thinking about longtails

I really, really want a cargo/longtail bike, so today I did a test ride on the xtracycle radish. I liked everything about it except the fact that it wasn't a step-through. It felt compact and nimble plus it's cute (I know, I know, but cute counts). The stability was fine; I could touch the ground while seated, which is important to me because I don't want to have to hop off or lean the bike over if Omi is on the back. The only problem is throwing my leg over the top tube. I like to bike in a skirt and it just isn't graceful on the xtracycle.

So, I'm considering options. I didn't like the Townie/xtracycle combo; it felt too loosey-goosey and the geometry isn't set up for climbing hills. The Breeze/xtracycle combo is nice but spendy. What I need is a step-through under $600 that I know will work well with an xtracycle.

I just came across the Madsen, which is a step-through and looks nice. I like the price and the fact that the kids sit inside the bucket. I think a locking top and rainscreen for the bucket are in the works.

I guess I'll keep up the test rides for now. Somewhere out there is the perfect longtail bike for me.

skin deep

The Cosmetic Safety Database rates product safety according to ingredients. Try a search for the items you use most - the results can be surprising, even for natural products. The amount of information is often overwhelming; check out the tips page for a manageable list of best practices. They also have printable parent buying guides for safer kid's products and sunscreens.

Sesame Street Old School

Want to see Maria as a 70's street kid? Want to see a fresh-faced Bob, just after his big gig as pop star in Japan? Want to see three different Gordons (sometimes with hair!) and Susan wearing minidresses? You know you do.

I am proud to say I would have ordered this whether I had a child or not. Watching it with Naomi, however, means having to explain why everything is slightly different than in the current version (Naomi: "Why Oscar orange?" Me: "That's Oscar's...grandpa?"). Also, Snuffy's eyes point in two different directions, and Big Bird has a tiny head and a wigged-out personality.

The best part is not the episodes, but the bonus muscial numbers. "Would you like to buy an 'O'," anyone? Or the perennial favorite, "I Love Trash". Man, I love this show.

TRUCE toy guide

Just in time for the holidays, I found this guide for choosing toys to "promote children’s creative and constructive play". Except for the creepy logo of a TV trying to strangle two innocent kids, it seems like pretty good information. Enjoy!

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