The Perfect Escape

It's gotten cold here in Chicago. Fair enough. It's almost December and at least it didn't snow before Thanksgiving, but I'm still sad. I'm also currently in one of those slumps where I need some inspiration or an adventure to look forward to/work toward. Imagine my happiness when I came across these gems of exotic places around the world. I love the presentation and hope that these are all postcards from the future. Come, imagine yourself there and escape for a moment.

Cavallo Point, San Francisco, USA

Huka Lodge, Huka Falls Taupo, New Zealand

Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Como Uma Paro, Bhutan

Hotal Palafitte, Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Ponta Dos Ganchos, Brazil

Clifton Inn, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Hotel de Tuilerieen, Bruges, Belgium

Rayavadee Krabi, Thailand

Hotel Villa la Massa, Florence, Italy

Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania, Australia

Soho House, Berlin, Germany

Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Chez Republic

Longitude 131, Australia

101 Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland

Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

Nolitan, New York, USA

Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Israel

Vigilius Mountain Resort, South Tyrol, Italy

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA

Château Eza, Eze, France

Hotel Villa Ducale, Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Caroline

Criggo

One of the reasons I love news is because sometimes, it's just so weird you couldn't possibly make that shit up, even if you tried.

Criggo is a blog that showcases funny newspaper clippings. On the surface, it may sound like a bad Jay Leno joke but it's actually great. New career goal: have one of my stories posted here.

Caroline

I can't find my phone!

We've all been in that position where we're ready to leave (possibly already late for appointment) but suddenly can't find our phone. It's disappeared into that black hole in which half pairs of socks and homework which I swear I did fell victim, never to return.

Luckily, technology solves everything these days.

I can't find my phone is a nifty little website that conveniently calls your phone so you can hear it ring. Granted, if you actually lost it in some bar somewhere or have your phone on vibrate, it won't do much, but it's cool nonetheless.

My question is: What happens if one's only source of Internet is their smartphone because the free wireless they were stealing has tragically disappeared?

This is cool and all, but I'll really be impressed when someone creates a website that will send electric jolts to the f***** who jacked my phone.

Caroline

Arcade Fire + Spike Jonze

Arcade Fire have a new music video out and it's directed by the one and only Spike Jonze. As to be expected, the video is deep in meaning. Jonze does a great job of contrasting the fun, innocence of youth and how people change over time. I'd expect no less from the director of "Where the Wild Things Are."

MTV.com has a great write up about it here.

Caroline

Mixtapes

Mixtapes will never go out of fashion. They will always be: a unique and personalized gift; the best (subtle) way to tell that special someone you like them; a vehicle in which to showcase your superior music knowledge/taste; and, for the artistically inclined, a vehicle in which to showcase your superior design/photography skills. ***Note: Don't even try to deny those last two; you know what I'm talkin' 'bout.

Here are two hidden gems I've discovered that bring the magic of mixtapes straight to you for your streaming enjoyment.

Pates Tapes

This site is run by a man by the name of Charles (I think) who grew up living around the corner from CBGB and working for music mags and illustrating reviews for Lester Bangs. Hits #9 - Good Vibrations is apparently a result from staying at a friend's place and rummaging through his impressive singles collection.

Since '78

The blog is the brainchild of Brian Gossett and is reflective of his obsessive passion to one day become a music supervisor for films.

On a semi-related note, the man also has a Ffffound account. I'm telling you, photo sharing is the new Facebooking.

Caroline