How to dress children north face jackets for kids for playing outdoors in winter

Cold Weather Wardrobes For Every Child! Now that winter is here, don't let those winter clothes become a challenge. As if dealing with small child were not enough; we have to deal with bundling them up like Eskimos. Big bulky clothes can make your kid feel stiff and motionless, uncomfortable and even down right irritated. The goal when dressing your child is to make sure they are warm enough to protect them from the cold weather but still comfortable enough to enjoy the weather. You don't have north face jackets for kids to over bundle your child; simply learn the art of layering. When dressing your children keep these things in mind: *Over 50% of body heat is lost through the top of your head. You also loose heat from your neck, chest , and armpits. Buy your child scarfs, (or make your own) neck warmers, and hats to keep them warm in those areas. Try to avoid itchy and irritating material and cheap north face try going with a 100% cotton material to help provide warmth and comfort. *The rule to layering is to pick materials that are not heavy and leave you sweaty (this can cause you to get sick) but instead think of light layering. Thermal underwear under a sweater or a sweat shirt along with pants, and socks, should help keep you dry and warm. When your head and body are warm this helps bump blood to your hands and feet. Always make sure your child's hands are covered with either, gloves, or mittens; invest in a pair that either have a strap keeping them north face jackets for men tied together of get a clip that you can clip on their jackets for easy access. If not opt out and buy two pairs and keep one for a spare. *Children often are more active then adults so their temperature is constantly fluctuating. Teach your children about proper layering and let them know when they are hot to take off a layer but when their cold to add on a layer. To many layers if a child is playing out doors can cause the child to sweat which in turn can causes them to remain cold, regardless of how may layers they are wearing. Dressing your child in layers traps the heat within the garment, this provides instant installation which allows your child to stay warm. *A layer of light garments are more effective then wearing a single large layer of clothes. Consider buying light weight clothes like cotton when layering. When worn alone a lightweight jacket may not be sufficient enough for your child, however if you layer that with a lightweight long sleeve tee and a cotton sweater or sweatshirt a lightweight jacket could work. Here are some cold

A cheap north face look at vintage fashion from the 1950s

The fun 1950's era, when the young men were cool, a-la James Dean and the young women were playful al-a Marilyn, Monroe that is; blue jeans and tight shirts for men, and fitted bodice and full swing skirts for women. cheap north face The hair was short and clean for men; and round and above the nape with curls for women. Alas, not all were young with flirtatious exuberance! The 1950s post World War II era was a time of revitalization of society. It was a time of prosperity. The benefits of capitalism, freedom and democracy were evident in the way that people lived. The nuclear North Face Down Jacket family was the center of it all. Although many women sought jobs outside the home, it was ideal for the wife and mother to stay at home and carefor the children and the running of the household. The fashion adapted by the working man was the flannel gray suit, and slacks were worn for everyday casual occasions. The homemakers way of dressing was a vision of femininity and competence; with tailored upper bodice, collared neckline, small waist and flared-out skirt that went below the knees. Its the classic I Love Lucy look, although we wont be talking about femininity and competence; maybe mischief and mishaps, but you get the point. The fitted crisp upper-bodice of the 1950s dress gave it a smart look, while its hourglass shape and wide skirt gave it a feminine look. Pastel colors were popular in shades of pink, mint green and baby blues. Floral prints on fabrics were widely used, as well as polka dots, checks and stripes. The poodle skirt was a wide swing skirt made of felt. The usual colors used were solid pink or solid blue with an appliqu of a French poodle on the front of it. Teenage girls wore the skirt to costume parties and sock hops or school dances. The poodle skirt was a perfect attire to wear when performing the swing dance or the jive. Today a poodle skirt will be a fun attire to wear at costume party, although Katy Perry might wear it at any day and look great in it! The Halterneck probably best popularized by the voluptuous Marilyn Monroe. A full skirted dress with a tight bodice and a halter collar neck is the perfect combination of sexy and smart. Again maybe its the wrong example of person, as bombshell and smart might not go together. Today halter dresses are popular designs for cheap north face jackets for women sundresses. The cocktail dress Can you say princess or classy party girl? Cocktail dresses with

