Factoid: The Midway Islands just are. Mid-way across the Pacific. No clowns or rides involved!

A long while ago I read a book that suggested taking in the view from the floor as a way to rejuvinate a positive outlook on life. I’m a firm believer in this. If you haven’t rolled across your kitchen floor sideways, for God’s sake do it! At the very least, it’s a good stretch and there’s always something interesting under the ‘fridge. Tonight’s roll revelations included the conclusion that my high-fibre cereal is not enough to compensate for a bad habit, and I really want to lose the 60’s hall light. Send me your ceiling photos!

I’ve lost 8lb since my trip to Jordan, mostly due to a nasty intestinal bug that had me bowing to the bowl at the ancient temples of Petra. I want that weight back; yet, talking about it does not inspire sympathy. Try these simple health calculators to see where you fit on several scales. See you at the gym!

Find out for yourself. An interesting collection of Kyoto Protocol information.

I’m pretty sure this site is about soy sauce. But the truth could be more subtle. What’s with the hanged cat?

Reader’s Digest contacted me today. I just found out that since they published my Special Feature, Legacy of Angus, in April, the article has been translated into 11 languages, published in tens of millions of copies. The story has appeared in Czech, Hungarian, Polish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Swiss German, and Belgian Dutch. Next month it will also be published in Finland. Suzy and I never dreamed that the story of our little lost son would reach so many people. The thought that Angus’ story may also help even one person, somewhere, makes his loss a little easier to bear. And we may also have a more direct way to…

Thank you, Francoise Ducros! The Prime Minister’s communications director showed yesterday that the PMO has its finger on the pulse of the nation, if not the world. If she’s fired for suggesting that the US President is a moron, we should riot in the streets. Recently in Amman, Jordan, a taxi driver warned me to stop talking about the US as we drove past the new US Embassy. “They can hear you.” Presumably, one would hate to be caught calling George Bush a name in the Middle East. Perhaps an unmanned CIA drone would fly in and blow up the car (as happened last month in Yemen). Since we’re in…

Who’s the twit that designed single-hull oil tankers? Picture the board meeting where that decision was made: “Yeah, an inch of steel between 100,000 tonnes of crude and the open sea should be fine. No worry about spills. It’s almost Christmas again. Today’s warm weather was a welcome reprieve for the folks who didn’t leave the lights attached to the eaves all summer. Yet, all down the street you could hear people taking the Lord’s name in vain while setting up plywood nativity scenes. Hmm. I’m getting a pickle for our tree this year.

Had a great chat with a Buddhist monk last week. On an impulse, I visited the temple just around the corner from my house. The building was festooned with colourful striped flags and Christmas lights, and was buzzing with people. I went in, just as the funeral was getting started. They made me sit at the front — two hours cross-legged on a thin cushion on the floor. I realized about half-way through just how far from enlightenment I am, all unstretched and achy. I need to do more sun salutations. After the service (which alternated between sermons in Sri Lankan and repetitive chanting) a thin monk in saffron robes…

Finally, driving across Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island could be exciting.

Jasper and I have just emerged from our first case of nursery school stomach flu. It’s stalking his toddler pals and their parents, and took us down this weekend. Nasty stuff, this. So far Suzy has escaped. She claims it’s her “superior genes”. Here are some flu links: Health Canada Flu Watch Influenza info, including vaccinations

I just cancelled my cell phone subscription — that string is cut; I’m not even wireless anymore. It feels great. Yet, ridding myself of this technology was more emotionally difficult than I thought it would be. Once the client rep at Bell Mobility got past the initial shock (“You want to what?” Cancel?”), she implied that I was taking unnecessary risk by cancelling. And didn’t I care about my family’s security? If risk and recklessness are defined in Canada by refusing expensive and unnecessary technology, then I will wear the title “rebel” with pride. If we all got rid of our cell phones, and spent the same amount of money…

From Worcester, Massachusetts, Walden Cabin guest Lisa sent us one of her favourite Fall recipes. If you’re looking for a change from the usual dessert, give Lisa’s flaky tart a try! Lisa writes: Invented on the first chill day this year out of refrigerator and pantry ingredients while playing Cheryl Wheeler’s “When Fall Comes to New England” at moderate volume. One must take breaks to sing along and dance with one’s dog(s) or children if available. Ingredients: – 3 ripe pears, sliced very thinly – Tablespoon of brown sugar – Teaspoon of fine white sugar – A sprinkling of cinnamon and allspice – A child’s handful of walnut pieces –…

I find myself inexorably drawn to Christmas stuff this year. Just yesterday I caught myself walking to the cash at a card shop with three boxes of Christmas cards. I put them back and picked up some beer instead. Does looking forward to Christmas in October indicate a healthy psyche buoyed by holiday anticipation, or is it a sign of imminent madness? Please let me know. There’s so little time left to decide! * * New: Visit the Walden Cabin Cover Photo Archive. Celebrating a year that’s, well, over. * * Delicious, and different Tired of apple pie? Looking for a new dinner party dessert for American Thanksgiving? Try Lisa’s…