Italy

Look at these great photos (#1-5) as seen on My Modern Met.com. (Others from NG site.) They’re all part of the 25th Annual National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest, going on now. Click the logo at left to enter (you’ll need to set up a National Geographic account, or log in with an account from Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, etc.) 1. Photo and hover by Gary Migues/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. 2. Photo and hover by Adam Lichtcsien/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. 3. Photo and hover by Petra Bensted/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. 4. Photo and hover by Richard Sidey/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. 5. Photo and hover by Peter Stanley/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. 6. Photo and hover by Mary Gretchen Kaplan/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. 7. Photo and hover by Francisco Mingorance/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Birds, Blorp, Foxes, Gorillas, Penguins

Anyone who's a real lover of the simple, yet perfect baking genius that is the chocolate chip cookie knows that you can never have too many. Just like you can never have too many chocolate chip cookie recipes either. Because there are a multitude of variations you can take on this one cookie -- almost all of them good.There is of course the crunchy versus chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe -- which we're sure has been the premise for many heated debates. But then there are also recipes that sneak in peanut butter or oatmeal or pretzels, or even all three. And while we're not picky when it comes to this cookie, so long as there are chocolate chips in it we're happy, we think it's important to try every variation -- for the sake of baking research, of course.More...

The only thing better than a cookie is two cookies. And when you sandwich those two cookies with ice cream, that's when things start to get seriously good.The ice cream sandwich really is a genius dessert. Not only does it get rid of the boring waffle cone (sorry cone lovers, but it's time to move on), but it lets you eat two desserts in one. And, we haven't even mentioned flavor combinations made possible by the joining of these two great desserts -- they will blow your mind. Check out the recipes below and you'll see what we mean. One of them is even loaded with Lucky Charms.More...

MakeDoc is a single-serve iOS app which costs just $3. That’s a lot less than the app it might replace for many of you: Microsoft Word. MarkDoc does (mostly) one thing: it takes a clipboard filled with Markdown text and turns it into a DOCX file. That’s it. Well, that’s almost it – makeDoc will perform the same conversion trick using OPML and plain text files for the source text. Most Markdown editors for iOS will convert text into rich text or HTML or a PDF, but as far as I know you have to go to the Mac to output a Word file. Why would you want this app? Because even if you’re one of those enlightened people who crafts their words in the RAW format of writers (Markdown), you will sometimes need to send a DOC file to a digital luddite. You might see the value of a lightweight and universal file format in which you concentrate on writing and think about the formatting only when you export, but some people like to have their work tied up in a proprietary, bloated file which is hard to edit without an expensive software suite. MakeDoc supports the “open in…” feature of iOS so you can send the results to any compatible apps (I suggest emailing it as fast as possible and then taking a long hot shower). What I’d really like is a URL scheme so other apps like Drafts could beam their Markdown payloads direct to the app for quick and dirty (emphasis on the dirty) conversion. Source: iTunes Store Related StoriesSound for Disasters: Eton’s Tough New Rukus Bluetooth Speaker is Solar-Powered, SplashproofAnalyst: Don’t Plan To See An iWatch Until Later In 2014, But It Will Probably Use BiometricsOne Ruggedized UE BOOM Bluetooth Speaker is Cool, But Two Gets You Stereo SoundNuForce Mobile Music Pump: The Best-Named Headphone Amp Ever?Map Camera Adds Maps To Your Photos

Leavened with baking soda rather than yeast, this quick and enticing version of cinnamon raisin bread from Running to the Kitchen comes together in next to no time. Cinnamon bread you can feel good about eating for breakfast. For more - and the recipe - visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

