diff --git a/PRIMER.md b/PRIMER.md
index de67f1e4d3..a327a652d8 100644
--- a/PRIMER.md
+++ b/PRIMER.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Below is a description of the current Polymer features, followed by individual f
 | [Configure properties](#property-config) | properties: { … }
 | [Attribute deserialization to property](#attribute-deserialization) | properties: { \<property>: \<Type> }
 | [Static attributes on host](#host-attributes) | hostAttributes: { \<attribute>: \<value> }
-| [Prototype mixins](#prototype-mixins) | mixins: [ … ]
+| [Behavior mixins](#behaviors) | behaviors: [ … ]
 
 <a name="polymer-mini"></a>
 **Template stamped into "local DOM" and tree lifecycle**
@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ Below is a description of the current Polymer features, followed by individual f
 |---------|-------
 | [Template repeater](#x-repeat) | \<template is="x-repeat" items="{{arr}}">
 | [Array selector](#x-array-selector) | \<x-array-selector items="{{arr}}" selected="{{selected}}">
+| [Conditional template](#x-if) | \<template is="x-if">
 | [Auto-binding template](#x-autobind) | \<template is="x-autobind">
 | [Cross-scope styling](#xscope-styling) | --custom-prop: value, var(--custom-prop), mixin(--custom-mixin)
 | [Custom element for styling features](#x-style) | \<style is="x-style">
@@ -357,47 +358,57 @@ Results in:
 <x-custom role="button" aria-disabled tabindex="0"></x-custom>
 ```
 
-<a name="prototype-mixins"></a>
-## Prototype mixins
+<a name="behaviors"></a>
+## Behaviors
 
-Polymer will "mixin" objects specified in a `mixin` array into the prototype.  This can be useful for adding common code between multiple elements.
+Polymer supports extending custom element prototypes with shared code modules called "behaviors".
 
-The current mixin feature in 0.8 is basic; it simply loops over properties in the provided object and adds property descriptors for those on the prototype (such that `set`/`get` accessors are copied in addition to properties and functions).  Note that there is currently no support for configuring properties or hooking lifecycle callbacks directly via mixins.  The general pattern is for the mixin to supply functions to be called by the target element as part of its usage contract (and should be documented as such).  These limitations will likely be revisited in the future.
+A behavior is simply an object that looks very similar to a typical Polymer prototype.  It may define lifecycle callbacks, `properties`, `hostAttributes`, or other features described later in this document like `observers` and `listeners`.  To add a behavior to a Polymer element definition, include it in a `behaviors` array on the prototype.
 
+Lifecycle callbacks will be called on the base prototype first, then for each behavior in the order given in the `behaviors` array.   Additionally, any non-lifecycle functions on the behavior object are mixed into the base prototype (and will overwrite the function on the prototype, if they exist); these may be useful for adding API or implementing observer or event listener callbacks defined by the behavior, for example.
 
-Example: `fun-mixin.html`
+Example: `highlight-behavior.html`
 
 ```js
-FunMixin = {
+HighlightBehavior = {
 
-    funCreatedCallback: function() {
-      this.makeElementFun();
-    },
-
-    makeElementFun: function() {
-      this.style.border = 'border: 20px dotted fuchsia;';
+  properties: {
+    isHighlighted: {
+      type: Boolean,
+      value: false,
+      notify: true,
+      observer: '_highlightChanged'
     }
-  };
+  },
+  
+  listeners: {
+    click: '_toggleHighlight'
+  },
+  
+  created: function() {
+    console.log('Highlighting for ', this, + 'enabled!');
+  },
 
-});
+  _toggleHighlight: function() {
+    this.isHighlighted = !this.isHighlighted;
+  },
+  
+  _highlightChanged: function(value) {
+    this.toggleClass('highlighted', value);
+  }
+
+};
 ```
 
 Example: `my-element.html`
 
 ```html
-<link rel="import" href="fun-mixin.html">
+<link rel="import" href="highlight-behavior.html">
 
 <script>
   Polymer({
-
     is: 'my-element',
-
-    mixins: [FunMixin],
-
-    created: function() {
-      this.funCreatedCallback();
-    }
-
+    behaviors: [HighlightBehavior]
   });
 </script>
 ```
diff --git a/polymer-micro.html b/polymer-micro.html
index 46066273d0..cbc4f0c5c3 100644
--- a/polymer-micro.html
+++ b/polymer-micro.html
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 -->
 <link rel="import" href="src/polymer-lib.html">
 <link rel="import" href="src/micro/tag.html">
-<link rel="import" href="src/micro/mixins.html">
+<link rel="import" href="src/micro/behaviors.html">
 <link rel="import" href="src/micro/extends.html">
 <link rel="import" href="src/micro/constructor.html">
 <link rel="import" href="src/micro/properties.html">
@@ -18,18 +18,31 @@
 
 <script>
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
-    registerFeatures: function() {
+    _registerFeatures: function() {
+      // identity
       this._prepIs();
-      this._prepMixins();
+      // shared behaviors
+      this._prepBehaviors();
+      // inheritance
       this._prepExtends();
+      // factory
       this._prepConstructor();
     },
 
-    initFeatures: function() {
+    _prepBehavior: function() {},
+
+    _initFeatures: function() {
+      // setup debouncers
       this._setupDebouncers();
-      this._marshalAttributes();
+      // acquire behaviors
+      this._marshalBehaviors();
+    },
+
+    _marshalBehavior: function(b) {
+      // publish attributes to instance
+      this._installHostAttributes(b.hostAttributes);
     }
 
   });
diff --git a/polymer-mini.html b/polymer-mini.html
index 1e726f96cb..389bc3c7c8 100644
--- a/polymer-mini.html
+++ b/polymer-mini.html
@@ -19,25 +19,45 @@
 
   Polymer.DomModule = document.createElement('dom-module');
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
-    registerFeatures: function() {
+    _registerFeatures: function() {
+      // identity
       this._prepIs();
-      this._prepMixins();
+      // shared behaviors
+      this._prepBehaviors();
+      // inheritance
       this._prepExtends();
+     // factory
       this._prepConstructor();
+      // template
       this._prepTemplate();
-      this._prepContent();
+      // dom encapsulation
+      this._prepShady();
     },
 
-    initFeatures: function() {
+    _prepBehavior: function() {},
+
+    _initFeatures: function() {
+      // manage local dom
       this._poolContent();
+      // host stack
       this._pushHost();
+      // instantiate template
       this._stampTemplate();
+      // host stack
       this._popHost();
+      // setup debouncers
       this._setupDebouncers();
-      this._marshalAttributes();
+      // instance shared behaviors
+      this._marshalBehaviors();
+      // top-down initial distribution, configuration, & ready callback
       this._tryReady();
+    },
+
+    _marshalBehavior: function(b) {
+      // publish attributes to instance
+      this._installHostAttributes(b.hostAttributes);
     }
 
   });
diff --git a/polymer.html b/polymer.html
index cbcea2b264..3dc83030bd 100644
--- a/polymer.html
+++ b/polymer.html
@@ -22,31 +22,64 @@
 
 <script>
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
-    registerFeatures: function() {
+    _registerFeatures: function() {
+      // identity
       this._prepIs();
