Photo and Feature Photo: Joel Washing

Not lucky enough to be among them? You can always do the next best thing and visit a convention near you that gathers bright talents from around the globe.

Photo of traditional Thai tattooing being done: Binder.donedat

This year will be the first Bangkok International Tattoo Convention where you can see Arjan Noo Kanphai at work whose traditionally done Thai tattoos are renowned for their magic. Other artists who will be there include Mick Zurich, Shige, Horitsuna (who specializes in Tebori – traditional Japanese hand tattooing), and Mike Ledger.

Another tempting pick for the month of January is The Singapore Tat2 Show from the 8th through the 10th.

Our pick for February is the Third Annual MusInk Tattoo Convention and Music Festival in no small part due to the musical lineup which includes The Buzzcocks and The Damned. If you buy a three day pass for $75.00, you can also see NOFX and The Cult along with Jim Rose. Their listing of tattoo artists includes Mick Zurich and Hori Sho of Tokyo and mostly Californian artists and shops including Juan Puente of Black Rose.

The second annual Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo features 200 + artists, mostly Australian including Mik Massingham and Mitch 13, Nick Morte of Norway and French artist Noon.

Photo: bog king

Featured Artist this year at Edmonton Ink Festival is Tattoo Jake who’s been tattooing across Canada since the ’80’s and offers a history of tattooing on his website along with problematic and unsafe practices he’s seen on tattoo TV shows.

Other artists will be listed on the site soon, but past conventions featured a roller derby, a graffiti wall and special guest Lizardman Erik Sprague and his stand-up routine.

A list of artists from all over Europe and the world can be found on the International Needle Art Convention website including Tattoo Jan Studio, and Carl Cooke’s Artful Ink of the UK. The lineup is not complete this far out, but you can see last year’s at the website to get an idea.

Tattoo Fest 2010 lists Victor Portugal of Kraków, Jef from Boucherie Moderne in Belgium and Guil Zekri of Germany and “many more” as artists whose trust they’ve gained. Does that mean they’ll be there in 2010? Check the website in the coming months for more information.

Photo of Elaine Davidson, World’s Most Pierced Woman:
MissAgentCooper

The 6th International Tattoo Convention kicks off in Stavanger, Norway at the end of July. If you’re not impressed with the no frills website, just look at the spectacles beheld at the 2009 event by scrolling down and clicking “Pictures 2009.”

2010 will include Sid and Noi Saimese, both formerly of Thailand, Vatea of Haiti, a bevy of Norwegian artists and many European artists.

Last year, Isobel Varley, the “Most Tattoed Senior Woman” according to the Guinness Book of World Records appeared along with Eliane Davidson, the world’s most pierced woman.

The lineup for Hell City is nowhere near complete yet. The four artists confirmed for the Phoenix Show are all from Clic Collective in Virginia, while their Columbus, Ohio show in May is far closer to hammered out.

The website states they are not an average tattoo convention which must be true when they offer a children’s area (Heck City Kid’s Zone). They promise “everything from live entertainment on the main stage, to music, to free seminars, live forums, The Art Fusion Experiment, tattoo competitions every day,” and of course, the ubiquitous Suicide Girls.

A shot from the London Convention: beerandnoodles

We’ve talked about The London Tattoo Convention on Matador Nights before. Details are few and far between for the 2010 lineup, but as the time draws near, buzz should get going in the forum.

In the meantime, you can peruse last year’s artists and events to get a good idea of what will be in store for you should you make it in 2010.

The Barcelona Tattoo Expo will be in its 13th year on 2010. In 2009 the convention had more then 9,000 visitors and 134 exhibitors. While there is little information about this event, you can subscribe to their newsletter for updates. 2009’s schedule was chock full of activities.