An overview of life jacket North Face Soft Shell laws in Wyoming

Life jacket laws in the state of Wyoming are similar to most other states. They include the following laws. Every individual on board any person water craft that is moving, is required to wear a United States Coast Guard approved non-inflatable Type I, II, II or V Hybrid personal flotation device. When a vessel is anchored , moored, or aground it is considered non moving. When a boat is on the water it is under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. Any child under the age of thirteen must wear a personal flotation device at all times, except when the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck. If any additional state law exists the United States coast Guard will enforce the law of that state even if it covers children younger than thirteen and certain size boats. A personal flotation device is required while being pulled or towed by any vessel. This includes water skis, wake-boards, tubes and others. Itis a requirement for a wearable United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device ofeither North Face Soft Shell Type I, II, III, or V be readily available for every person on board a boat or vessel. The life jacket is required to be the proper size needed for each person on board. They should be fitted based on weight and chest size. They should be in good serviceable condition with no tears or rips. It is also a requirement to have one Type IV (throwable)personal flotation device on cheap north face Jackets boardany boat sixteen feet in length or longer. Exceptions to this law are canoes, kayaks, and racing sculls. While it is not always a requirement to wear a life jacket in all situations, sometimes it is just plain smart. The United States Coast Guard estimates that over 70% of all boaters who drown in a boating incident could have survived if they had only had on a personal flotation device. The single most important piece of safety gear aboard any vessel or boat is the north face kids personal flotation device. Boating is a sport just like any other and it is important to have the correct gear for the sport. Life jackets are recommended any time a boater comes in contact with high boat traffic, severe weather, dangerous local conditions such as rip tides, dangerous water conditions, operating at night, when off-shore or when boating alone. Putting on a life jacket after you are in the water is extremely difficult.

An overview of life north face kids jacket laws in Colorado

Colorado boating rules fall into two categories, regulations and statutes. Statutes are laws created by the Colorado State Legislature. Regulations are rules implemented by Colorado State Parks. Both have the authority of the rule of law and both address life jacket, or personal floatation device, requirements for boaters in Colorado.The 2009 Colorado Boating Statues and Regulations booklet, available from the Colorado State Parks has all of the relevant rules. The primary statute addressing life jackets is the statute on Equipment Requirements, 33-13-106.Section 1 of that statute addresses personal watercraft. Every person onboard a personal watercraft must, at all times, be wearing a Coast Guard approved flotation device.Section 3 requires that all other boaters must have a personal flotation device for everyone aboard. The statutes don't require that these be worn by adults but they must meet the Coast Guard requirements. However, every person onboard any vessel on the water under north face kids the age of 13 must wear a life jacket unless they are "below deck or in an enclosed cabin".The remainder of the laws affecting the use of personal floatation devices are covered under Regulation #212.Section 1 states that any vessel under sixteen feet must have a "Coast Guard type I life preserver, type II buoyant vest or type III special purpose water safety buoyant device on board for each person". Special rules apply in this section for sailboards and "river running". Sailboard operators are allowed to wear a buoyant cheap north face Jackets wet suit instead of a Coast Guard approved PFD. For river operations an additional type of PFD is allowed, a type V whitewater river running buoyant vest.Section 2 covers vessels greater than sixteen feet. In addition to the requirements for a vessel under sixteen feet a throwable device such as a Coast Guard approved buoyant cushion or a ring life buoy is mandatory. This throwable device must be immediately available.In section 3 the rules address vessels for hire. Vessels for hire on a lake or reservoir must have type I flotation North Face Down Jacket devices for every person on board. Special rules for commercial river outfitters are addressed here by addressing regulation #305 which is not covered in the basic regulations booklet.Section 4 covers surfing or towing such as skiing or tubing. It is recommended that a type I, II or III flotation device be worn, but this rule allows for an alternate type of buoyant device such as a ski belt so long as an additional PFD is carried on the boat for the person in the water.Additional rules in this regulation require that all PFDs must be readily available, marked with Coast Guard approvals and in serviceable condition.Basically Colorado's life jacket laws are a mirror of the appropriate Coast Guard regulations. Beyond meeting the basic requirements for all U.S. vessels you need to remember that children (under thirteen) must be wearing their life jackets anytime they are not below decks and the boat is on the water.

SurfNew Wetsuits Boardshorts US Outdoor Don

But don't just take my word for it, read what the Portland Mercury had to say:
-MARANDA BISH, Portland Mercury, 3/29/12
To preview the Don  The Quixotes debut album, click.here.

Sno Kona Pond Skim Competition Mt

 Sno-Kona Pond Skim Competition, 4-28-2012
It is time to dust off your water wings and pond scum snorkel set as we approach the 2012 Sno-Kona Pond Skim hosted by Mt. Hood Meadows. This annual tradition sends land based humans cascading down a snowy runway in hopes that they will generate enough speed and have enough control to cross the pond without falling in the drink. Of course it is not just making it across that earns you points.
Criteria for this sacred event is based on a three tier scale: Making it across; Costume; and Style/Crowd response. So if you're planning on entering, don't forget to dress in your 'Sunday best' and by that I mean the most outlandish thing you can think of (as you will be judged on appearance). However shallow that might sound it helps to ease the tension when you catch an edge and belly flop mid pond dressed as a transsexual Batman or a giant burrito or Betty Boop or, well you get the idea. It is like that one guy said in the movie 'Gladiator' '' win the crowd, and you'll win your freedom.' In this case it is win a grand prize trip for two to Hawaii!
Registration for the event concludes on the 26th or after 100 participants have signed up. To sign up and learn more please visit Ski Hood. GOOD LUCK!