-      this._prepMixins();
+      // inheritance
       this._prepExtends();
+      // factory
       this._prepConstructor();
+      // template
       this._prepTemplate();
+      // template markup
       this._prepAnnotations();
+      // accessors
       this._prepEffects();
-      this._prepContent();
+      // shared behaviors
+      this._prepBehaviors();
+      // accessors part 2
+      this._prepBindings();
+      // dom encapsulation
+      this._prepShady();
     },
 
-    initFeatures: function() {
+    _prepBehavior: function(b) {
+      this._addPropertyEffects(b.properties || b.accessors);
+      this._addComplexObserverEffects(b.observers);
+    },
+
+    _initFeatures: function() {
+      // manage local dom
       this._poolContent();
+      // manage configuration
       this._setupConfigure();
+      // host stack
       this._pushHost();
+      // instantiate template
       this._stampTemplate();
+      // host stack
       this._popHost();
+      // concretize template references
       this._marshalAnnotationReferences();
+      // setup debouncers
       this._setupDebouncers();
+      // concretize effects on instance
       this._marshalInstanceEffects();
+      // acquire instance behaviors
+      this._marshalBehaviors();
+      // acquire initial instance attribute values
       this._marshalAttributes();
-      this._marshalListeners();
+      // top-down initial distribution, configuration, & ready callback
       this._tryReady();
+    },
+
+    _marshalBehavior: function(b) {
+      // publish attributes to instance
+      this._installHostAttributes(b.hostAttributes);
+      // establish listeners on instance
+      this._listenListeners(b.listeners);
     }
 
   });
diff --git a/src/lib/base.html b/src/lib/base.html
index a195eaecf1..187b35a7e3 100644
--- a/src/lib/base.html
+++ b/src/lib/base.html
@@ -11,83 +11,58 @@
 
   Polymer.Base = {
 
-    // (semi-)pluggable features for Base
-    addFeature: function(feature) {
+    // pluggable features
+    // `this` context is a prototype, not an instance
+    _addFeature: function(feature) {
       this.extend(this, feature);
     },
 
+    // `this` context is a prototype, not an instance
     registerCallback: function() {
-      this.registerFeatures();  // abstract
-      this.registered();
-    },
-
-    registered: function() {
-      // for overriding
-      // `this` context is a prototype, not an instance
+      this._registerFeatures();  // abstract
+      this._doBehavior('registered'); // abstract
     },
 
     createdCallback: function() {
       Polymer.telemetry.instanceCount++;
       this.root = this;
-      this.beforeCreated();
-      this.created();
-      this.afterCreated();
-      this.initFeatures(); // abstract
-    },
-
-    beforeCreated: function() {
-      // for overriding
-    },
-
-    created: function() {
-      // for overriding
-    },
-
-    afterCreated: function() {
-      // for overriding
+      this._doBehavior('created'); // abstract
+      this._initFeatures(); // abstract
     },
 
+    // reserved for canonical behavior
     attachedCallback: function() {
       this.isAttached = true;
-      // reserved for canonical behavior
-      this.attached();
-    },
-
-    attached: function() {
-      // for overriding
+      this._doBehavior('attached'); // abstract
     },
 
+    // reserved for canonical behavior
     detachedCallback: function() {
       this.isAttached = false;
-      // reserved for canonical behavior
-      this.detached();
-    },
-
-    detached: function() {
-      // for overriding
+      this._doBehavior('detached'); // abstract
     },
 
+    // reserved for canonical behavior
     attributeChangedCallback: function(name) {
       this.setAttributeToProperty(this, name);
-      // reserved for canonical behavior
-      this.attributeChanged.apply(this, arguments);
-    },
-
-    attributeChanged: function() {
-      // for overriding
+      this._doBehavior('attributeChanged', arguments); // abstract
     },
 
     // copy own properties from `api` to `prototype`
     extend: function(prototype, api) {
       if (prototype && api) {
         Object.getOwnPropertyNames(api).forEach(function(n) {
-          var pd = Object.getOwnPropertyDescriptor(api, n);
-          if (pd) {
-            Object.defineProperty(prototype, n, pd);
-          }
-        });
+          this.copyOwnProperty(n, api, prototype);
+        }, this);
       }
       return prototype || api;
+    },
+
+    copyOwnProperty: function(name, source, target) {
+      var pd = Object.getOwnPropertyDescriptor(source, name);
+      if (pd) {
+        Object.defineProperty(target, name, pd);
+      }
     }
 
   };
diff --git a/src/lib/bind/accessors.html b/src/lib/bind/accessors.html
index aa85ecd084..82b5cfbe3f 100644
--- a/src/lib/bind/accessors.html
+++ b/src/lib/bind/accessors.html
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
         // TODO(sjmiles): oops, `fire` doesn't exist at this layer
         this.fire(eventName, {
           value: this[property]
-        }, null, false);
+        }, {bubbles: false});
       },
 
       // TODO(sjmiles): removing _notifyListener from here breaks accessors.html
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@
       fx.push({
         kind: kind,
         effect: effect
-      });        
+      });
     },
 
     createBindings: function(model) {
diff --git a/src/lib/expr/focus.html b/src/lib/expr/focus.html
index 7672b0b0a6..f3d5be8649 100644
--- a/src/lib/expr/focus.html
+++ b/src/lib/expr/focus.html
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 -->
 <script>
 
-  Base.addFeature({
+  Base._addFeature({
 
     init: function() {
       if (this.focusable) {
diff --git a/src/lib/expr/log.html b/src/lib/expr/log.html
index c23e29ce7a..4927950795 100644
--- a/src/lib/expr/log.html
+++ b/src/lib/expr/log.html
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 -->
 <script>
 
-  Base.addFeature({
+  Base._addFeature({
     log: function() {
       var args = Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments, 0);
       args[0] = '[%s]: ' + args[0];
diff --git a/src/lib/template/templatizer.html b/src/lib/template/templatizer.html
index f1c538ea5d..a0b3fea104 100644
--- a/src/lib/template/templatizer.html
+++ b/src/lib/template/templatizer.html
@@ -34,8 +34,12 @@
       // normally Annotations.parseAnnotations(template) but
       // archetypes do special caching
       this.customPrepAnnotations(archetype, template);
+
       // setup accessors
       archetype._prepEffects();
+      archetype._prepBehaviors();
+      archetype._prepBindings();
+
       // forward parent properties to archetype
       this._prepParentProperties(archetype);
 
diff --git a/src/lib/template/x-autobind.html b/src/lib/template/x-autobind.html
index e8b6bd1b46..11b0af5f42 100644
--- a/src/lib/template/x-autobind.html
+++ b/src/lib/template/x-autobind.html
@@ -35,13 +35,13 @@
 <body>
 
   <template is="x-autobind">
-    
+
     <core-ajax url="http://..." lastresponse="{{data}}"></core-ajax>
-    
+
     <template is="x-repeat" items="{{data}}">
         <div><span>{{item.first}}</span> <span>{{item.last}}</span></div>
     </template>
-    
+
   </template>
 
 </body>
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@
 
     extends: 'template',
 
-    registerFeatures: function() {