Photo: redkidrob

If the past two years are any indication, Florence will hold its third tattoo convention this November. Last year featured loads of Italian artists including transplant Don Alejandro Cervantes of Tattoo Mexican Family and his clan, and photo-realists Matteo Cascetti and Tiziano Ripanti of Il Gatto e la Volpe. Many European artists and several Japanese artists including including Hiro, Horinao and Ritsu from Cat Claw Studio were on the roster last year as well as a couple of Americans and one Brazilian.

It’s pretty certain that December will see the 20th Berlin Tattoo Convention. Only just completed, 2009’s event included Herbert Hoffman, billed as the oldest tattoo artist. Last year, Vatea tattooed in the real old school fashion – without a machine, and 150 artists worked and were showcased from locales as far-flung as China.

Looking for more conventions? Check out Karen L. Hudson’s guide on About.com as it’s updated throughout the year to see if you’ll be near one in 2010.

Community Connection

This list brings you one tattoo convention a month worldwide and picks are partially based on date, so many greats have been excluded from the list. Is there something you’d like to see here? We invite your comments letting us know below.

Check out MatadorTV to see Thai monks tattooing in the traditional way and the tattooed taking on the attributes of the tattoos they’ve gotten.

Torn about being tattooed? You can read Matador Community member kburg’s blog about what a tattoo can mean for your employment in Korea.

Photo from Bonnaroo: the camera is a toy.

Noise Pop – San Francisco, CA

Noise Pop’s curators have impeccable taste, making it one of the unassuming and cool music festivals in America. The festival eschews the typical Big Honking Stage In A Field mentality and books bands into many of SF’s venues, spreading the love around the city. Indie rock fans will fare well here, with 2009 performers including Antony and the Johnsons, Deerhunter, St. Vincent and Bob Mould. Feb/March

SXSW – Austin, TX

It’s the music festival where you’ll have six beers by 5pm and be blind drunk by midnight. You’ll make plans to see twelve ten bands in one night but you’ll be lucky to get into two venues, even if you have the almighty wristband. That’s fine, if you know where the secret Vice party is later on. March.

Coachella 2009. Photo: rieh

Coachella – Palm Springs, CA

The mother of all US festivals runs April 16-18 in 2010, with rumors flying about performances by Faith No More, Beastie Boys and Soundgarden. Confirmations so far include Devo, Phoenix and Muse. April

Sasquatch – The Gorge, Washington

A ridiculously hip lineup at America’s most dumbfounding venue. Pavement, who have confirmed as part of their reunion tour, will surely take center stage as the sun sets over The Gorge. May

Rocklahoma – Pryor, Oklahoma

The festival that should be sponsored by Aquanet, Rocklahoma features metal, metal and metal. Year one was more about the hair metal scene but last year saw growth in the heavier sector, with the addition of non-pussy bands like Overkill, Metal Church and Anthrax (OK, Anthrax are kinda pussies). Those craving 80’s anthems will find their way here, with past performers including Night Ranger, Ratt, Twisted Sister and Great White. May

Photo and Feature Photo from Rothbury 2009: jvh33

Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN

Dude, I’m so baked. Wait, where’s my tent?

Tickets for the 2010 show are already on sale but the lineup is still under wraps. This is one festival that does it all, covering indie rock, world music, hip hop, jazz, americana, bluegrass, country music, folk, gospel, reggae and electronica. June

All Points West – New York, NY

Now just three years young, All Points is the East Coast’s answer to Coachella. Last year’s lineup included Jay Z, Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, Tool and Coldplay. Beastie Boys seem to be a sure bet for next year’s lineup, having bowed out of 2008. July.

Nerdapalooza – Orlando, FL

More fun than you can shake a stick at, this new festival takes place at The Holiday Inn just down the road from Wet N’ Wild. That might not sound like a hoot until you read about some of the bands who play this dorkfest, which includes some of the biggest names in….Nerdcore. Last year’s show was the first time that the four major players in this scene (MC Frontalot, MC Lars, mc chris, YTCracker ) all performed at the same event.

Bring your retainer, it’s OK.