Kari Hultman was one of the world’s best woodworking bloggers until September 10, 2013 when she ended her blog at villagecarpenter.blogspot.com.I’m lucky enough to call Kari my friend. She was the first blogger I met in person when I was just joining the online woodworking community. Even though at the time I couldn’t claim to be any more than an voyeur, watching from the outskirts of the community, Kari was nice enough to let me tour her shop and write about it. After we discussed the shop, she started showing me the tools she was just beginning to make for herself. As I would learn, this was Kari. She’s never stopped sharing her passion for the craft and love of learning and sharing out how to do it.Since that first meeting my admiration for Kari has only grown - based both on the support she’s always shown me and the stunning items to come out of her shop. Have you seen her homemade level, Sven, the Meditation Benches or the Pennsylvania German Sawbuck Table? I saw the table in person during the finishing process, and the photos don’t do it justice.The Pensylvania German Sawbuck Table as I saw it, during the finishing process.Kari's photo of her beautiful table and the original.Kari’s had The Village Carpenter for six (6) years. In that time she’s put out 538 posts, publishing three (3) per week during her most prolific period. If you’ve not read every one - even if you have - you owe yourself to go back and read them. From the first day, Kari put more thought and care into each post than may put into their entire blog. She’s discussed tool makers, toured museums and taken readers through the process of building projects and tools in an informative, illustrated, step-by-step manner that only Kari can.I’m struggling not to say goodbye too much here, as Kari will continue to woodwork. Now she’ll get to do it at her own pace and for no one’s satisfaction but her own.We'll miss your post, Kari.To Kari, I’ll miss reading The Village Carpenter. Thank you for all the posts, all the projects, welcoming everyone to the community and - most importantly - showing how we can all make what we want. I wish you and your family only the best. Thank you for the friendship you’ve shown me and my family. Thank you for the mouse poop covered wood. I can’t wait to see you again.Thank you, Kari.

Ever wondered what Mr. Miyagi would look like dressed as a schoolgirl? No?!? Me neither…Who does that? Anyway, you’ll get to see it anyway, as we take a look at one of Tokyo’s most iconic characters, Hideaki Kobayashi, better known as the “Sailor Suit Old Man” or the weird guy wearing a schoolgirl uniform. As some of you may know, schoolgirl uniforms are very popular in Japan, but mostly it’s the girls who wear them. One man decided to turn the fashion trend on its head and started wearing the outfit himself, in some of Tokyo’s most crowded places. Hideaki Kobayashi is one of Japan’s most experienced cosplay photographers, meaning he’s been attending anime and video game themed events for over a decade, taking pictures of people dressed as their favorite characters. The flashy dress code must have rubbed off on him at some point, as he started making appearances in his now-famous sailor style school uniform. He was a bizarre sight to behold even at cosplay shows, but Hideaki decided to take it one step further and wear his girly uniform wherever he went. In the Western world, most people would probably be shocked and disgusted at the sight of a hairy old man walking around town in a schoolgirl uniform, but not in Japan. Here, the Sailor Suit Old Man became an internet celebrity, sought out by young girls who wanted to take pictures with him and post them online for everyone to see. He even bragged about being mobbed for photos “like a popular celebrity”, on Facebook. Read More

The killjoys at Nutella have decided to put the kibosh on World Nutella Day with a cease-and-desist letter. This is the same people who said the correct way to pronounce the product name was ‘new-telluh’, because the product is clearly filled with ‘newts’. Ferroro SpA, the owners, ordered the closure, and the founder of the day said: ”Seven years after the first World Nutella Day in 2007, I never thought the idea of dedicating a day to come together for the love of a certain hazelnut spread would be embraced by so many people!” Founder Sara Rosso continued: ”I’ve seen the event grow from a few hundred food bloggers posting recipes to thousands of people tweeting about it, pinning recipes on Pinterest, and posting their own contributions on Facebook!” “There have been songs sung about it, short films created for it, poems written for it, recipes tested for it, and photos taken for it.” “The cease-and-desist letter was a bit of a surprise and a disappointment, as over the years I’ve had contact and positive experiences with several employees of Ferrero SpA. and with their public relations and brand strategy consultants. I’ve always tried to collaborate and work together in the spirit and goodwill of a fan-run celebration of a spread I (to this day) still eat.” “I have hope that this is not a goodbye to World Nutella Day forever, for the fans’ sake, and hopefully it will live on in one form or another in the future.” This is truly our generation’s JFK moment.