+    _registerFeatures: function() {
       this._prepExtends();
       this._prepConstructor();
     },
@@ -68,11 +68,13 @@
       parentDom.insertBefore(this.root, this);
     },
 
-    initFeatures: function() {
+    _initFeatures: function() {
       this._template = this;
       this._prepAnnotations();
       this._prepEffects();
-      Polymer.Base.initFeatures.call(this);
+      this._prepBehaviors();
+      this._prepBindings();
+      Polymer.Base._initFeatures.call(this);
     }
 
   });
diff --git a/src/lib/template/x-if.html b/src/lib/template/x-if.html
index 9afd317e29..3a5bc27d06 100644
--- a/src/lib/template/x-if.html
+++ b/src/lib/template/x-if.html
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 
     },
 
-    mixins: [
+    behaviors: [
       Polymer.Templatizer
     ],
 
diff --git a/src/lib/template/x-repeat.html b/src/lib/template/x-repeat.html
index d6002d6e28..c584268843 100644
--- a/src/lib/template/x-repeat.html
+++ b/src/lib/template/x-repeat.html
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@
       delay: Number
     },
 
-    mixins: [
+    behaviors: [
       Polymer.Templatizer
     ],
 
diff --git a/src/lib/template/x-template.html b/src/lib/template/x-template.html
index da2430c2ea..92e80f522b 100644
--- a/src/lib/template/x-template.html
+++ b/src/lib/template/x-template.html
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
     is: 'x-template',
     extends: 'template',
 
-    mixins: [
+    behaviors: [
       Polymer.Templatizer
     ],
 
diff --git a/src/micro/attributes.html b/src/micro/attributes.html
index cedf03691f..67fe13a853 100644
--- a/src/micro/attributes.html
+++ b/src/micro/attributes.html
@@ -55,11 +55,10 @@
    * @class base feature: attributes
    */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     _marshalAttributes: function() {
       this._takeAttributes();
-      this._installHostAttributes(this.hostAttributes);
     },
 
     _installHostAttributes: function(attributes) {
@@ -79,12 +78,13 @@
     },
 
     _takeAttributesToModel: function(model) {
-      for (var propName in this.properties) {
-        var attrName = Polymer.CaseMap.camelToDashCase(propName);
-        if (this.hasAttribute(attrName)) {
-          var val = this.getAttribute(attrName);
-          var type = this.getPropertyType(propName);
-          model[propName] = this.deserialize(val, type);
+      for (var i=0, l=this.attributes.length; i<l; i++) {
+        var a = this.attributes[i];
+        var property = Polymer.CaseMap.dashToCamelCase(a.name);
+        var info = this.getPropertyInfo(property);
+        if (info || this._propertyEffects[property]) {
+          model[property] =
+            this.deserialize(a.value, info.type);
         }
       }
     },
diff --git a/src/micro/behaviors.html b/src/micro/behaviors.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..39601b6524
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/micro/behaviors.html
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+<!--
+@license
+Copyright (c) 2014 The Polymer Project Authors. All rights reserved.
+This code may only be used under the BSD style license found at http://polymer.github.io/LICENSE.txt
+The complete set of authors may be found at http://polymer.github.io/AUTHORS.txt
+The complete set of contributors may be found at http://polymer.github.io/CONTRIBUTORS.txt
+Code distributed by Google as part of the polymer project is also
+subject to an additional IP rights grant found at http://polymer.github.io/PATENTS.txt
+-->
+<script>
+
+  /**
+   * Automatically extend using objects referenced in `behaviors` array.
+   *
+   *     someBehaviorObject = {
+   *       accessors: {
+   *        value: {type: Number, observer: '_numberChanged'}
+   *       },
+   *       observers: [
+   *         // ...
+   *       ],
+   *       ready: function() {
+   *         // called before prototoype's ready
+   *       },
+   *       _numberChanged: function() {}
+   *     };
+   *
+   *     Polymer({
+   *
+   *       behaviors: [
+   *         someBehaviorObject
+   *       ]
+   *
+   *       ...
+   *
+   *     });
+   *
+   * @class base feature: behaviors
+   */
+
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
+
+    behaviors: [],
+
+    _prepBehaviors: function() {
+      this._flattenBehaviors();
+      this._prepBehavior(this);
+      this.behaviors.forEach(function(b) {
+        this._mixinBehavior(b);
+        this._prepBehavior(b);
+      }, this);
+    },
+
+    _flattenBehaviors: function() {
+      var flat = [];
+      this.behaviors.forEach(function(b) {
+        if (!b) {
+          console.warn('Polymer: undefined behavior in [' + this.is + ']');
+        } else if (b instanceof Array) {
+          flat = flat.concat(b);
+        } else {
+          flat.push(b);
+        }
+      }, this);
+      this.behaviors = flat;
+    },
+
+    _mixinBehavior: function(b) {
+      Object.getOwnPropertyNames(b).forEach(function(n) {
+        switch (n) {
+          case 'registered':
+          case 'properties':
+          case 'observers':
+          case 'listeners':
+          case 'keyPresses':
+          case 'hostAttributes':
+          case 'created':
+          case 'attached':
+          case 'detached':
+          case 'attributeChanged':
+          case 'configure':
+          case 'ready':
+            break;
+          default:
+            this.copyOwnProperty(n, b, this);
+            break;
+        }
+      }, this);
+    },
+
+    _doBehavior: function(name, args) {
+      this.behaviors.forEach(function(b) {
+        this._invokeBehavior(b, name, args);
+      }, this);
+      this._invokeBehavior(this, name, args);
+    },
+
+    _invokeBehavior: function(b, name, args) {
+      var fn = b[name];
+      if (fn) {
+        fn.apply(this, args || Polymer.nar);
+      }
+    },
+
+    _marshalBehaviors: function() {
+      this.behaviors.forEach(function(b) {
+        this._marshalBehavior(b);
+      }, this);
+      this._marshalBehavior(this);
+    }
+
+  });
+
+</script>
diff --git a/src/micro/constructor.html b/src/micro/constructor.html
index a42c5c4387..e5809e2cde 100644
--- a/src/micro/constructor.html
+++ b/src/micro/constructor.html
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
    * @class base feature: constructor
    */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     // registration-time
 
diff --git a/src/micro/extends.html b/src/micro/extends.html
index e7311f53b1..a90f8e40a0 100644
--- a/src/micro/extends.html
+++ b/src/micro/extends.html
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
    *   @class base feature: extends
    */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     _prepExtends: function() {
       if (this.extends) {
diff --git a/src/micro/mixins.html b/src/micro/mixins.html
index 9b409574c4..4f0b27462a 100644
--- a/src/micro/mixins.html
+++ b/src/micro/mixins.html
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
    * @class base feature: mixins
    */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     _prepMixins: function() {
       if (this.mixins) {
diff --git a/src/micro/properties.html b/src/micro/properties.html
index 33ce71f6af..79a3825f7c 100644
--- a/src/micro/properties.html
+++ b/src/micro/properties.html
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@
    *       <property>: <Type || Object>,
    *       ...
