Ben's Diary

Sad Day... For world record enthusiasts, a sad day. Norris McWhirter, co-founder of the Guinness Book of Records has died. He was 78. The AP reports that McWhirter suffered a heart attack Monday after playing tennis at his home in Wiltshire. The first Guinness Book appeared in 1954, edited and compiled by McWhirter and his twin brother, Ross, who was murdered by the Irish Republican Army in 1975.

Bad Mother's Handbook... A few days ago, I reported wonderful news that my friend Kate Long's hilarious and poignant novel -- The Bad Mother's Handbook -- has soared to #1 in England. Now, Kate tells me that she's found an American publisher - Valentine - and the book will arrive soon in the USA. I'll keep you posted on the publication date. Readers here are in for a rare and delicious treat.

City of Angels... I'm delighted to report that Charlie St. Cloud has landed on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list for Southern California. Charlie ranks #9 in hardcover fiction for April 4th. It never would've happened without hometown readers, friends and family, not least my mother Dee who is out there every day trying to spread the word. Huge thanks.

Rocky Mountain High ... Good news from Denver today. Charlie St. Cloud debuts at #5 on the Rocky Mountain News bestseller list. Big thanks to Colorado friends and readers and to Lisa Maxson who helped so much when I visited Denver.

What's for Dinner? Quite a story out today on the cooking front. Southern Living magazine has recalled its April issue because an error in a recipe for dinner rolls resulted in minor burns to at least five readers. According to the AP, the recipe incorrectly instructed cooks to boil a cup of water and a half cup of shortening over high heat for five minutes. But that can cause melted grease to rise to the top of the saucepan, trapping the hot water and creating an explosive burst. "This could lead to splattering and burning somebody," said Martha Johnston, Southern Living vice president for food marketing. The recall, announced Wednesday, was the first in the 38-year history of the magazine. The correct recipe calls for pouring a cup of boiling water over the shortening in a large bowl and stirring to melt the shortening.