Sherri

No worries. I just happened to pick it up at the bookstore in Leavenworth this fall. It's not "scientific literature" so much as it is "literary science"--in other words, Watson draws a lot of his own conclusions that are not necessarily scientifically verifiable-- but I found it to be a fun, thought-provoking read. And who's to say that rocks don't cry?

Excellent points, Ketch. I believe concept of "perceived cold" is significant in Reynauds. I can be perfectly warm in the house, but the mere thought of going out for a ride or run on a cold day will cause my fingers begin to discolor. Freaky.

22 I knew I should have agreed to the eye-gouging.

OMG! I want those!

Agreed, the two-prong design probably has more to do with it being intended for use as a cycling glove than anything else, but the way they compensate for any loss in warmth by splitting the fingers is to have an soft interior sleeve that envelops each finger separately. So it's kind of like a finger glove inside of a mitten, if that makes sense. All I know is that it works. My hands are never cold. And that's saying a lot for me.

warmest gloves in the universe right here: Pearl Izumi Lobster Glove These gloves will stop the whining. I've got Raynaud's(which makes extremities hypersensitive to cold), and even on a 2-3hr bike ride in wet, sub-40 degree temps, these gloves keep my hands unbelievably toasty. I wish they made them for feet, too.

The V-Miles are great shoes!(I just got a pair this summer for full-on crack and multi days.) If anyone's looking to test drive a pair, grab these; it's a good deal. Incidentally, Snowball, I also needed two different sizes when I purchased mine. After some asking around, found out that the factory will sell you a "mismatched" pair for a 25% surcharge.

I'd rather share a small.

You can dress me anytime. I'm not small though--what I lack in stature I make up for in mass. I wear mediums in women's.

Just finished this book and wanted to pass on a recommendation for it to anyone looking for an interesting nature-based read to fill the long hours of darkness. The author, Lyall Watson, is a botanist, zoologist, biologist, anthropologist, and ethologist. He presents some fascinating interpretations of natural patterns, mysteries, and "miracles" from both anthropological history and our everyday existence.(ie--why do most people, from those today back to our earliest ancestors, become right-handed? Why do the cherries cluster in one part of a cake? Why would a plant "react" to an animal's death?) The last chapter, about the "perfect ecology" of a Papuan cannibalist society is worth the price of the book, but every chapter is a gem in itself. Publisher's blurb: "Prowling the edges of science with insight and sensitivity, Lyall Watson maintains that there is a truth to be found behind every seemingly impossible legend. The best-selling author of Supernature and Gifts of Unknown Things, Watson takes us on a journey through prehistoric burial sites on the beaches of South Africa, ancient ritual iron mines in Swaziland, and present-day villages in Indonesia and New Guinea inhabited by man-eating dragons and headhunters. In these and other extraordinary travels we encounter phenomenon that defy traditional scientific explanation. Watson looks beyond the scientific "facts" and helps us--through his own remarkable discoveries--to see the poetry and wonder of the natural world."

Why not?! I'll write RumR on mine if you write Sherri on yours. Besides, I think I'll have more fun as someone else.

It would probably be best to not blow bubbles. Just saying.

Those girly shirts are hawt. Nice job, Porter! So, in theory, anyone can write the name of any avatar in the box, right? This could have some entertaining consequences.

It may not have seemed "dramatic" compared to some of the high profile rescues about which we hear, but I have a hunch that it was hugely so to those who received your assistance, Joseph. I'm really glad Billcoe shared this here...showing off the good nature and good skills of one of our own. Way to represent!

Good to hear that you're making progress on kicking this thing, Rob! Hang in there and get home soon. We're thinking of you.

Nice, Tvash! Your eye for alpine detail makes those photos priceless. Thanks for sharing with those of us who are armchair-alpinists.

Many blind hunters roost on comfy crows.

I'll say! Nothing "Itty Bitty" there.

But does a blind crow ever roost?

They're just sore losers.

Christmas IS solstice. The Christians just don't know it. Shhhhh! Ho ho ho!

Wow, you're right. That's some bad news. I have been wanting to get a subscription as a treat to myself but it looks like doing so now, after the fire, will be a gift to them, as well.

Thinking some good thoughts for you buddy! Get well ASAP. We got some more Index crack to get after.

Exactly. Doesn't that translate something like, "Take me OFF BELAY, dude, I want to see how far up this polished chimney I can solo. Thanks! "?

That reminded me of the culinary faux-paux that happened at a fancy hotel where I used to work. We were preparing a luncheon for about 1200 people during a Jewish conference, and one of my cooks took it upon himself to "kick-up" the pasta salad by adding several pounds of cubed ham to this gigantic batch, right before we were supposed to start plating for service. With no time to do up a new batch--and knowing he was in BIG trouble--he frantically began attempting to pick out the pieces of ham. It was a porcine disaster.