    *     }
-   * 
+   *
    * Example:
-   * 
+   *
    *     properties: {
    *       // `foo` property can be assigned via attribute, will be deserialized to
    *       // the specified data-type. All `properties` properties have this behavior.
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
    * information. Other features use this information to control behavior.
    *
    * The `type` information is used by the `attributes` feature to convert
-   * String values in attributes to typed properties. The `bind` feature uses 
+   * String values in attributes to typed properties. The `bind` feature uses
    * property information to control property access.
    *
    * Marking a property as `notify` causes a change in the property to
@@ -55,24 +55,30 @@
 
   // null object
   Polymer.nob = Object.create(null);
-  
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     properties: {
     },
 
     getPropertyInfo: function(property) {
-      return this._getPropertyInfo(property, this.properties);
+      var info = this._getPropertyInfo(property, this.properties);
+      if (!info) {
+        this.behaviors.some(function(b) {
+          return info = this._getPropertyInfo(property, b.properties);
+        }, this);
+      }
+      return info || Polymer.nob;
     },
 
     _getPropertyInfo: function(property, properties) {
-      var p = properties[property];
+      var p = properties && properties[property];
       if (typeof(p) === 'function') {
         p = properties[property] = {
           type: p
         };
       }
-      return p || Polymer.nob;
+      return p;
     },
 
     getPropertyType: function(property) {
diff --git a/src/micro/tag.html b/src/micro/tag.html
index 4892ecd0c0..885a24d753 100644
--- a/src/micro/tag.html
+++ b/src/micro/tag.html
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 -->
 <script>
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     _prepIs: function() {
       if (!this.is) {
diff --git a/src/mini/ready.html b/src/mini/ready.html
index b33aacee9b..e7ee3ce9a8 100644
--- a/src/mini/ready.html
+++ b/src/mini/ready.html
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
   var baseAttachedCallback = Polymer.Base.attachedCallback;
   var baseDetachedCallback = Polymer.Base.detachedCallback;
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     hostStack: [],
 
@@ -42,6 +42,13 @@
     ready: function() {
     },
 
+    // system entry point
+    _readyContent: function() {
+      if (this._canReady()) {
+        this._initializeContent();
+      }
+    },
+
     /**
       Returns the host of the local dom in which this element exists.
       This is a shorthand for Polymer.dom(this).getOwnerRoot().host
@@ -145,7 +152,7 @@
     // mark readied and call `ready`
     // note: called localChildren -> host
     _readySelf: function() {
-      this.ready();
+      this._doBehavior('ready');
       this._readied = true;
       if (this._attachedPending) {
         this._attachedPending = false;
diff --git a/src/mini/shadow.html b/src/mini/shadow.html
index 4691881481..396de0a651 100644
--- a/src/mini/shadow.html
+++ b/src/mini/shadow.html
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 
   if (Polymer.Settings.useShadow) {
 
-    Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+    Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
       // no-op's when ShadowDOM is in use
       _poolContent: function() {},
diff --git a/src/mini/shady.html b/src/mini/shady.html
index 730a47af59..81edc122bd 100644
--- a/src/mini/shady.html
+++ b/src/mini/shady.html
@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@
       polyfill across browsers.
 
     */
-    Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+    Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
-      _prepContent: function() {
+      _prepShady: function() {
         // Use this system iff localDom is needed.
         this._useContent = this._useContent || Boolean(this._template);
         if (this._useContent) {
@@ -60,10 +60,10 @@
 
       /**
        * Force this element to distribute its children to its local dom.
-       * A user should call `distributeContent` if distribution has been 
-       * invalidated due to changes to selectors on child elements that 
+       * A user should call `distributeContent` if distribution has been
+       * invalidated due to changes to selectors on child elements that
        * effect distribution. For example, if an element contains an
-       * insertion point with <content select=".foo"> and a `foo` class is 
+       * insertion point with <content select=".foo"> and a `foo` class is
        * added to a child, then `distributeContent` must be called to update
        * local dom distribution.
        */
diff --git a/src/mini/template.html b/src/mini/template.html
index c02c36519b..41e1144b13 100644
--- a/src/mini/template.html
+++ b/src/mini/template.html
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
    * @class standard feature: template
    */
   
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     _prepTemplate: function() {
       // locate template using dom-module
diff --git a/src/standard/annotations.html b/src/standard/annotations.html
index fff6a28e60..53690e512d 100644
--- a/src/standard/annotations.html
+++ b/src/standard/annotations.html
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@
 
 */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     // registration-time
 
diff --git a/src/standard/configure.html b/src/standard/configure.html
index ffa61372c2..27af16d231 100644
--- a/src/standard/configure.html
+++ b/src/standard/configure.html
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
   directly (on-foo-changed).
   */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     // storage for configuration
     _setupConfigure: function(initialConfig) {
@@ -68,19 +68,14 @@
     // combines with _config to create final property values
     _configure: function() {
       this._configureAnnotationReferences();
-      var i;
-      // get individual default values from property config
+      // get individual default values from property configs
       var config = {};
-      for (i in this.properties) {
-        var c = this.properties[i];
-        if (c.value !== undefined) {
-          if (typeof c.value == 'function') {
-            config[i] = c.value.call(this, this._config);
-          } else {
-            config[i] = c.value;
-          }
-        }
-      }
+      this._configureProperties(this.properties, config);
+      // behave!
