Best northern lights ever| Make your own bread (and jam) | Last-minute homemade H

Want to see the northern lights this year? Your chances are good even

if you can't make it as far north as the Arctic Circle. With the

winter of 2012-2013 expected to bring near-peak viewing conditions,

travel to one of these six destinations.



Other stories we're tracking this week:

How to love what you do for a living - smart ideas for living a fearless life.

Have you ever seen 84 million stars in one photo? Here's your chance. :)

Environmentalist Bill McKibben launches a climate road show, drumming

up urgency for an issue being ignored in this political year.

If you want to see more trains and less roads, this news will hearten

you: Amtrak announces new high-speed travel for the Midwest.

How is it that some people who have never used a toothbrush have also

never had a cavity? Here's how the rest of the world brushes their

teeth.

While the big party candidates debated this week, the little-known

third-party candidates brought up issues that haven't been in the

spotlight.

Get your kid off the sofa by following these 7 tips for fun fall hikes

with (reluctant) children.

The 10 most annoying sounds in the world (and "nails on a chalkboard"

is only at #5).

Seasonal recipe alert: Savory recipes for that winter squash....and 5

ways to use the bounty of local red peppers.

Halloween costume ready to go? Or are you a "dusk on the 31st" sort of

person? These homemade Halloween costumes are a start (bonus: More

costumes). And if you're looking for smart *plus* easy, here are 8

last-minute costumes. Plus, 12 Halloween candies you can make at

home.