Black Diamond AvaLung II Review

 The Avalung is a great tool to help increase your chances of survival if caught in an avalanche. However, it should not be involved in a decision making situation, ie; "well, this snow pack looks sketchy but I've got my Avalung so lets go." building it into the pack is a great way to decrease this impulse.
Unfortunately Black Diamond will not license the lung to other pack manufactures, or sell a version that could be attached to an existing backpack in an effort to direct consumers to buy their pack. Good marketing, but It would be a better gift to the backcountry community to offer it in multiple ways. It is another great tool to have in the mountains and is a great innovation.

Arbor Westmark Snowboard 2011 Review

2011 Arbor Westmark Snowboard Review by
evo- I purchased this board less than a month ago and have spent five days on it in total. As a rocker board you get the total control that comes with it along with a very forgiving ride. I have yet to catch an edge. Probably the best thing about this board is that it rides well in almost any terrain: groom, powder, or even ice. It feels like the grip tech really pulls through this way, providing great edge hold but keeping your ride smooth. While some of my friends have to skid over icy sections of trails, I find myself carving over them with little difficulty.
For a rocker board this thing rides FAST. You might not be able to beat a traditional camber board but you'll definitely be able to keep up while bombing down the slopes. Not sure why it does this but i'm not complaining!
This board is very LIGHT. With union contact bindings it really feels weightless to the point where i don't even use the foot rest on the lift sometimes. Because of this, jumps are incredibly easy to do. i plan on getting the Force MCs soon; i can't imagine how light my setup will feel.
The design on this board is sick. Dave kinsey is a great artist I personally loved the art because it really stuck out to me; I can't word it well but it strays away from common design conventions i see in all other boards. you'll probably not find any other board with aesthetic appeal like this one on the mountain.
In sum, this board has many great strengths and no notable weaknesses. The price looks a bit steep for comparable boards but arbor is a great company with a great message (i recommend you research it a bit) and i honestly don't mind shelling out a bit extra for it.

2012 The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc

We are really excited to invite ultra-running fans all over the world to watch the drama and excitement unfold from the first ever live webcast of The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc Web-TV, 27th August- 2nd September, 2012, connected by ultratrail.tv.

With more than 6,000 runners from 73 nations, the world-renowned The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc will allow fans, family and friends to listen, watch and share the joy, pain and tension at the head of the pack as amateur and professional athletes alike take part in one of the worldís great ultra-races.

The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc Web-TV first images, sounds and emotions in both French and English will begin with the live start of the Petite Trotte on Monday August 27th at 22:00. From August 28-29th, click on special feature episodes on preparation, race, recovery and technical trail-running advice provided by special guest presenters.

84 hours of non-stop live webcast coverage starts Thursday August 30th at 06:00 with the start of the TDS, covering CCC and UTMB races until 20:00 Sunday September 2nd 2012. Each day from Thursday-Sunday at 09:00, 13:00 00, anchorman Gilles Chappaz will present 15-minute live news updates with special guests including Mètèo Frances meteorologists 00 -19:30, and the post race conference, Sunday September 2 11:30 -12:30, featuring the winners from each race.

Social media users can also follow their favourite athletes via the LiveTrail APP. Runners can share their race in real time with their family, friends and communities via posts on their Facebook? and Twitter? pages. Each runner, tracked by a chip, provides data such as location, ranking and timing each time they go through a checkpoint. LiveTrail APP, a widget that connects the live tracking with the runnerís social media profiles, automatically posts their location details on their Facebook? and Twitter? pages. Connect to LiveTrail APP directly from personal runnerís page on the race website or on utmb.thenorthfacejournal.

Reporting in real-time from Chamonix, starting with the childrens race Mini-UTMB Thursday August 30th from 15:00 -18:00, throughout the whole weekend, race highlights and behind-the-scene stories will be posted on The North FaceFacebook? page at regular intervals. From the start to the finish line, live updates will be posted from the course via Twitter?.

Check back here daily for updates from The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc!