+      this.behaviors.forEach(function(b) {
+        this._configureProperties(b.properties, config);
+      }, this);
+      // get add'l default values from central configure
       // combine defaults returned from configure with inputs in _config
       this._mixinConfigure(config, this._config);
       // this is the new _config, which are the final values to be applied
@@ -89,6 +84,20 @@
       this._distributeConfig(this._config);
     },
 
+    _configureProperties: function(properties, config) {
+      for (i in properties) {
+        var c = properties[i];
+        if (c.value !== undefined) {
+          var value = c.value;
+          if (typeof value == 'function') {
+            // pass existing config values (this._config) to value function
+            value = value.call(this, this._config);
+          }
+          config[i] = value;
+        }
+      }
+    },
+
     _mixinConfigure: function(a, b) {
       for (var prop in b) {
         if (!this.isReadOnlyProperty(prop)) {
diff --git a/src/standard/effects.html b/src/standard/effects.html
index 55a772a44a..79dc3096e0 100644
--- a/src/standard/effects.html
+++ b/src/standard/effects.html
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 
   /**
    * Support for property side effects.
-   * 
+   *
    * Key for effect objects:
    *
    * property | ann | anCmp | cmp | obs | cplxOb | description
@@ -27,10 +27,10 @@
    * name     | X   |       |     |     |        | annotation value (text inside {{...}})
    * kind     | X   | X     |     |     |        | binding type (property or attribute)
    * index    | X   | X     |     |     |        | node index to set
-   * 
+   *
    */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     _addPropertyEffect: function(property, kind, effect) {
      // TODO(sjmiles): everything to the right of the first '.' is lost, implies
@@ -43,9 +43,10 @@
 
     _prepEffects: function() {
       Polymer.Bind.prepareModel(this);
-      this._addPropertyEffects(this.properties);
-      this._addComplexObserverEffects(this.observers);
       this._addAnnotationEffects(this._notes);
+    },
+
+    _prepBindings: function() {
       Polymer.Bind.createBindings(this);
     },
 
@@ -59,10 +60,10 @@
           if (effect.computed) {
             this._addComputedEffect(n, effect.computed);
           }
-          if (this.isNotifyProperty(n)) {
+          if (effect.notify) {
             this._addPropertyEffect(n, 'notify');
           }
-          if (this.isReflectedProperty(n)) {
+          if (effect.reflectToAttribute) {
             this._addPropertyEffect(n, 'reflect');
           }
           if (this.isReadOnlyProperty(n)) {
@@ -79,7 +80,7 @@
         return {
           method: m[1],
           args: m[2].split(/[^\w.*]+/).map(this._parseArg)
-        };        
+        };
       }
     },
 
@@ -188,10 +189,10 @@
 
     _applyEffectValue: function(value, info) {
       var node = this._nodes[info.index];
-      // TODO(sorvell): ideally, the info object is normalized for easy 
+      // TODO(sorvell): ideally, the info object is normalized for easy
       // lookup here.
       var property = info.property || info.name || 'textContent';
-      // special processing for 'class' and 'className'; 'class' handled 
+      // special processing for 'class' and 'className'; 'class' handled
       // when attr is serialized.
       if (info.kind == 'attribute') {
         this.serializeValueToAttribute(value, property, node);
diff --git a/src/standard/events.html b/src/standard/events.html
index 0d10fc0450..c4fb841e2d 100644
--- a/src/standard/events.html
+++ b/src/standard/events.html
@@ -41,15 +41,10 @@
    *
    */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     listeners: {},
 
-    _marshalListeners: function() {
-      this._listenListeners(this.listeners);
-      this._listenKeyPresses(this.keyPresses);
-    },
-
     _listenListeners: function(listeners) {
       var node, name, key;
       for (key in listeners) {
@@ -85,41 +80,6 @@
           node.addEventListener(eventName, handler);
           break;
       }
-    },
-
-    keyPresses: {},
-
-    _listenKeyPresses: function(keyPresses) {
-      // for..in here to gate empty keyPresses object (iterates once or never)
-      for (var n in keyPresses) {
-        // only get here if there is something in keyPresses
-        // TODO(sjmiles): _keyPressesFeatureHandler uses `this.keyPresses`
-        // to look up keycodes, it's not agnostic like this method is
-        this.addEventListener('keydown', this._keyPressesFeatureHandler);
-        // map string keys to numeric codes
-        for (n in keyPresses) {
-          if (typeof n === 'string') {
-            keyPresses[this.eventKeyCodes[n]] = keyPresses[n];
-          }
-        }
-        break;
-      }
-    },
-
-    _keyPressesFeatureHandler: function(e) {
-      var method = this.keyPresses[e.keyCode];
-      if (method && this[method]) {
-        return this[method](e.keyCode, e);
-      }
-    },
-
-    eventKeyCodes: {
-      ESC_KEY: 27,
-      ENTER_KEY: 13,
-      LEFT: 37,
-      UP: 38,
-      RIGHT: 39,
-      DOWN: 40
     }
 
   });
diff --git a/src/standard/notify-path.html b/src/standard/notify-path.html
index 59093f2d4b..1bf979e649 100644
--- a/src/standard/notify-path.html
+++ b/src/standard/notify-path.html
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@
    * @class data feature: path notification
    */
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
     /**
       Notify that a path has changed. For example:
 
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@
 
     _pathMatchesEffect: function(path, effect) {
       var effectArg = effect.arg.name;
-      return (effectArg == path) || 
+      return (effectArg == path) ||
         (effectArg.indexOf(path + '.') === 0) ||
         (effect.arg.wildcard && path.indexOf(effectArg) === 0);
     },
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@
       this.fire(eventName, {
         path: path,
         value: value
-      }, null, false);
+      }, {bubbles: false});
     },
 
     _modelForPath: function(path) {
diff --git a/src/standard/resolveUrl.html b/src/standard/resolveUrl.html
index 4ceb88acaf..5e0caf5f2f 100644
--- a/src/standard/resolveUrl.html
+++ b/src/standard/resolveUrl.html
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 -->
 <script>
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     resolveUrl: function(url) {
       // TODO(sorvell): do we want to put the module reference on the prototype?
