The story of Newfoundland's entry into the Canadian Federation in 1949 is steeped in intrigue, conspiracy theory, post-War geopolitics and emotion. Two referenda were held in 1948 on the future of Britain's oldest Dominion. Confederation with Canada was not originally included as a choice on the first ballot. A motion by J.R. Smallwood to have it added was defeated by the National Convention appointed by Britain to decide on the matter. The British government...

After the photos and the blog writing are all sorted out, I may put together a soundtrack to our trip around the world. There are a lot of great songs that are attached to a lot of great places in my mind. My taste in music has expanded a lot since the days of singing along to Dad's eight-track version of Freddy Fender's "Waisted Days and Waisted Nights" in the back seat of our Chevrolet Chevelle. No seat belts, no air conditioning, windows up, both parents smok...

I love London. I hate London. I love London when I climb the steps onto the street from my first underground or train trip into the City. Double decker buses. Black cabs. Red phone booths. Royal Mail boxes. Hundred year old pubs on every corner. Look Left. Look Right. It feels like I'm home. Until I go to pay for something. Was it always this expensive? I hate London! A one way trip on the Underground within the cheapest zone cost us $20! And the kid...

Dear Bryan and Juliet:Rather than simply leave a note, we thought we'd dedicate our blog entry from Portsmouth/Felpham to thanking you both for the incredible hospitality you extended to us these last few days. It's funny how fate gently guides our lives through subtle course corrections. Seemingly small and insignificant encounters, if treated as such, might rob of us of our richest experiences. Had we not stopped to chat on the hike in New Zealand seven months ...

It's a warm sunny day here in the middle of the English Channel. We're about half way between Ouisterem, Normandy and Portsmouth, England. I've seen these waters a thousand times on black and white film with ominous invasion music playing in the background. We're heading in the opposite direction. Thankfully, there are no U-boats or bombers in sight. The first time I remember taking a real interest in the D-Day invasion was after watching "Stand By Me" for ...