Surrounded by the giants

 A smooth departure from Skardu on Tuesday left us bumping along the road to Askoli with our caravan 3 jeeps deep. Kris, John, our LO- the “Major”, and Karim were separated into their own vehicle as per custom, and Kip was left as the sole protector of Ingrid, Hil and I in the “woman” jeep.
The paved road shortly turned to dirt and finally to a via ferrata for the 4 wheel world. We encountered only two obstacles- a minor vehicle repair and a sand slide near Askoli that covered the road. Luckily, two groups of porters had followed up behind us and leaped out of their open air trucks to assist in the process of shoveling and clearing the path by hand. The drivers plowed through, and the rest of our group met them on the other side, running the length of the road to dodge falling rocks.
Once in Askoli, we hopped out at the literal end of the road. For the ladies, we made a grand entrance. Surrounded by what felt like hundreds of Pakistanis, we were very much on display – which would be the theme for what seems to be the remainder of our time with the porter crew. These eyes are full of curiosity but the occasional leer can be a bit disconcerting. The presence of women, and in particular women climbers, is an extremely foreign and thought provoking concept to them
 The evening is Askoli was mild. A couple of folks in our crew have not felt well, but with some rest and a few meds, everyone bounced right back..Good news for our long trek ahead.
Wednesday evolved into quite the eventful day for us. The Serb, Russian, and South Korean groups organized their porters and headed out. We were the last group to depart. An intense feeling of desperation was building ominously around us for the remaining men looking for work and their chance to be selected. This was one of their very few opportunities for work for the year, and a rare chance to feed their families.
 

Never took a hike in my life; would do it again

That is what my father used to tell me when hed had enough of my smart talk as a kid. Unfortunately, I never took that hike. In fact, I dont think Ive ever hiked in my life, either formally or informally.
During my ride to Chenango Valley, I tried to conjure up the demographics of the group I was to address. Young? Yes. Trim and the picture of health? For sure. Clear of eye, ruddy of complexion, adventurous of spirit? Absolutely. Well, I nailed the adventurous of spirit part of the equation.
The group consisted of mostly 60-year-olds and up. They were hale and hearty and experts on everything outdoors. There were rail-thin, wiry athletic types. And there was plenty of, how shall I say, Big Chuck and Tom Bryden types. There were even white-haired, rimless-glasses-wearing grandmotherly types who looked like they would be more comfortable doing cross-stitch in a rocking chair than being here swathed in hooded parkas and heavy duty hiking boots.
The Bullthistle Hikers Group loves this old saying: There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. But most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.

Protect the Colorado River Delta

The Colorado River Delta, where the Colorado River ends in a series of wetlands at the Gulf of California, is less than 10% of its original size and getting smaller. Without a dedicated flow of water into the Delta, several indigenous communities, 380 bird species, and freshwater marine wildlife are in danger. To protect the Colorado River Delta: tell Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to help save what Jacques Cousteau once called, “the aquarium of the world.”
Upstream water diversions from the Colorado River have reduced what was once two million acres of wetlands to less than 10% of its original size, and have nearly eliminated the Delta’s estuary. Native plants and wildlife areas withered from the lack of water, and many formerly prolific animals and wildlife are rapidly disappearing. On a human scale, the drastic changes have forever altered life for several indigenous communities on both sides of the border. At this point, the very cultural survival of the Cocopah Indian Tribe in the U.S. and the related Cucapa Tribe in Mexico  who once thrived in the Delta  is in jeopardy.
It’s not a lost cause. With help from groups like the Sonoran Institute, there’s still a chance to return water to the Colorado River Delta, and make sure the mighty river once again reaches the sea.

Buyer's guide to ski jackets

 A skiing trip will be cold and miserable without a properly fitted ski jacket. If you follow a few tips then it is easy to find the right jacket for you!1. Where to buy fromIf you are a seasoned skier and know exactly what size and style is right for you, then buying off the Internet is often cheaper. However, if you are a beginner then unless you have allowed enough time to return an ill-fitting jacket and exchange via the postal system then it is preferable to visit a sports shop to try on. It is better to spend a little extra but have the right jacket for you.
  2. Size matters!You will be wearing extra layers under your ski jacket so try on with all the clothing you are intending to wear, otherwise you could end up with a jacket that is too small. 3. The real dealDon't be tempted to cheap out with a non-specialist jacket - you will pay the price in discomfort. Ski jackets are specifically designed to protect you from external factors such as rain, snow and wind. They also protect you from your own body sweat whilst you exercise by having a breathable moisture-wicking layer. 4. Watch your headRemember that a hood gives extra protection against the elements. Take your ski helmet when you try on to ensure a good fit.5. Zipper-de-do-dahMake sure the jacket has a zipped pocket for your valuables. Retracing your steps in the snow will be a thankless and probably fruitless task. 6. How does it feel?The fit should be snug for the jacket to do its job, but should be comfortable. If it does not feel right, try more on until you find the fit that is right for you.7. How does it look?Actually, it doesn't matter. No, really! The most important thing is that it feels right and will do its job. It is one of the few occasions where fashion consciousness needs to be thrown out of the window. A nice crop jacket with no hood is fashionable (and even available in ski jacket form) but when you are frozen from the torso down and your ears are stinging and inflamed all you will wish you had gone for the version your mother would have picked for you. Enjoy!