diff --git a/src/standard/styling.html b/src/standard/styling.html
index 00eb56f68c..13b1b1bcc1 100644
--- a/src/standard/styling.html
+++ b/src/standard/styling.html
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
     var baseStampTemplate = Polymer.Base._stampTemplate;
     var nativeShadow = Polymer.Settings.useNativeShadow;
 
-    Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+    Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
       // declaration-y
       _prepTemplate: function() {
diff --git a/src/standard/utils.html b/src/standard/utils.html
index b2ce3f5c0d..0374fc0b42 100644
--- a/src/standard/utils.html
+++ b/src/standard/utils.html
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 
 <script>
 
-  Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+  Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
     $$: function(slctr) {
       return Polymer.dom(this.root).querySelector(slctr);
@@ -64,13 +64,14 @@
       });
     },
 
-    // TODO(sjmiles): use a dictionary for options after `detail`
-    fire: function(type, detail, onNode, bubbles, cancelable) {
-      var node = onNode || this;
-      var detail = (detail === null || detail === undefined) ? {} : detail;
+    fire: function(type, detail, options) {
+      options = options || Polymer.nob;
+      var node = options.node || this;
+      var detail = (detail === null || detail === undefined) ? Polymer.nob : detail;
+      var bubbles = options.bubbles === undefined ? true : options.bubbles;
       var event = new CustomEvent(type, {
-        bubbles: bubbles !== undefined ? bubbles : true,
-        cancelable: cancelable !== undefined ? cancelable : true,
+        bubbles: Boolean(bubbles),
+        cancelable: Boolean(options.cancelable),
         detail: detail
       });
       node.dispatchEvent(event);
diff --git a/src/standard/x-styling.html b/src/standard/x-styling.html
index 045c7580b7..a59b3f863e 100644
--- a/src/standard/x-styling.html
+++ b/src/standard/x-styling.html
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 <link rel="import" href="../lib/style-defaults.html">
 <script>
   (function() {
-    
+
     var baseAttachedCallback = Polymer.Base.attachedCallback;
     var baseSerializeValueToAttribute = Polymer.Base.serializeValueToAttribute;
 
@@ -21,11 +21,11 @@
 
     // TODO(sorvell): consider if calculating properties and applying
     // styles with properties should be separate modules.
-    Polymer.Base.addFeature({
+    Polymer.Base._addFeature({
 
       attachedCallback: function() {
         baseAttachedCallback.call(this);
-        if (this.enableCustomStyleProperties && !this._xScopeSelector) {
+        if (!this._xScopeSelector) {
           this._updateOwnStyles();
         }
       },
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 
       _computeStyleProperties: function() {
         var props = {};
-        this.simpleMixin(props, this._computeStylePropertiesFromHost());        
+        this.simpleMixin(props, this._computeStylePropertiesFromHost());
         this.simpleMixin(props, this._computeOwnStyleProperties());
         this._reifyCustomProperties(props);
         return props;
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@
         this.simpleMixin(props,
           this._customPropertiesFromStyles(styles, this.host));
         return props;
-        
+
       },
 
       _computeOwnStyleProperties: function() {
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@
         return props;
       },
 
-      // test if a rule matches the given node and if so, 
+      // test if a rule matches the given node and if so,
       // collect any custom properties
       // TODO(sorvell): support custom variable assignment within mixins
       _customPropertiesFromRule: function(props, hostNode, rule) {
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@
           properties[m[1]] = m[2].trim();
         }
       },
-   
+
       _reifyCustomProperties: function(props) {
         for (var i in props) {
           props[i] = this._valueForCustomProperty(props[i], props);
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@
 
       _valueForCustomProperty: function(property, props) {
         var cv;
-        while ((typeof property === 'string') && 
+        while ((typeof property === 'string') &&
           (cv = property.match(CUSTOM_VAR_VALUE))) {
           property = props[cv[1]];
         }
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@
           if (!style) {
             var cssText = this._generateCustomStyleCss(bag, s$);
             style = cssText ? this._applyCustomCss(cssText) : {};
-            cacheStyle(this.is, style, this._xScopeSelector, 
+            cacheStyle(this.is, style, this._xScopeSelector,
               this._styleProperties, s$);
           } else if (nativeShadow) {
             this._applyCustomCss(style.textContent);
@@ -161,17 +161,17 @@
       _generateCustomStyleCss: function(properties, styles) {
         var b = this._applyPropertiesToRule.bind(this, properties);
         var cssText = '';
-        // TODO(sorvell): don't redo parsing work each time as below; 
+        // TODO(sorvell): don't redo parsing work each time as below;
         // instead create a sheet with just custom properties
         for (var i=0, l=styles.length, s; (i<l) && (s=styles[i]); i++) {
-          cssText += this._transformCss(s.textContent, b) + '\n\n'; 
+          cssText += this._transformCss(s.textContent, b) + '\n\n';
         }
         return cssText.trim();
       },
 
       _transformCss: function(cssText, callback) {
         return nativeShadow ?
-          Polymer.StyleUtil.toCssText(cssText, callback) : 
+          Polymer.StyleUtil.toCssText(cssText, callback) :
           Polymer.StyleTransformer.css(cssText, this.is, this.extends, callback,
             this._scopeCssViaAttr);
       },
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@
       _xScopeCount: 0,
 
       _ensureScopeSelector: function(selector) {
-        selector = selector || (this.is + '-' + 
+        selector = selector || (this.is + '-' +
           (Object.getPrototypeOf(this)._xScopeCount++));
         this._xScopeSelector = selector;
       },
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@
         if (this._customStyle) {
           this._customStyle.textContent = cssText;
         } else if (cssText) {
-          this._customStyle = Polymer.StyleUtil.applyCss(cssText, 
+          this._customStyle = Polymer.StyleUtil.applyCss(cssText,
             this._xScopeSelector,
             nativeShadow ? this.root : null);
         }
@@ -260,8 +260,8 @@
 
       _scopeElementClass: function(element, selector) {
         if (!nativeShadow && !this._scopeCssViaAttr) {
-          selector += (selector ? ' ' : '') + SCOPE_NAME + ' ' + this.is + 
-            (element._xScopeSelector ? ' ' +  XSCOPE_NAME + ' ' + 
+          selector += (selector ? ' ' : '') + SCOPE_NAME + ' ' + this.is +
+            (element._xScopeSelector ? ' ' +  XSCOPE_NAME + ' ' +
             element._xScopeSelector : '');
         }
         return selector;
@@ -297,9 +297,9 @@
       },
 
       _updateRootStyles: function(root) {
-        // TODO(sorvell): temporary way to find local dom that needs 
+        // TODO(sorvell): temporary way to find local dom that needs
         // x-scope styling.
-        var scopeSelector = this._scopeCssViaAttr ? 
+        var scopeSelector = this._scopeCssViaAttr ?