Photo of Arthur Adams from Waterfront Blues: tdstone

Waterfront Blues Portland, OR

120,000 people attend the second largest blues festival in the USA. The festival benefits the Oregon Food Bank, a non-profit organization which provides food to low-income persons in Oregon and SW Washington states. 150 performances cover four stages over three days. July.

Rothbury Festival – Rothbury, MI

Another one for the burners, Rothbury bills itself as a “Sustainable Camping Festival Revolution Celebrating Music, Art and Action.” Jam band and folk lovers rejoice – past artists have included String Cheese Incident, The Dead, G. Love, Bob Dylan, Disco Biscuits, Widespread Panic and Dave Matthews Band. July.

Pitchfork Music Festival – Chicago, IL

Perhaps only the music festival that could get away with headliners like Built To Spill and Spoon, this festival is driven by America’s indie rock barometer, Pitchfork Media. July.

Photo from SXSW 2009: MoEaFaTi

KCRW’s World Festival – Los Angeles, CA

Presented by LA Philharmonic, this super-hip festival is where indie darlings often pair with symphony orchestras. Last year’s artists included Adele, Ray LaMontagne, Grace Jones, India Calling and Of Montreal. June/July/August

Lollapalooza – Chicago, IL

Lollapalooza is revived and alive after becoming a yearly installation in beautiful Grant Park. Tickets are already sold out for the early-bird special, even though the only band confirmed so far is Phoenix. Highlights last year included Depeche Mode, The Killers, Jane’s Addiction, Ben Harper and Animal Collective. August

Outside Lands – San Francisco, CA

Photo from All Points West: chrisq38

Launched only in 2008, this festival is off to a cracking start. Golden Gate park is the backdrop for an excellent mix of artists, from big names (Pearl Jam, Wilco, Tom Petty) to many of peoples’ “favorite band that nobody else loves like I do” (Calexico, John Vanderslice, Portugal The Man). August

Bumbershoot – Seattle, WA

Bumbershoot is a one of America’s most beloved rock music festivals, going strong since 1971. The event, which takes place at Seattle Center, has survived just about every musical trend from disco to grunge. September

Voodoo Experience – New Orleans, LA

We named it the last great music festival of 2009, with an eclectic range of 2009 performances including Flaming Lips, Justice, Eminem, Ween and Meat Puppets. We eagerly anticipate the 2010 lineup. October

Community Connection

Be sure to catch our guide for how to prepare for a summer music festival. If you’re planning on wearing black and blue then you might also check out our 12 tips for surviving your first European heavy metal festival.

The apparently masochistic Caga tió smiles in
anticipation of being beaten until he poops out your
snacks for Christmas.
Photo: Wikipedia

A perfect illustration of this point is the “Tió de Nadal” (Christmas Log), more popularly known as “Caga tió” (shitting or pooping log) – a tradition of Catalonia.

Starting on December 8, the hollowed log is ‘fed’ each night and tucked under a blankie so he won’t get cold. Then on Christmas day or Christmas Eve, the family gathers around and sings to the log as they beat it, loosing ‘poop’ such as figs and turrón to be shared by all the assailants. At the end, the log will crap out a herring or a head of garlic to signal the treats have come to an end.

Similar traditions are practiced in areas near to Catalonia and are thought to be related to the Christmas tree.

According to Wikipedia, this is the one of the many songs sung to the Tió de Nadal prior to and during its beating:

Graphic: Kate Sedgwick

Community Connection

Still Interested in Catalonia? We thought so. Check out Matador Community Member Frannyink’s informative essay about the living architecture of the Castellers of Catalonia.

Have something to tell us about? Become a member today and get busy with a blog of your own.

Feature photo by author.

Scotland’s contributions to modern society are storied and numerous: great thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume, sports like golf and shinty (you know…shinty), and bards such as Robert Burns and Robert Fergusson. Oh, and whisky.