Buyer's guide to ski jackets

Intuitively, you should be able to perceive the importance of a good ski jackets when skiing. Ski jackets are need to cover you against the cold, protect your body from snowy particles in the air, give you a warm temperature even as ski in the snowy weather, and also give you balance. So apart from the protection ski jackets bring, they are also needed for good balance while skiing. This can be more important than you have ever imagined. Read on!
  FITTINGIf there is anything factor you should toil with in ski jackets, it is fitting. Ski jackets come in different sizes and weights. A feather weight is not expected to wear a ski jacket designed for a middle weight. You see! That's why people are advised to learn skiing under instructors or good/professional skiers. You will have to know your weight and the type of ski jacket suitably designed for that weight category. The weight is one aspect - let's talk about the size. Common sense should also teach you to buy a ski jacket that fits your size as well. When this happens, you are sure to enjoy your ski adventure.THICKNESSIt is true that some skiers substitute other types of jackets for ski jackets while skiing. It has worked safely for them on certain occasions but this is not wise and advisable. Ski jackets come with the real thickness that they should have. You must know that skiing is done in motion and demands a certain level of thickness in the ski jackets, which the manufacturers have adhered to. So buy a ski jacket and ensure it is really designed for skiing.QUALITYI want to drop this. Buy a quality ski jacket that would last long. In skiing, really, it is not advisable to get fairly-used kits. Buy new ones. It is better that way.WHERE TO BUYYou can get ski jackets from your local sports shop. However, I recommend that you buy from the Internet. Amazon is one of the biggest stores and best stores online to buy sport kits. Make your searches and buy good ski jacket. Enjoy your skiing!

Astro City, The Voice of the Turtle, by Kurt Busiek

The story of the turtle seems a little out of place, though I can understand why it exists. Astro City has been in the middle of a series of books about the steel jacketed man, a convinced criminal who is trying to get his life together after being released from prison. A good story but this is a welcome respite from the general darkness of that story.
He used that new power to become a sort of robin hood stealing from the rich but instead of giving it to the poor he gave it all to his girlfriend. In return she helped him upgrade his suit by gathering together the power suits of a criminal organization but soon he discovered that he wasn't in Robin Hood he was in Macbeth and she was simply using him for her own gains.
She used the suits that he had helped repair to chase him and eventually he was forced to flee to astro city. The story then comes around to the Steel jacketed man as he helps the turtle to defeat the men chasing him under the assumption that they are the ones he has been trying to stop.

How to dress for your body shape

  Before you stride into the nearest clothes shop or department store, you should take a few minutes to work out exactly what your body shape is. There are a number of tools online to help you do this. Here are a couple to try: Find Out Your Body Shape Determine Your Body Shape One thing to remember is that few people are a perfectly round apple or absolutely balanced hour-glass. Our bodies really are unique, so take the advice below and modify it for yourself!   Apple  Do wear: square/scoop neck tops. Empire line and longer tops. Wide belts. Tailored jackets and skirts. Wrap tops and wrap dresses. Flowing skirts. Mid-rise, wide-leg jeans. Wide-leg dress pants with pockets. Belted dress. Simple, monochromatic colours. Don't wear: Short jackets. Pleated skirts. Tops with ruffles and lots of detail. Dress to emphasise your legs and slim your waist.Pear  Do wear: Bold, bright tops. Large lapels and sleeves. Wide necklines with princess sleeves. Shirts with a fitted waist. Jackets that end mid-hip. Off the shoulder shirts and dresses. A-Line skirts. Mid-rise straight leg dress pants and boot-leg jeans. Don't wear: Flares or tapered trousers. Tube or pencil skirts. Avoid bright colours for trousers and skirts. Dress to emphasis your shoulders and bust but slim your hips.   Inverted Triangle / Strawberry  Do wear: Full skirts. Wide leg trousers. Bright colours. Scoop or V necked tops. Wrap tops. Jackets with a deep neckline that flare around the hips. Full/Ballerina skirts. Pockets on your hips. A-line skirts. Cargo pants. Dresses with a deep neck and structured bust. Safari style dresses. Don't wear: Shoulder-pads. Tapering trousers. Puff-sleeves. Dress to emphasise your waist and hips but slim your shoulders.   Hourglass  Do wear: Belts. Wrap dresses. Waist-cinching tops. Fitted shirts/jackets with darted waists. Pencil skirts with a flare. Boot-cut mid-rise jeans. Full-skirts. Sleeveless dresses. Wide-fitted waist and full skirt dress. Don't wear: Baggy jumpers. Boxy jackets. The key is to balance your top and bottom half. If you have volume at the top, go for volume at the bottom too.   Rectangle / Straight  Do wear: Structured coats with belted waist. High neck tops. Shirts with structured shoulders. Ruffled/detailed tops. Off the shoulder tops. Draped tops with a defined waist. A-Line skirts. Short skirts. Skirts with pockets. Low-rise boot-cut jeans. Full-sleeved dresses. Shift-dresses. Don't wear: Sheath or straight dresses. Crop-tops. The key is to give yourself curves and emphasise your long legs and slim frame.  Remember - the way you dress should make you feel comfortable, beautiful and confident. Try on everything - sometimes an outfit that looks boring on a hanger can look stunning when worn by the right person. Express your personality through colour and accessories. Look for people who dress well and ask them for advice. Avoid copying the latest fashion trends, and stick to classic clothes that always look good.