           '[' + SCOPE_NAME + '~=' + XSCOPE_NAME + ']' : '.' + XSCOPE_NAME;
         var c$ = Polymer.dom(root).querySelectorAll(scopeSelector);
         for (var i=0, l= c$.length, c; (i<l) && (c=c$[i]); i++) {
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@
       }
 
     });
-    
+
     var styleCache = {};
     function cacheStyle(is, style, scope, bag, styles) {
       style._scope = scope;
@@ -325,8 +325,8 @@
       if (styles) {
         for (var i=0, s; i < styles.length; i++) {
           s = styles[i];
-          if (objectsEqual(bag, s._properties) && 
-            objectsEqual(checkStyles,  s._styles)) { 
+          if (objectsEqual(bag, s._properties) &&
+            objectsEqual(checkStyles,  s._styles)) {
             return s;
           }
         }
diff --git a/test/runner.html b/test/runner.html
index 5f7daa8e9a..7507cfa9ea 100644
--- a/test/runner.html
+++ b/test/runner.html
@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@
       'unit/styling-remote.html',
       'unit/x-style.html',
       'unit/dynamic-import.html',
-      'unit/x-repeat.html'
+      'unit/x-repeat.html',
+      'unit/behaviors.html'
     ]);
   </script>
 </body>
diff --git a/test/unit/base.html b/test/unit/base.html
index 898e889138..a42dd023b4 100644
--- a/test/unit/base.html
+++ b/test/unit/base.html
@@ -31,9 +31,14 @@
   // Ensure a clean environment for each test.
   window.Base = Polymer.Base;
   window.Child = Object.create(Base);
-  Child.registerFeatures = function() {};
-  Child.initFeatures = function() {};
+  Child._registerFeatures = function() {};
+  Child._initFeatures = function() {};
   Child.setAttributeToProperty = function() {};
+  Child._doBehavior = function(name, args) {
+    if (this[name]) {
+      this[name].apply(this, args || []);
+    }
+  };
   window.instance = Object.create(Child);
 });
 
@@ -41,7 +46,7 @@
 
   test('mixes the feature into Base', function() {
     assert.notOk(Base.someProperty);
-    Base.addFeature({someProperty: 123});
+    Base._addFeature({someProperty: 123});
     assert.equal(Base.someProperty, 123);
   });
 
@@ -51,7 +56,7 @@
 
   test('calls registered() after registerFeatures()', function() {
     var called = [];
-    Child.registerFeatures = function() {
+    Child._registerFeatures = function() {
       called.push('1');
     };
     Child.registered = function() {
@@ -69,23 +74,17 @@
   // TODO(nevir): sinonify.
   test('calls lifecycle events in the proper order', function() {
     var called = [];
-    Child.beforeCreated = function() {
-      called.push('beforeCreated');
-    };
     Child.created = function() {
       called.push('created');
     };
-    Child.afterCreated = function() {
-      called.push('afterCreated');
-    };
     assert.deepEqual(called, []);
     instance.createdCallback();
-    assert.deepEqual(called, ['beforeCreated', 'created', 'afterCreated']);
+    assert.deepEqual(called, ['created']);
   });
 
   test('calls initFeatures()', function() {
     var called = false;
-    Child.initFeatures = function() {
+    Child._initFeatures = function() {
       called = true;
     };
     instance.createdCallback();
@@ -93,7 +92,7 @@
   });
 
   test('calls initFeatures() with the correct `this`', function() {
-    Child.initFeatures = function() {
+    Child._initFeatures = function() {
       assert.equal(this, instance);
     };
     instance.createdCallback();
diff --git a/test/unit/behaviors-elements.html b/test/unit/behaviors-elements.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7d8f3aa77c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/behaviors-elements.html
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+<!--
+@license
+Copyright (c) 2015 The Polymer Project Authors. All rights reserved.
+This code may only be used under the BSD style license found at http://polymer.github.io/LICENSE.txt
+The complete set of authors may be found at http://polymer.github.io/AUTHORS.txt
+The complete set of contributors may be found at http://polymer.github.io/CONTRIBUTORS.txt
+Code distributed by Google as part of the polymer project is also
+subject to an additional IP rights grant found at http://polymer.github.io/PATENTS.txt
+-->
+
+<script>
+
+  Polymer.BehaviorA = {
+
+    properties: {
+
+      label: {
+        type: String,
+        observer: '_labelChanged'
+      }
+
+    },
+
+    listeners: {
+      change: '_changeHandler'
+    },
+
+    ready: function() {
+      this.__readyA = true;
+    },
+
+    _labelChanged: function(label) {
+      this.__label = label;
+    },
+
+    _changeHandler: function(e) {
+      this.__change = e.detail.value;
+    }
+
+  }
+
+</script>
+
+<script>
+
+  Polymer.BehaviorB = {
+
+    properties: {
+
+      disabled: {
+        type: Boolean,
+        value: false,
+        observer: '_disabledChanged'
+      }
+
+    },
+
+    _disabledChanged: function(disabled) {
+      this.__disabled = disabled
+    },
+
+    ready: function() {
+      this.__readyB = true;
+    }
+
+  }
+
+</script>
+
+<dom-module id="single-behavior">
+
+  <script>
+
+    Polymer({
+
+      behaviors: [
+        Polymer.BehaviorA
+      ]
+
+    });
+
+  </script>
+
+</dom-module>
+
+<dom-module id="multi-behaviors">
+
+  <script>
+
+    Polymer({
+
+      behaviors: [
+        Polymer.BehaviorA,
+        Polymer.BehaviorB
+      ],
+
+      properties: {
+
+        foo: {
+          type: String,
+          reflectToAttribute: true,
+          readOnly: true,
+          observer: '_fooChanged'
+        }
+
+      },
+
+      _fooChanged: function(foo) {
+        this.__foo = foo;
+      }
+
+    });
+
+  </script>
+
+</dom-module>
diff --git a/test/unit/behaviors.html b/test/unit/behaviors.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a6d4fdf120
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/behaviors.html
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+<!doctype html>
+<!--
+@license
+Copyright (c) 2015 The Polymer Project Authors. All rights reserved.