The product of an almost mystical alchemy, the process of creating single malt whisky transforms pure island spring water into a fascinating and complex golden spirit. Whisky is surely the most intoxicating example of Scottish ingenuity.

Aberlour (Banffshire, Moray)

Situated on the edge of the tiny town that shares its name, the Aberlour distillery offers the most immersive tasting tours in Scotland. The detailed tour takes you through the founding and history of the distillery as you wind through the tidy production and storage buildings.

Photo by julianjb

Wise and often hilarious guides keep you engaged en route to the crown jewel of the tour; the tasting room, a cozy shelter with cask-built tables and a floor-to-ceiling window looking on to hundreds of resting barrels. Each tour-goer settles down to an array of six drams, from raw spirit to cask strength A’bunadh, posed with the impossible challenge of staying sober.

Talisker (Carbost, Skye)

From the shores of Loch Harport in eastern Skye comes a whisky as an enigmatic and volatile as the local weather. Talisker. This small operation with its strong traditions and classic equipment offers an informative and generous tasting tour that requires advance booking.

The tour culminates in a series of tastings, including the fiery 10-year old and the rich 25-year old expressions, that have guests calling out tasting and nosing notes. As the drams run dry, strangers become friends while outside the weather and the looming Cuillin hills make for an enchanting backdrop.

Edradour (Pitlochry, Perthshire)

Photo by: ifyr

The smallest distillery in Scotland also puts the smallest dent in your wallet – the tours are free! The farmhouse Edradour distillery sits in the hills east of Pitlochry and proves that excellent whisky is all in the craft. And that craft is the expression of just three men; the majority of the staff work in the visitor center and as tour guides.

The old-time washbacks and mash tuns give way to a visitor’s center replete with the full range of Edradour whiskies, a staggering number considering the small annual production. Give the Port Wine finish a try – you won’t regret it.

Highland Park (Kirkwall, Orkney)

Across the Pentland Firth from the northern tip of Scotland lie the Orkney Islands and the famous Highland Park distillery. Highland Park’s distinctive pagoda overlooks the port city of Kirkwall, and it kicks off its tour with a bang as guests receive a free taste of their lauded single malt during an introductory video.

As the tour progresses through the old stone buildings, stop and admire the malting floor – Highland Park is one of the few remaining distilleries that malts its own barley. The tour deposits visitors in its lavish gift shop where hard-earned dollars are bid brief goodbyes.

Glenfiddich (Dufftown, Banffshire)

Photo by: chatiryworld

Glenfiddich is the world’s best-selling whisky, and the distillery has one of the most popular tours in the country. Like many of the tourist attractions in Scotland, Glenfiddich’s visitor experience is a multimedia extravaganza.

The tour details the whisky-making process as well as the strength of spirit and independence that went into making Glenfiddich a household name around the world. Enjoy a taste of the mainstay 12-year old or the 80-proof liqueur as the tour ends, and take satisfaction that you’re in the whisky-capitol of the world.

Daan Taat

Daan Taat, aka Egg Custard Tarts

For me, one of the sweetest things in life is biting into a daan taat fresh from the oven, feeling the warm egg custard melt as its delicate, flaky crust crumbles in my mouth. While it’s traditionally yellow, some New York bakeries will offer tarts made exclusively with egg whites and in some cases, with papaya or green tea flavorings.

Most bakeries also carry Portuguese-style egg tarts, similar to pasteis de nata, which have the look and consistency of crème brûlée.

Sesame Balls

Sesame Balls

One of my guilty pleasures are sesame balls: deep fried, sesame-specked glutinous rice balls filled with red bean or lotus paste. Crispy, greasy, and gooey, they’re a popular Chinese New Year treat, though they’re available in bakeries year-round.

Cha Siu Bao

Cha Siu Bao, aka Roast Pork Buns

Those looking for a more savory option will enjoy cha siu bao, or roast pork buns. These come either steamed or baked. The steamed variety are white, very light and cake-like; the baked ones are browned and topped with a sticky glaze.

