Like most seasoned bikers, Ive been searching in vain for the the ideal rain-gear to protect myself from the elements without having to compromise on freedom of movement. Luckily a few months back, a friend, who is an avid horseback rider, turned me on to the...

You may be stuck in a new phenomenon that falls under the colorful moniker, Helicopter Parent. If you find yourself hovering over your kidult, attempting to protect him or her from lifes ups and downs, you fit the description. Is it technology - cell phones, email and instant messaging - as some say, that keeps parents overly involved, or is something else at work? Maria worries, Im far too enmeshed with my daughter and afraid of keeping her closer than is healthy. Im trying to step back and minimize our contact - for the emotional growth of both of us.