sponsor for the above event over the last three years. SMS contribution helped promote Perth to a worldwide audience who speak highly of the event and it is considered a template for other cities to use.Working with Brad and his onsite scaffolders was an experience that others in the building industry could learn from and adapt. Obstacles were easily overcome and we were able to agree on a working time frame that was suitable for all.
The working platforms for media and TV cameras were commented on by visiting members of the IWWF as being the best they had seen in our sport.
The venue owners were very appreciative that the promised dismantling and removal of equipment off site was completed as scheduled, as they have had experiences in the past of being let down.
The PNJ organisers look forward to working with SMS in the future.


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Vaude Samur 2010
The Vaude Samur shirt is made from cocona – a coconut-derived fabric that is odour-resistant. It feels less instantly airy than other tops here but it is comfortable and offers a sun protection factor (SPF ) of 25. It's a good, functional top that would work well on gentler walks and at the all-you-can eat hotel buffet.
Review by Matt Swaine
First published in Trail magazine April 2010