Either way, the buns are filled with a helping of diced roast pork belly, better known as cha siu, in a sweet sauce. Occasionally, you may come across versions of this bun with a chicken filling.

PIneapple Buns

Pineapple Buns

These buns contain no pineapple. They get their name from the checkered yellow crust designed to make them resemble the outside of the tropical fruit. Even if the yellow crust looks nice, it’s not good for you – pineapple buns are considered one of the most unhealthy snack foods in Hong Kong.

I enjoy them plain, without filling, but some versions are filled with a bean paste, a custard, or even barbecued meat.

Paper Wrapped Cake

Paper Wrapped Cake

Sometimes called cupcakes, these are very light sponge cakes baked in paper wrappers. They’re perfect if you only want a little snack, especially if you’re stuffed from dim sum or chow fun.

Cocktail Buns

Cocktail Buns

These pastries usually come in pairs. They were created as a way of using up leftover buns by mashing them with sugar and shredded coconut and stuffing them inside freshly-made buns.

Moon Cakes

Moon Cakes

Moon cakes, traditionally eaten during the Autumn Moon Festival in September, are an acquired taste. These dense lotus paste and egg yolk-filled cakes are very rich, so it’s best to slice them up and share them with others.

Specialty versions of this pastry are filled with flavored pastes such as pineapple or green tea.

A train stopping snow in Buckinghamshire in February, 2009 – Photo (and Feature Photo): MonkeySimon

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England

50 customers including 20 children were treated to just that in the bed department of the John Lewis store on Monday the 21st after intense snow stopped traffic. They were outnumbered still by the staff of the store which totalled 54.

They were fed, though there’s no word what was available to eat, before they all cuddled up in the beds that were made up for the purpose and settled in for a night of shut eye.

Deborah Strazza, the store’s managing director says, “It was so sweet, the kids absolutely loved it. They thought they were in Toy Story.” She is a mother, too, and couldn’t square herself with the idea of stranding families out in the snow. According to Independent, she went on to say, “The customers were really, really grateful and they could not thank us enough.”

Surely the cost of opening several packages of bed linens pales in comparison to the feel good word of mouth advertising of grateful customers. Good call, Deborah.

Community Connection

Matador Community member Global Grasshopper gives us the Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Shopping in the UK and John Lewis is mentioned. Make that last minute road trip using her list!

Become a community member and share your recommendations with a group of world travelers that is growing every day.

Who’s on The Goon? Let’s find out. Photos by author, unless noted otherwise.

Base

Location: Magnetic Island, Australia

It’s not uncommon to see patrons of this hostel walking the shore with big, silver bags of goon ripped right from their boxes, spouts pouring freely into mouths of anyone who will have them. The A-frame dorms are filled to the brim during the summer and there are plenty of corners for late night nookie, including a much-abused tent used to store linens.

The main bar is a striking party space; huge and communal. Most nights the action gets going as the sun goes down but it’s not uncommon for the whole thing to kick off in the afternoon, next to the hostel’s excellent pool.

India House

Location: New Orleans, LA

The pool at Base, Magnetic Island.

New Orleans is the home of some of America’s greatest parties, from Voodoo Experience to Mardi Gras. India House serves as the backpacker base of choice. A September 19th review on Tripadvisor explains, “The second I walked into India House I was greeted by a drunken staff member that offered me a swig of whiskey, and it only went uphill from there.”

Aqua Lounge Bar & Hostel

Location: Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Bocas Del Toro is quickly becoming a huge party destination, often with travelers on the last stop of their South American loop. Mondo Taitu remains the mainland’s party spot of choice but more adventurous travelers will be rewarded if they seek out this island hostel, just a stone’s throw from shore.

You have to love a budget accommodation that lists itself as a bar first and a crash pad second. Aqua Lounge sits precariously on the water’s edge, with a pool made for backflips and beer drinking. It’s the perfect spot to take over if you’re traveling in a pack or meeting up with another squad of friends.