Movie reviews: Full Metal Jacket

  FMJ starts in a Marine Corp training camp in Paris Island, South Carolina, USA in the 1960s. A young group of conscripts arrive and after having their identities taken away, along with the obligatory head-shave, begin their grueling training for the Vietnam War. During their time at the camp the new platoon remain under the scrutiny of Drill Sergeant Hartman (R Lee Ermey) and after the first encounter it is easy to see why Sergeant Hartman has the reputation of being the nastiest sergeant in the camp. The recruits, known only by the nick names given to them by Hartman, are taught how to make beds, keep their belongings tidy, clean their boots and their weapons, subjected to physical torture (AKA exercise) and mentally abused in the quest to become fully fledged members of the elite killing squad known as the Royal Marines. As in all situations like the above, there are squabbles amongst the platoon due to the high levels of testosterone floating around and the lack of freedom the recruits have, but in the end they all gel together to become a highly motivated and well organized unit, however it is not plain sailing all the way and not everyone makes it. Once graduated the platoon are broken up as they are allocated their respective posts in Vietnam. In Vietnam we follow the escapades of Private Joker (Matthew Modine), who along with his friend Rafterman (Kevyn Major Howard) was allocated the job of being a reporter and a photographer respectively, for the Marine Corp's newspaper, The Stars and Stripes.

Movie reviews: Full Metal Jacket

  As I said before, this film is following the new recruits who have joined the US Marines at the time of the Vietnam war. We meet several of the recruits but Pile and Joker are the two main characters. Gunnery Sergeant Hartman is the man who is putting them through their paces and we see the relationship which form through him. Pile is not a liked recruit as he keeps messing up and the others are punished for it. Joker tries to help Pile but things go wrong when Pile flips and shoots Hartman and then himself. We are then treated the news that all the recruits have passed their training and they are given their new positions in the Marines. We then follow Joker who is working as a Marine reporter and how he has to go around reporting on the effect the war is having on the Marines. Jokes is happy when he is reunited with on old friend, Cowboy but things then take a turn for the worse for Cowboy and his group of soldiers. Just how many lives will be lost in this war and how will Joker find reporting on such tragedies? I made the mistake at the start of this film by thinking that we were following the life of Private Pile when in fact we were following Joker. This does become apparent after Pile shoots himself, but having never seen past this part I was not aware of this. I found the storyline to be very moving and tough at the start but as hubby said to me these men were going out to face a war and they had to be toughened up to survive. I was pleased when the training was over and the story moved away to the actual war as I did not find this quite so hard viewing and there was no bullying involved. I thought that all of the actors in the film were exceptional in their roles and I did enjoy the role of Private Pile and thought he did an amazing job portraying a bullied recruit and how he went crazy and love firing his gun.

Get Free Admission To National Parks in 2012

The National Park service is offering free admission on certain days in 2012 to all 397 parks across the country. According to the National Park Service, free admission days are being conducted as an effort to increase tourism in and around the various park communities.
Days that are free include Martin Luther King weekend, January 14-16th, April 21st-29th during National Park Week, June 9th in celebration of Get Outdoors Day, September 29th during National Public Lands Day, and during Veterans Day Weekend November 10th-12th.
I hope every American can take advantage of the upcoming fee free  weekend and visit their parks to experience their history firsthand,” says National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. For more information on parks in your area, visit

