Me: So tomorrow’s Flights of Fantasy Saturday on my blog. What should I write about? Tech Support: (immediately) Bone dragons. Me: ….bone dragons? Tech Support: Yeah. Like how do they fly? Doesn’t the wind go through their wings? And ... Read More  

I have a theory that I can pinpoint the decade of your teen years by the boy band whose lyrics you still remember. 1960s – The Monkees 1970s – The Jackson 5 1980s – New Kids on the Block ... Read More  

It’s my birthday this week, and what better way to celebrate than with books? That I wrote. Heeheehee! But wait, there’s more!     And, as the frosting on the awesome cake…   My first article for National Geographic ... Read More  

Tech Support and I watched Willow again the other night, and just like when I watched it (over and over) as a kid, it made me deliriously happy. It’s the story of an unlikely hero who has to save ... Read More  

Last year Tech Support and I resolved to set tighter limits on our “frivolous” spending. We wanted to direct more money towards our two big financial goals – paying down the mortgage and traveling more. But we needed permission to ... Read More  

I attended junior high in Yellowknife, which is not the most isolated place in Canada, but definitely felt like it sometimes. Fortunately, the school library was huge, and offered a portal to endless worlds I couldn’t visit in the ... Read More  

The first Alan Rickman movie I ever watched was Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, in which he played the Sheriff of Nottingham. He was flamboyant, cutting, hilarious, frightening, and absolutely mesmerizing. He stole the show, and in a movie that ... Read More  

Over the past decade, I’ve gotten in the habit of updating my wardrobe at US outlet malls, during the annual trip to see my Grandma. But we didn’t make it to Texas last year, and with the current exchange rate ... Read More  

Like most people probably did, I spent a fair bit of time in December reflecting on 2015 and thinking about what I wanted to achieve in 2016. I made a huge list of goals. And then, because I’m nerdy ... Read More  

The blog is going dark for a week so I can take some much needed Christmas naps. I wish you all rest, peace, and joy this holiday season, no matter which holiday you call your own. See you in 2016! Read More  

In 1988, scientist and veterinarian Kristina Narfström met with a breeder of Briard sheepdogs. One of the puppies in the breeder’s litter was behaving oddly – bumping into objects its siblings walked around. When Narfström tested the puppies, she discovered ... Read More  

I confess – I am not a fan of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” In addition to being one of those Christmas carols that never seems to end (all due respect to Lamb Chop), it just makes no sense. ... Read More  

As readers will know, I had to give up refined sugar this year. After the initial cupboard-purge, it’s been easier than I thought it would be. But now it’s Christmas. And part of the fun of Christmas is food – ... Read More  

One of my favourite things about December is decorating for Christmas. My decorations are relatively modest, and there’s no unifying sense of style or flair. My house would never be featured in a decorating magazine, but every item I ... Read More  

Umm, seamounts, that is. Just in case anyone was confused. 🙂 New research shows that South Pacific humpbacks take pitstops over sea mountains while migrating to Antarctica to feed. Scientists don’t know yet exactly what the whales are doing there, but I’m guessing ... Read More  

Had some literal flight this week – if by “flight” you mean “bounce down a flight of stairs.” I’m OK, but I’m bearing a certain resemblance to a male baboon, and sitting up for more than 45 minutes at ... Read More  

Congrats to author-friend Helaine Becker, who’s celebrating the launch of her latest kid’s science book, Everything Space! An excellent Christmas gift for the junior astronaut on your list. Click through for all the details. Source: Sci/Why: Happy Book Birthday! ... Read More  

I’m at the Christmas in the Bay Craft Sale today, chatting science and signing books. If you’ve got a child, a teacher, or a librarian on your gift list, come on down! Estabrooks Community Hall 4408 St. Margaret’s Bay Road, ... Read More