Beachcomber Island Resort

Location: Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

Party at Pudu in Bariloche. Photo tandra2008

This resort sports a mammoth dorm with 86 beds, making it one hell of a devil’s playground. The day drill involves wallowing and drinking – at night, carousing and drinking.

The only property on this small island, there are all kinds of places to make mischief. Most partiers stay on the close-by private beach, where there’s a stocked bar and always a friend with a bottle fresh from duty-free. The bunks tend to thump a bit after 2am.

The Tiger Paw Hostel

Location: Medellin, Colombia

The Tiger Paw was recommended by many as Columbia’s great party hostel. Stock and standard are events that make for the beginnings of a wild night; beer pong and poker nights to name a couple. Its location close to Zona Rosa makes pre-gaming all that much easier.

Blue Moon

Location: Lafayette, LA

We kept hearing reports about this guest house (with dorm beds), which contains a fully stocked back porch saloon with a stage for live music. According to the site, “It’s become a meeting place where world travelers, community organizations, families, artists and politicians rub elbows, dance, drink a few and thank their lucky stars they have the good fortune to spend an evening together in Lafayette, LA.”

Samba Villa Hostel

Location: Lapa, Rio De Janero, Brazil

The Blue Moon in Lafayette.

A hostel with an Irish Pub downstairs can only spell danger. Place that danger in Brazil and you have one hell of a party. Word on the street is that Samba Villa is cracking on the weekends, with Lapa’s legendary street parties spilling over into Samba at all hours.

One hostelbookers.com
review sums it up: ‘Right in the heart of the Friday night action, which is very useful for toilet stops and replenishing cash reserves. Don’t expect any sleep.”

Snooze & Booze

Location: Split, Croatia

DTravelsRound turned us onto this Aussie-run hotel in Split, saying that it is “known for its social setting, regularly leading packers on tours of the town, hitting up pubs throughout the old town, allowing travelers to get a guided tour of the nightlife.” So basically, guided drunkenness.

Yes! Lisbon Hostel

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

To be fair, nothing can top the party that happens during weekends in the nearby Bairro Alto. Yes! takes a stab at it though, especially on weeknights when many prefer to keep the party at home. 2 for 3 beer goes down fast, as does any €2 bottle of wine that you can find at a local grocery store.

During my blurry night here I met a curvy mom (a buzzed cougar?), a slurry Brazilian with come-hither eyes (and a girlfriend back home) and two terrifying Russian men, both quite toxic and looking for something to punch. The common room has loads of beanbag chairs should you pass out. There’s also a king sized bed underneath the TV, for those who can’t muster the strength to take it upstairs.

The €1 beer at Villa Saint Exupery.

Villa Saint Exupery

Location: Nice, France

We’ve written about this one before but it bears repeating that this might be one of the prettiest party hostels in the world. Gorgeous or not, this place goes off. €1 beer awaits anyone who can operate a vending machine and after 8pm the main area is awash with revelers on the drink.

Pudu Hostel

Location: Bariloche, Argentina

Pudu is haphazardly placed on some sort of cliff – the upstairs rooms have gorgeous views overlooking Patagonia but most guests head to the kitchen each night, where everyone kicks in a few bucks for food and drink. Quiet hammock-side conversation often turns to a full-out party by midnight in the garden.

Pudu is run by an Irish couple who have a history of radical travel and an Argentine who loves all things rasta. I wouldn’t say that anything goes here, but I would say anything within reason.

Casa Caracol

Location: Cadiz, Spain

It doesn’t seem like anyone sleeps here, or at least not while the moon is out. This is one of those places that’s either described as the best party of someone’s life or the worst nightmare of another’s. One stop might even be enough to do you in. As one person said on hostels.com, “I really enjoyed my stay; but I don’t think I’ll come back.”

