carrying that camera
Here's a rather clever idea:
http://www.blackrapid.com/video/intro.php
I've been carrying around a SLR a lot during my lunch hour walks and have had some concerns with both stability and security. In fact, the other day the strap slipped off my shoulder without me even noticing. The only thing that saved the camera from hitting the ground was that it fell onto the top of my work bag (which is flat and flexible) which was also over my shoulder at the time.
I don't really like carrying the camera around my neck either for two reasons. First, it usually ends up rubbing a raw spot and second, it's difficult to walk without the camera either bouncing around or swinging out into something when I bend over. Even over the shoulder this happens (as demonstrated this weekend when, in an attempt to keep Nate from being close-lined by a dog lease, I ended up clunking him in the head with my camera.)
Using a standard strap across the chest is very unwieldy but is my current solution. It just takes a little bit longer to get set up for a shot (which is fine for 99% of my subject). I just like knowing there's a better way (albeit a $50 one).