+This code may only be used under the BSD style license found at http://polymer.github.io/LICENSE.txt
+The complete set of authors may be found at http://polymer.github.io/AUTHORS.txt
+The complete set of contributors may be found at http://polymer.github.io/CONTRIBUTORS.txt
+Code distributed by Google as part of the polymer project is also
+subject to an additional IP rights grant found at http://polymer.github.io/PATENTS.txt
+-->
+<html>
+<head>
+  <meta charset="utf-8">
+  <script src="../../../webcomponentsjs/webcomponents-lite.js"></script>
+  <script src="../../../web-component-tester/browser.js"></script>
+  <link rel="import" href="../../polymer.html">
+  <link rel="import" href="behaviors-elements.html">
+<body>
+
+<script>
+
+suite('single behavior element', function() {
+
+  var el;
+
+  setup(function() {
+    el = document.createElement('single-behavior');
+    document.body.appendChild(el);
+  });
+
+  teardown(function() {
+    document.body.removeChild(el);
+  });
+
+  test('ready from behavior', function() {
+    assert.equal(el.__readyA, true);
+  });
+
+  test('properties from behavior', function() {
+    el.label = 'foo';
+    assert.equal(el.__label, 'foo');
+  });
+
+  test('listener from behavior', function() {
+    el.fire('change', {value: 'bar'});
+    assert.equal(el.__change, 'bar');
+  });
+
+});
+
+suite('multi-behaviors element', function() {
+
+  var el;
+
+  setup(function() {
+    el = document.createElement('multi-behaviors');
+    document.body.appendChild(el);
+  });
+
+  teardown(function() {
+    document.body.removeChild(el);
+  });
+
+  test('ready from behaviors', function() {
+    assert.equal(el.__readyA, true);
+    assert.equal(el.__readyB, true);
+  });
+
+  test('properties from behaviors', function() {
+    el.label = 'foo';
+    assert.equal(el.__label, 'foo');
+    el.disabled = true;
+    assert.equal(el.__disabled, true);
+  });
+
+  test('properties from itself', function() {
+    assert.isDefined(el._setFoo, 'readOnly setter not available');
+    el._setFoo('bar');
+    assert.equal(el.__foo, 'bar', 'observer not getting called');
+    assert.equal(el.getAttribute('foo'), 'bar', 'not getting reflected');
+  });
+
+  test('listener from behaviors', function() {
+    el.fire('change', {value: 'bar'});
+    assert.equal(el.__change, 'bar');
+  });
+
+});
+
+</script>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/test/unit/bind.html b/test/unit/bind.html
index 940ceefc2d..6e1c29f0b8 100644
--- a/test/unit/bind.html
+++ b/test/unit/bind.html
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@
     el.divide = 3;
     assert.equal(el.$.boundChild.computedInline, 20, 'computedInline not correct');
     assert.equal(el.$.boundChild.computedInline2, 20, 'computedInline2 not correct');
-  });  
+  });
 
   test('annotated computed attribute', function() {
     el.value = 20;
@@ -178,14 +178,14 @@
 
   test('custom notification event to property', function() {
     el.$.boundChild.customEventValue = 42;
-    el.fire('custom', null, el.$.boundChild);
+    el.fire('custom', null, {node: el.$.boundChild});
     assert.equal(el.customEventValue, 42, 'custom bound property incorrect');
     assert.equal(el.observerCounts.customEventValueChanged, 1, 'custom bound property observer not called');
   });
 
   test('custom notification event to path', function() {
     el.$.boundChild.customEventObjectValue = 84;
-    el.fire('change', null, el.$.boundChild);
+    el.fire('change', null, {node: el.$.boundChild});
     assert.equal(el.customEventObject.value, 84, 'custom bound path incorrect');
     assert.equal(el.observerCounts.customEventObjectValueChanged, 1, 'custom bound path observer not called');
   });
@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@
     var date = new Date('Fri Jan 23 2015 17:40:29 GMT-0800 (PST)');
     el.reflecteddate = date;
     assert(el.hasAttribute('reflecteddate'));
-    assert.equal(Date.parse(el.getAttribute('reflecteddate')), 
+    assert.equal(Date.parse(el.getAttribute('reflecteddate')),
       el.reflecteddate.getTime());
     assert.equal(el.reflecteddate, date);
     el.reflecteddate = null;
@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@
   test('bind date to attribute', function() {
     el.attrvalue = new Date('Fri Jan 23 2015 17:40:29 GMT-0800 (PST)');
     assert(el.$.boundChild.hasAttribute('attrvalue'));
-    assert.equal(Date.parse(el.$.boundChild.getAttribute('attrvalue')), 
+    assert.equal(Date.parse(el.$.boundChild.getAttribute('attrvalue')),
       el.attrvalue.getTime());
     el.attrvalue = null;
     assert(!el.$.boundChild.hasAttribute('attrvalue'));
diff --git a/test/unit/configure-elements.html b/test/unit/configure-elements.html
index dffda00e47..7b1cc2fec8 100644
--- a/test/unit/configure-elements.html
+++ b/test/unit/configure-elements.html
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 <script>
-  var configureMixin = {
+  var configureBehavior = {
 
     changeHandlerCount: 0,
     objectChangeHandlerCount: 0,
-        
+
     contentChanged: function() {
       this.changeHandlerCount++;
       this.stomp = 10;
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
     is: 'x-configure-value',
 
-    mixins: [configureMixin],
+    behaviors: [configureBehavior],
 
     properties: {
       content: {
@@ -58,8 +58,8 @@
 
     is: 'x-configure-gchild',
 
-    mixins: [configureMixin],
-    
+    behaviors: [configureBehavior],
+
     properties: {
       content: {
         type: String,
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@
         value: 5
       }
     }
-    
+
   });
 </script>
 
@@ -93,8 +93,8 @@
 
     is: 'x-configure-child',
 
-    mixins: [configureMixin],
-    
+    behaviors: [configureBehavior],
+
     properties: {
       content: {
         type: String,
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@
         value: 5
       }
     }
-    
+
   });
 </script>
 
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@
 
     is: 'x-configure-host',
 
-    mixins: [configureMixin],
+    behaviors: [configureBehavior],
 
     properties: {
       content: {
@@ -151,6 +151,6 @@
         value: 5
       }
     }
-    
+
   });
 </script>
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/test/unit/polymer-dom.js b/test/unit/polymer-dom.js
index 7097d32bc5..29b19faf9c 100644
--- a/test/unit/polymer-dom.js
+++ b/test/unit/polymer-dom.js
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ suite('Polymer.dom', function() {
     var childCount = 5;
     for (var i=0; i < childCount; i++) {
       var s = document.createElement('span');
-      s.textContent = i; 
+      s.textContent = i;
       fragment.appendChild(s);
     }
     Polymer.dom(rere.root).appendChild(fragment);
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ suite('Polymer.dom', function() {
     var childCount = 5;
     for (var i=0; i < childCount; i++) {
       var s = document.createElement('span');
-      s.textContent = i; 
+      s.textContent = i;
       fragment.appendChild(s);
     }
     var l = document.createElement('span');
@@ -300,7 +300,7 @@ suite('Polymer.dom', function() {
 });
 
 suite('Polymer.dom non-distributed elements', function() {
-  
+
   var nd;
 
   before(function() {
diff --git a/test/unit/ready-elements.html b/test/unit/ready-elements.html
index fa2dec3db9..550f671cf3 100644
--- a/test/unit/ready-elements.html
+++ b/test/unit/ready-elements.html
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
     readyList = [];
   }
 
-  var readyMixin = {
+  var readyBehavior = {
     moniker: function() {
       return this.is + (this.id ? '#' + this.id : '')
     },
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 <script>
   Polymer({
     is: 'x-zot',
-    mixins: [readyMixin]
+    behaviors: [readyBehavior]
   });
 </script>
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 <script>
   Polymer({
     is: 'x-bar',
-    mixins: [readyMixin]
+    behaviors: [readyBehavior]
   });
 </script>
 
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 <script>
   Polymer({
     is: 'x-foo',
-    mixins: [readyMixin]
+    behaviors: [readyBehavior]
   });
 </script>
 
@@ -69,6 +69,6 @@
 <script>
   Polymer({
     is: 'x-ready',
-    mixins: [readyMixin]
+    behaviors: [readyBehavior]
   });
 </script>
\ No newline at end of file