Hanoi Backpacker’s Hostel

Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

The only hostel that I could find in Vietnam, Hanoi Backpacker’s throws a party at the drop of a hat. Started by Australians, this hostel has a legendary Sunday bash that includes traditional barbie and a free keg. Happy Hour starts at 5pm every day on the roof.

Friendly Fun Franks Backpackers Hostel
Riga, Latvia

Location: Riga, Latvia

Franks enjoys a worldwide reputation on the backpacker scene. British, Australian and Latvian owned, this backpacker not only offers pub tours, they also offer bobsled riding and AK-47 shooting. There’s a 24 hour bar on premises, if you’d like to load up before pumping bullets.

Make peace with dorm chaos.

Stone Of A Beach

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Just two blocks from Copacabana beach, Stone Of A Beach gets consistent raves from partiers, with constant mention of its rooftop bar and late nights. The caipirinhas are said to be especially deadly. Typical of hostels in this category, reviews are either raves or vehement slags.

Eastern Comfort

Location: Berlin, Germany

The Eastern Comfort is a hostel boat parked on the Spree River in Berlin, just next to the heavily-partied districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. The boat itself has a fascinating history, having been transported on a barge from another part of the country by an owner with a dream.

The on-board bar gets packed on Wednesdays for language-swap night, which later turns into tongue-swap night.

Base

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Whooo doggy, this one’s a party. You’d think that a place this central in a town this quaint would lend itself to a nice, Kite-Runner-reading crowd. Instead it’s rammed with a severe party people, all of who make the trip to the accompanying Saints and Sinners nightclub.

Traveler’s Hostel

Location: Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Peeking through the Tripadvisor reviews makes me feel bad for those who came here to rest up. Upon arrival one person notes “everyone was still asleep because of a tequila party the night before” and another confirms, “This place is loud all night and I mean all night until 6 in the morning.”

The Eastern Comfort in Berlin, Germany.

Global Village Backpackers

Location: Toronto, Canada

Although not reportedly the cleanest hostel in North America, Global Village is known for a legendary New Year’s Eve party. The hostel is located in the former Spadina Hotel, which once hosted The Rolling Stones, Jack Nicholson and a bunch of Canadian bands we don’t know. 180 beds and hundreds of conflicting reviews make this a sure bet for an interesting night.

Koala Beach Resort

Location: Airlie Beach, Australia

I was there a few years ago but reviews substantiate the place as I remember it: a rat trap with a severe amount of punters pounding pints. If you want to stay in the middle of the craziest night of your life, then this is the place. Rabble-rousers rave about the mad nights at Koala Beach, while others bemoan the property’s condition. You’d probably hear the same reviews of most frat parties.

Bug Backpacker user reviews say “the staff were idiots and everything was dirty” and “as for the bathroom, I wouldn’t let my dog even go in there!”. This still doesn’t stop the party on Airlie Beach, which never seems to end.

Photo (and Feature Photo): cliff1066™, Remix CC by Kate Sedgwick

176,492 Facebook Group members made it possible for the 17 year old Rage Against the Machine hit “Killing in the Name” to clobber other choices for the Christmas Number One Slot in the UK. The group, run by Jon and Tracy Morter, was set up to unseat the schmaltzy picks of Simon Cowell that ooze forth from speakers all over the UK throughout the holiday season each year. The Christmas Number One is big business and a big deal in the UK.

From the RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE FOR CHRISTMAS NO.1 page:
Are you getting fed up about the possibility of ANOTHER X-Factor Christmas No.1? …us too…so we’re going to do something about it!

We are all buying a download of ‘KILLING IN THE NAME’ by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE right NOW! until the end of Saturday 19th December (23:59pm).

They succeeded. It was less about the song itself and what the song represents – the antithesis of “The X Factor” (read Britain’s American Idol) host’s powerful campaigns to exert sway in the pick for the Christmas Number One.

From the page – a celebratory message.