Clif Bar Celebrates 20 Years of Organic Nutrition

Gary Panforte celebrates with Clif Bar honoring 20 years of organic nutrition.
In celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary,  Clif Bar  Company Founder and Co-CEO Gary Erickson created GARYs  PANFORTE, a limited-edition CLIF? Bar full of fruits, nuts and spices  that was inspired by his early cycling adventures over Northern Italy’s  Passo di Gàvia. (Watch Erickson tell the story behind GARY’s PANFORTE at  /adventures).
CLIF  Bar, the original energy bar made with organic ingredients, was also  born on a bike – in 1990 during a 175-mile ride in Northern California  on which Erickson had “the epiphany” that he could make a better tasting  energy bar. Two years later the first CLIF Bars hit the market and Clif  Bar  Company was off and running.
Now,  20 years later, Erickson wanted to create GARYs PANFORTE, embodying  the flavors of a traditional Italian Panforte, which is full of fruits,  nuts, spices and citrus notes, and has been a staple in Italy for  hundreds of years. The bar delights taste buds with a flavorful blend of  23 ingredients, including many new to CLIF Bar but typical in Italian  Panforte, including crunchy hazelnuts and pistachios, sweet figs and  pears, citrus peel and hints of cinnamon, ginger and coriander.

Backyard Corridors: Do you see evidence of climate change

While humans debate the degree, extent and (still) the mere existence of climate change, scores of species are left to deal with its realities. We dont all live at the seething edge of a major wildlife migration route, but many of us have observed subtle changes in the behaviors of the animals that live (or used to live) in our Backyard Corridors. In these changes lies a message; thus our question for this week: Do you see evidence of climate change affecting animals in your area?Please share your observations in the comments on our blog, The Cleanest Line, or on Patagonia’s Facebook page. Author and wildlife biologist Douglas Chadwick offers this take on some of the changes taking place in his back yard as a result of global warming:Rationalization is an overwhelming human force. Once you form opinions, your mind works overtime, often subtly and even subconsciously, to select information that supports your biases while ignoring or purposefully giving less weight to observations that threaten to prove you wrong. Hey, I think I just described the cult of Climate Change Denial. But that wasnt the point I wanted to make. In fact, I set out to admit that Im probably biased the opposite way, believing that climate change is happening. Im pretty sure that global warming is real and potentially devastating to the ecosystems we know and depend upon. Consequently, Im that much more likely to interpret what could be ordinary variation in weather cycles and wildlife activity as evidence of an overheating planet. I find myself in a constant struggle to tell hints and hunches and unusual sightings -- anecdotal stuff -- apart from the kind of solid information that someone could test and verify.Im a wildlife biologist, but Im not trying to play the cautious scientist here. Im just trying to be honest. So Im not going to tell you that what I report below is due to climate change, only that it sure looks like it might be. After all, I live in the Montana Rockies and spend most of my outdoor time in nearby Glacier National Park, home to 150 glaciers when founded in 1910. The reserve now has no more than a couple dozen and is expected to lose its last one within the next 15 years or so. Having watched great, grinding landforms of ice blue as lapis lazuli shrink in a relatively short time to pieces that barely qualify as dirty snowfields, Im not too sympathetic to arguments that climate change is strictly tree-hugger propaganda.

Announcing the Patagonia Winterfest Sale

This is your chance to chop 30-50% off retail prices on select Patagonia products.* Pick up great gear for the snowy months ahead or take care of next years holiday shopping while prices are right. Save at Patagonia/sale and most Patagonia Retail Stores.
PATAGONIA WINTERFEST SALESave 30-50%February 11-16, 2010
While youre there, be among the first to check out our great new spring offerings. Theyre not on sale, but youre sure to find something you like.

Marmot Brilliant Jacket

 On Sale. Free Shipping. Marmot Women's Brilliant Jacket DECENT FEATURES of the Marmot Women's Brilliant Jacket Thermal RE co Insulation Zippered Hand Pockets Inside Zip Pocket Elastic Draw Cord Hem Angel-Wing Movement Zippin Compatible The SPECS Weight: 14.8 oz / 419.6 g Material: 100% Polyester Ripstop DWR2.3 oz/yd Center Back Length: 24in. Fit: Regular
Prepare to be dazzled by the Marmot Women's Brilliant Jacket, a resplendent combination of feminine style, lightweight warmth, and eco-friendly materials. Equally magnificent when worn about town on its own as it is under a shell in bitter weather, the Brilliant Jacket warms your body with fully recycled Thermal R Eco insulation. Zippered handwarmer pockets and a DriClime lined collar let you enjoy the coldest days of winter.
The women's Marmot Brilliant Jacket, a coat so good it named itself. An ecologically sound UpCycle jacket designed for warmth and distinctive style, a unique stitching pattern draws your eye toward clean, elegant lines. Well insulated against the cold, zip handwarmer pockets and a DriClime  lined collar make going out on blustery days fun again.
Marmot Womens Brilliant Jacket - This jacket is made from polyester UpCycle fabric with a DWR coating and has a water resistant polyester lining, EcoPro insulation, zippered handwarmer pockets, an inside zip pocket, an elastic drawcord hem, and Angel-Wing movement. Available Colors: Black, Wine, Saxony Blue, Turtle Dove.

