The kettle performs adequately. It boils quickly and pours without splashng and scalding. Price was competitive.

Downsides. The attempt to make its shape interesting only jars the eye and mating the jug to the base is a fiddle.

The Saris lock is more than adequate to do the job. The lock comes with two keys and a cover fits over the mechanism to prevent dirt and water getting into the mechanim. It even appears to provide additionl support to the hitch once installed.

The downside ? Costs more than some other locks

The Saris rack is much lighter than original designs making it easier to mount and remove from the hitch. Bike supports are tailored to the shape of the wheels providing excellent support while the working parts fold out of the way when not in use. Cost for the unit is also significantly less than other brand name items.

Only real drawback - initial assembly tests one's patience somewhat but only has to be done once.

Two or three tracks on this CD are GREAT. "Year of the Cat" is one of the most cleverly crafted songs of that decade but too many of the other tunes are melodically mushy - some interesting lyrics but not attention grabbing for the most part.

I have been to see Jesse Cook in concert and never been disappointed. However this CD comes off as elevator music with very little energy and no new creative approaches. The best cuts are covers of some Rock classics.
If that doesn't tell you what has happened...

Gerry Rafferty had a very short career before becoming an artistic hermit but in that time wove some marvelous character pieces that have stood the test of time. Most of the good ones are on this album. He died recently.

I am a long-time admirer of Jesse Cook and he has tried to reinvent himself from time to time but this CD falls way short of my expectations. Sharp percussive drumming from South America doesn't add much character and serves to push the lead guitar work into a background of other instruments. Back to basics Jesse... or take up the Blues. Good background mood music for an evening supper party.

I am a child of the 60's so I knew that the content of the album was something that would appeal. Fine melodies and gentle subject matter treated in a unique fashion - especially if you like a bar or two of mandolin

However the CD case was so damaged during shipping that I was relieved to find that the actual recording was okay. The case I threw away. Oh yes. The price of this collector's item delivered to the door was cheaper than buying it at a retail outlet.

Too bad that an elephant sat on the package during transport.