They had to tell participants not to download more than once and to follow industry guidelines to prevent their selection from being disqualified.

They are apparently dedicated to improving quality of life beyond the aural realm. They have also raised more than £60,000 for Shelter, a UK charity group dedicated to securing homes for the homeless and campaigning against homelessness. When they realized how much attention their page was getting they thought it would be a waste not to direct some of that attention to the greater good of humanity.

In 2008, the #1 was “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen as covered by Alexandra Burke. In 2007 it was “When You Believe” by Leon Jackson, and in 2006, it was Leone Lewis’ “A Moment Like This.” “Killing in the Name” will forever be etched on the Christmas Number One for 2009, representing the general public’s dissatisfaction with warmed over sentimental claptrap for Christmas.

Community Connection

Interested in change from the ground up? Find out 10 Ways the International Community Must Help Africa from MatadorChange.

Photos are screencaps of iPhone screencaps of the application from the iTunes store.

While Diddy’s BlackBook is free from iTunes App Store, it is likely to be the only thing that is. The iPhone app is a pairing of Diddy and BlackBook to bring you the best in clubs, bars, dining, hotels and shopping in fifty cities worldwide along with reviews written by either the people at BlackBook or P Diddy’s personal assistant. Want to know where you can blow $50 on a martini in any major metropolis? Wonder no further.

One reviewer on the iTunes page says it was totally worth the $0 that he paid for it while another called it useless, citing the fact that the 50 featured cities are hundreds of miles from any location he’s likely to be.

Still, if you’re interested in finding out where Sean Combs hangs out (or is at least willing to say he does to add clout to BlackBook’s reputation while likely being paid and surely garnering advertising for his varied endeavors, such as the Sean John store), you’ve got nothing to lose except your sense of contentment and pride as you realize that the majority of recommendations far exceed the scope of your budget.

As one incredibly wealthy and naive fan or BlackBook lackey puts it in his review, “Now I can party where Diddy parties, eat where Diddy eats, travel where he travels.”

There seem to be discounts and incentives to visit the featured locations which are used like a coupon shown on the screen of your iPhone. There are more BlackBook iPhone apps available as well and while the suggestions may be worthwhile and in fact a new way of seeing a city, to believe that the stores and businesses being advertised aren’t lining the pockets of BlackBook or its featured celebrities would probably be a little soft headed.

This seems to be a new form of advertising along similar lines to product placement in movies, with the difference that the audience is made up of volunteers. Perhaps with the discounts and special offers it’s a mixture between pretending you’re a rock star and the Entertainment coupons your grandma humiliates you with by presenting them before the meal. All I can say is that while it may be hip, it also strikes me as slightly tragic.

While gay marriage is permitted in 10 % of U.S states, marriage between cousins is permitted in 50%.

Photo and feature photo: masochismtango

H.G. Wells, Albert Einstein and Darwin all married a cousin. While gay marriage is still illegal in most of the nation, marrying your aunt or uncle’s kid is okay in half the states in the Union including four of the five most populated.

While many right wingers assert that the main reason to prevent gay marriage is to protect children, the risk of genetic mutation and birth defects resulting from shared DNA doubles in marriages between cousins (from 3% – 6%). There is no risk of birth defects to children from gay unions.

While many would cite confusion about the roles of relatives as a secondary harmful factor to children of gay unions, it may be even more confusing when it becomes necessary to explain how Andy is little Craig’s uncle and his grandpa or that Mommy and Daddy are both aunt and uncle and mommy and daddy.

For your information, marriage between cousins is permitted in Tennessee, Virginia, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Alaska, Hawaii and Washington D.C., and with conditions (such as state mandated genetic counseling or that one or both of the parties be beyond breeding age) in Utah, Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Maine.

Gay marriage is currently permitted in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont, and will begin in New Hampshire on January 1, 2010.

Community Connection

Want to read more about gay marriage? Check out MatadorTrips’ Best American Spots for a Same Sex Wedding.