Outdoor Research Axiom Jacket

Outdoor Research's Axiom Jacket is a storm shell that is fully engineered for fast and light alpine climbs utilizing lightweight and extremely breathable technologies for protection and comfort.
On Sale. Free Shipping. Outdoor Research Men's Axiom Jacket DECENT FEATURES of the Outdoor Research Men's Axiom Jacket Waterproof Highly breathable Light weight Movement-mirroring stretch Fully seam taped Water-resistant zippers Adjustable hood fits over helmet Single-separating front zipper Internal front-zip storm flap Napoleon pocket Internal Shove-It pocket Left hand pocket doubles as stuff sack Hand pockets set above hip belt or harness Articulated elbows Cuff closures Drawcord hem The SPECS Weight: (L): 13.5 oz / 382 g Fit: Trim Center Back Length: 29in. / 77 cm Fabric: 100% nylon, 3-layer 20D Gore-Tex Active fabric This product can only be shipped within the United States. Please don't hate us.
Engineered for summer and shoulder-season alpine climbing, the lightweight Outdoor Research Axiom Jacket features a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane for peace of mind during those light-and-fast expeditions.
Outdoor Research's pinnacle storm shell is engineered for fast and light alpine climbs, utilizing innovatively lightweight and extremely breathable GORE-TEX Active fabric technology for protection and comfort during highly aerobic ascents in rugged conditions.

2011 Squaw Valley Spring Pass for $199 or $4.42 a day

Wondering what to do this spring? Squaw Valley ski resort is coming off record snowfalls this spring and decided to extend their season through May. That is pretty sick. You can ski Squaw for $4.42 a day. Sound ridiculous? It is. Even more ridiculous is if you buy your 2011/2012 Season Pass right now you will not only get the best guaranteed pricing, but you can get the Spring Pass for $129, which comes out to $2.87 a day. When was the last time you bought a ski ticket for $2.87.
If you have been thinking about becoming a pro extreme skier, now is the time.
Oh yeah, you also get free access to the High Camp pool and Spa as well as free tram rides all summer.

Ski for Free at Lake Louis this May

This deal is sweet. All 2010-2011 season pass holders, from any North American ski resort can ski for free at Lake Louis from May 2cnd to the 8th. Lake Louis is reporting a banner snow year this year and decided to extend there lift service into May and offer it for free. Pretty incredible deal eh? Here are the details:

Thanks to incredible snow

conditions, The Lake Louise Ski Area is pleased to announce that it will

remain open for an extra bonus week from Monday May 2 to Sunday May 8.

During the Lake Louise Bonus Week, The Lake Louise Ski Area will offer free skiing and riding to the following groups: 

     

The rocks Era Trek College or university Train locomotives Future Creation connected with Trek Stewards

This The rocks Era Nation's Lovely Trek, this 1000-mile camping trek of which begun from the 1950s and is particularly however within structure currently, is essentially designed in addition to looked after by means of volunteers. On a yearly basis, this The rocks Era Trek Connections owners The rocks Era Trek College or university, some sort of weekend-long workout prepared to take everyone by means of subscription, to train critical trek developing, command, in addition to hands-on ability.
Alumni on the method come to be authorized staff commanders exactly who guideline volunteers with developing mile after mile connected with trek, go camping chefs exactly who give legions connected with keen volunteers, in addition to safety-conscious challenge players exactly who prevent in addition to interact to traumas from the subject. Many people generate large-scale trek developing initiatives, such as Cell phone Ability Staff functions published because of the The rocks Era Trek Connections, effective. In addition to effective trek developing initiatives indicate far more mile after mile connected with The rocks Era Trek to help go and luxuriate in.

The good Maine Out-of-doors Few days

The tip connected with Sept is a good the perfect time to stop by Maine in addition to go through the splendor on the This tree Pine Talk about. That slip, readers in addition to occupants should have this added in option connected with engaged in family in addition to educative selection honoring the good Maine Out-of-doors Few days in addition to NPLD.
The good Maine Out-of-doors Few days (GMOW) is usually a three-day very long affair connected with family-friendly educative, family in addition to offer things to do. Transpiring by Sept 28-30, with regards to GMOW is usually to receive several nonprofits, area trusts, firms, courses, for example. to help coordinator starting, small or maybe free of charge things to do to help really encourage Mainers to know around the outdoor. Functions thought out include things like well guided outdoor hikes, paddles, characteristics moves, out-of-doors go camping outs, spouse and children enjoyment days to weeks and even more!
One more few days with Sept seemed to be preferred with the GMOW because doing so incorporates Nation's Open Gets Time, Sept 29th. GMOW things to do are usually in progress at this point. The primary GMOW taken place the government financial aid this spg in addition to included in excess of 85 functions.