Seeking a spot of serenity somewhere in universe, I recently booked a deep-discount dodgy berth on ‘White Elephant Express Space Shuttle’, to a little known place in a galaxy far, far away.

“IT” (otherwise known as HD 36405.b) is not your average “oddball” exo-solar planet made of rock that wobbles on its end and zips around a nearby star in less than 2.46 days.

Most linear thinkers have a great deal of difficulty even comprehending why on earth anyone in their “right mind” would be interested in visiting a planet called “IT”. Not being a linear thinker with an investment in “right” answer, I didn’t give a hoot. After all, what does one (who walks on water and listens to miffed mortals all day long) do for a frigging night off, now I ask you?

If truth be told, (after reading random excerpts from “The Itty Bitty Bunkum Book About Life, Universe and Practically Everything Under Sun Not To Mention Stuff Going On In Remote Galaxies), I was simply delirious. According to its noted author, Dr. Jarn Leffer, “IT is a ’must-see’ for those with little time on their hands and a passionate interest in Innocuous Things.”

As planets go, “IT” is a pretty ho-hum celestial pit-stop with perhaps one exception… welcome notice that reads, “Cosmic Cowboys - Welcome to furthest unexplored outreaches of Galaxy … Home to Flop Fairy and Oodles of Gadflies!”

MY KIND OF TOWN... -- Or, what’s in a name? --

What do “Salvage”, “Dildo” and “Heart’s Desire” all have in common?

Well these titillating monikers belong to several quaint, little communities in Newfoundland (one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces, for uninitiated).

These charming little out-of-the-way gems (most folk have never heard of let alone laid eyes upon) also share another distinction; they have all been named “First Place Award Winners” in Harrowsmith Country Life’s “Top 10 Prettiest Towns in Canada”.

Let’s face it, Newfoundland (affectionately called, “The Rock”) is home to some rather fascinatingly odd, categorically unusual, if not utterly whimsical place names.

So, if you’re tired of tacky tourist traps, why not venture forth into great unknown of uncertainty and bewilderment. You have nothing to lose and who knows, you might even enjoy a slight tickle of your funnybone.

I'm certain that you'll get a kick out of warm hospitality exhibited by Newfoundlanders. No doubt, you'll catch a glimpse of naughty nooks and capricious crannies on Canada's dearly beloved “pet rock”.

Just remember to keep your eyes peeled for following twittering (and sometimes 'twisted') treasures of these picturesque piffling places.