I thought this had to be a joke - but no - here is the World Database of Happiness ("a continuous register of scientific research on subjective appreciation of life.") Browse the Bibliography of Happiness, or use the data from the Catalogue of Happiness Correlates. "Happiness," the editors tell us, "is a highly valued concept in present day Western society. Not only does everybody agree that it is better to be happy than unhappy, but studies on values show that present day people prioritize happiness." And now you have the data to back it up. Thanks, Liz.

A new twist on an old game: six degrees of separation. Here's how it works - try and make a path that links the following two sites, within six degrees or less. Challenge one: link the Queen Mother -- http://www.royal.gov.uk and waferbaby -- http://www.waferbaby.com. Post your results in the comments box. There will be a special prize for the winner. [Note - you can't use this site as one of your links. Sorry; that would be too easy.]

1977 - a catalog of scents -

1. freshly mown grass


2. chlorine


3. boot polish


4. newsprint


5. bonne bell watermelon lip gloss


6. john player specials


7. toffee apples


8. concrete


9. airplane glue


10. the world on fire

Tops in the "why didn't I think of this" category - found magazine. They collect found stuff: love letters, birthday cards, homework, to-do lists, ticket stubs, poetry on napkins, telephone bills, doodles and more.

It seemed like a good time to resurrect this list - a selection of books for children and teens that explore life in the Middle East. John and I wrote it last September when somehow we imagined that - in our collective grief - peace was possible. Please read, share, or buy for your local public library.

"If it wasn't for the barber, the United States Senate would look like a flock of bolshevists..." [1921 advertisement]

Would I make this up? Could I make this up? Here's the original ad for the Boncilla facial regime: Beautifier, Cold Cream, Vanishing Cream and Face Powder. (They forgot De-Bolsh-ifier). The ad is part of the Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections digitisation program.

As we continue to move away from peace - as individuals and as a nation - I have to remind myself to focus on the little things.

I think about random acts of kindness (stay tuned - I think this will be a new feature of my site). I think about listening and hearing, about opening my heart. About paying attention. And I'm even thinking about knitting:

Sally Snipes Wells on knitting dolls for refugee children: I believe what will save the world is more hearts brimming with love. Dolls carry love and nurture love for the giver and the receiver. When I hold a doll and pour into it my love, and wishes for well being, comfort, and joy for the little child who will get the doll, I experience a deepening of love, well being, comfort, and joy which ripples out into everything else I do. I am grateful to have found this project. I hope you will be, too.

"I decided that we were going to make the best snowman in the entire park, and I believe we succeeded. Except that it wasn’t a snowman in the end, but a snowwoman. We gave her spikey hair made from twigs and breasts with acorn tops as nipples. I was particularly proud of her breasts, one of which was slightly larger than the other, like with non-snow women."

Run, don't walk, to oblivio.com and enjoy the viciously funny writings of Michael Barrish. I'm dumping secret boyfriend number one (Derek Jeter) for this guy. Sorry, Derek.

There's very little about the current situation in the Middle East that can make me laugh. In fact, I'm so anxious I get up in the middle of the night to watch the news. But today's New York Times article "Peace Advocates in Arafat Compound Hope to Deter Israeli Troops" totally cracks me up.

The reporter describes in great detail a shipment of food, medicine and water sent to Arafat's office -- "600 pieces of pita bread, 23 cans tuna, 12 cans hummus... more than 120 pounds of coffee..."

Coffee. Coffee?!?!? All I could think was that the last thing cornered, humiliated, exhausted and angry men - men with AUTOMATIC WEAPONS - need is 120 pounds of coffee. Next time, I hope the Israelis send in decaf.

If you're like me you might be feeling frustrated and powerless. Start small: bookmark, then share this website http://www.iacenter.org/. There you will find information on upcoming protests against the Israeli occupation, like the one to be held this Friday at Times Square.

Go to your local library and get this book: Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh. As my dear friend Heidi says, it's a good time to hear what the Buddhists have to say about peace. I find Hanh's words challenging:

"In the peace movement there is a lot of anger, frustration, and misunderstanding. The peace movement can write very good protest letters, but they are not yet able to write a love letter. ... Can the peace movement talk in loving speech, showing the way for peace? I think that will depend on whether the people in the peace movement can be peace. Because without being peace, we cannot do anything for peace. If we cannot smile, we cannot help other people to smile. If we are not peaceful, then we cannot contribute to the peace movement."

Ever wondered why the Google search engine works so well? Here's your answer.

I can't decide which is the more perfect song: Katell Keineg's There You Go or Sigur Ros' Svefn-G-Englar.

I saw Katell at the Mercury Lounge here in NYC last night, and she played There You Go. Her voice is shockingly powerful and emotive: she squeaks, roars, whispers, and cries (sometimes all in the same song). A reviewer at Salon.com described There You Go as the most emotionally devastating song he's ever heard, and I agree. Most days.

But then there's Sigur Ros. They sing in a mix of Icelandic and Hopelandic (a made-up language), but no matter. The set-up is simple: a few guitars (one played with a violin bow), a bass, two keyboards, drums, and a guy whose voice will make you weep. Trust me. Here's a [unofficial] english translation to part of Svefn-G-Englar:

but the waiting makes me sad - fragile
I kick away and call for --I have to go-- help
I burst out and the peace is over
bathed in new light
I cry and I cry...

Which songs make you weep?