Dan Black spends 24 hours on a rooftop in his "Hearts" video. First of all, not being obsessed with Dan Black is a huge life mistake. Just saying. In case you're not all up on the Dan Black situation, Black is an electro-pop artist known for tracks like "Alone" and "Symphonies," the latter of which not only earned him a 2010 MTV VMA nomination, but also bravely sampled the one and only "Umbrella." Do we even have to tell you who that's by? (OK, fine, Rihanna.) Nowadays, Mr. Black is back with his brand-new video, "Hearts," which is slated to appear on his still-untitled album due later this year. Oh, and did we mention it features the queen of the yard, KELIS?? (No milkshakes, though.) Watch Dan Black's "Hearts" video featuring Kelis. Shot over 24 hours, Dan's "Human Time Lapse" video features him chanting his pop/dance anthem alone on a roof. Over the course of the day, Dan gets a visit from a couple giant plush stuffed animals, some dope purple chairs, and, of course, Kelis (YES!!!) who appears via blank poster and a few hand-held photos. Once nighttime falls, Dan plops right down to take a rest on the roof, while casually leaning against an old-school TV that just so happens to be playing the 24/7-Kelis channel! It's all waayyyyy too cool for school, but we mean that in the way that makes us jealous, not scared. + Watch Dan Black's "Hearts" video featuring Kelis. Photo credit: Ultra Records

Red Wings News Red Wings sign defense prospect Mattias Backman, who's shown much improvement in Sweden | MLive.comThis guy is going to be good. I officially pronounce myself as Mattias Bäckman's number one fan. So in 10 years when he is winning Norris trophy's with Ryan Sproul, I can say that I am his number one fan and actually have something to back it up. Red Wings' Darren Helm staying off ice after latest setback, hoping extended rest will cure back | MLive.com I know I am maybe overreacting but I have thought the same thing for a while. Is this it for Helm? It's tough to think about but he has played like 4-5 games in the last year. Not good. Plus, a back issue isn't like breaking a hand, these things can linger. Bad news/good news: Red Wings’ Darren Helm’s definitely done, but Danny DeKeyser may yet return | The Malik Report Why must you give me bad news Malik? Blackhawks and Red Wings have 2 of the NHL's top coaches matching wits in 2nd-round series - The Hockey NewsOnly one of them actually has wits. DeKeyser holding out hope for playoff return | ProHockeyTalk"As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win." - Dekeyser Red Wings' Daniel Cleary back to his old self | Toronto SunWe need Cleary to be good. In fact, we need him to be great. Shoalts: Red Wings are proof that depth means everything in the playoffs - The Globe and MailThe lack of depth is why the Ducks lost in the 1st round. They simply couldn't match the Wings on all four lines. Cole: Holland builds another winner | Windsor StarWhen has he not built a winner? NHL News Alain Vigneault fired by Canucks; Two assistants also gone - SBNation.comCleaning house i see. Veteran blueliner Sutton retires from NHL | TSN Edmonton Oilers lose one of their best defenseman. And I am only slightly exaggerating. Kings in a good spot despite adversity - Cross Checks Blog - ESPNI hope that San Jose beats the Kings. I think the Wings have a better chance than them and I want the Wings to beat the Sharks before leaving the West. Gillis: Vigneault fired because results weren’t there | ProHockeyTalkDisappointing considering all of the talent that Vancouver has. Goaltender situation kind of screwed them over a bit though. It hung over the team all season. LA Kings apologize for Kevin Ryder’s sexual assault joke on Twitter | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! SportsFor someone who isn't offended by it, it was kind of funny. But not funny enough to warrant you tweeting it on an official NHL twitter account. Is it Panic Time for the Blackhawks? | The Hockey WritersIt's panic time. The Wings are-a-coming! Brad Richards, postseason disaster for the New York Rangers | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! SportsRemember when we wanted him to come to Detroit? Yeah, I am glad that didn't happen. After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’ | ProHockeyTalkDecent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment. Veteran blueliner Sutton retires from NHL | TSN Edmonton Oilers lose one of their best defenseman. And I am only slightly exaggerating. Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected | ProHockeyTalkPastor wanted to pay the cost of purchasing the team over a 15-year period which the NHL clearly didn't like. Also, Pastor included an out-clause which allowed him to relocate the team in 3-5 years if he didn't like the situation in Phoenix. After finding this out I totally understand why the NHL rejected the bid. Basically no money now plus the Coyotes would maybe still move. Jakub Voracek crashes, totals Ferrari in Czech Republic; Flyers say he’s OK (Photos) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! SportsAt first I thought this was about Jakub Kindl, but then I read the rest of the title and breathed out. Let's Go Red Wings!