You may know the tech company Foursquare from its popular City Guide travel app, but it’s also in the data crunching business. Based on the firm’s analysis, the United States’ share of the International tourism market has been steadily declining since October 2016. By March 2017, it dropped by 16% and there is no sign of recovery. This news is not surprising considering the xenophobic, racist behavior from our pathetic administration. Maybe when we lock-up the pig-in-chief, folks will want to visit us again?
Those of us who suffer with insomnia sometimes find that we do our best work while most of the world is fast asleep. New York photographer Michael Massaia finds inspiration during nocturnal strolls through Manhattan. His black and white series shot in and around Central Park is simply stunning.
Somehow all of the films and plays about Helen Keller managed to leave out that she was a life-long Socialist and a rabid anti-fascist. She supported groups such as the ACLU and the NAACP. On May 9, 1933, disgusted by Nazi book burnings, she published this open letter in the New York Times dirceted at German students.
Earlier this year I rented a terrific Airbnb appartment in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood. Before I decided on the flat, I searched dozens of interesting options, but none were as unusual as the “Inkijkbnb”.
This unique rental is situated in the Wibautstraat Metro station in Amsterdam Oost not far from De Pijp. The bizarre room was created by artist Boudewijn Rückert, who equipped his “inn” and listed it on Airbnb to underscore the impact of the P2P accommodation platform on the Amsterdam rental market. Due to Airbnb more than 15,000 apartments are out of circulation for rental but local residents and leasing costs are soaring.
Director Aaron Christian made this hilarious double send-up of the art world and pretentious wildlife documentaries. All of you artists and gallery denizens will recognize the creatures prowling this year’s Frieze Art Fair in New York City.
Many bibliophiles and fans of horror and fantasy writing believe that the birth of the modern horror story can be traced to the dark visions that sprang from the febrile imagination of H. P. Lovecraft at the beginning of the 20th century. I must confess that after an early sojourn into the works of Lovecraft, I was so creeped-out at the age of 12 that I never read any of his work again until I was an adult. But for me, he will always be the master of the macabre.
This new edition of The Call of Cthulu & Other Weird Stories from The Folio Society combines Lovecraft’s best-known fiction with two contemporary luminaries of the genre, the artist Dan Hillier and author Alan Moore. Along with the new issue there is also available a 750 copy limited edition in a presentation box with a print signed by the artist.
This collection spans Lovecraft’s literary career, his ‘cosmicist’ philosophy and the belief that behind the veil of our blinkered everyday lives lay another reality, too horrible for the human mind to comprehend. His narrators recount their descent into madness and despair. Through their investigations into the unexplained, they reveal the thin line that separates everyday our world from another of pervasive horror.
The Collector’s Edition is bound in cloth blocked with a design by Hillier and is set in Italian Old Style. The 472 pages, with gilt page tops, come in a printed metallic slipcase. The Limited Edition is bound in simulated leather with a title page spread plus 6 black and white illustrations printed with 8 black and gold mandalas on the reverse, hand-marbled endpapers, and colored edges. The magnetic presentation box is covered in blocked cloth and lined in blocked metallic paper. Limited print signed by the artist. Book 10″x 63⁄4“, box 121⁄4″ x 91⁄2″ x 2″. For more information, visit the Folio Society site.
It’s been a while since I posted a good hyperlapse video, so I thought that I’d share this amazing three minute homage to New York City. A Taste of New York, from Vienna-based FilmSpektakel, is a fun, frenetic visit to Manhattan that was shot during September, 2016.
You’re welcome.
Many years ago, I set off on a four month camping and hiking trip in Europe with ridiculously poor gear. To be fair, back then light weight equipment was virtually nonexistent. I lugged around a tent, sleeping bag, cooking and eating utensils, and clothing in, and on, an enormous, heavy backpack. These days, hikers and campers can outfit themselves with hi-tech, lightweight gear like the amazing equipment presented in National Geographic’s the ultimate hiker’s gearguide.
Six years ago, National Geographic release the first edition of this invaluable guidebook by Andrew Skurka and they’ve finally gotten around to issuing this revised and updated second edition in time for all of us fair-weather hikers. Aimed at hikers, campers, and backpackers, from novices to old hands, the guide is well worth the investment before heading out on that next excursion. Best of all, the book is not trying to market products; it even has tips on making your own DIY gear.
The book’s author, Andrew Skurka, is a renowned long distance hiker, guide, and equipment designer. He’s been named “Adventurer of the Year” by both Outside magazine and National Geographic. The guy is a hiking legend, who has covered the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails, as well as cross country and Alaska hikes. His revised guidebook has everything from footwear, clothing, backpacks, shelter, navigation, food, cooking, planning, and sample gear lists.
If you are contemplating hiking or camping, even just a weekend outing, check out this new edition. Before buying the book, visit Skurka’s website and download a free twenty page PDF sample of the guidebook.
Travel Between The Pages 