THE Podcast...

"This American Life" producer Sarah Koenig has everyone (including the WSJ) talking about "Serial," the podcast that has generated one million unique listeners per episode and changing the way marketers view the power of a podcast. Along with Julie Snyder, (Senior Producer of "This American Life") and Ira Glass (Founder and Host of "This American Life"), the team is getting a lot of attention for this provocatively addictive audible narrative. Once a stagnant medium with a 0% growth prediction due to the popularity of newer web channels, industry leaders are now keen on the affects of this particular series. The show, broken up into different episodes each week, follows the case of Adnan Syed, a man arrested and convicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee, a high school student in Baltimore County who disappeared and was subsequently found dead in a park. I've encountered several friends and co-workers who seem to be absolutely intrenched in the podcast. It will be interesting to follow the journey of this new phenomenon...to subscribe to the podcast, visit here.

'Fall 50'

The WSJ published their 'Fall 50' in the weekend Off Duty issue which is comprised of 50 ideas for autumn adventures, gadgets, and looks that will aid in maximizing the season. Among them? Corduroy for men, cat eyes for women, apple cider cocktails for all, a jaunt to New Orleans and a ride on the Napa Valley dinner train (above). As the article examines the renaissance of the modern day "food train", it points to a few in the U.S. that are worthy of experiencing and are up to snuff even for the most discerning foodie. The Napa Valley dinner train has always caught my eye during trips to wine country, however it didn't truly peak my interest until now. How fun! See more, here.

God Save The Queen

Going back to the archives with this 2013 editorial from Elle Spain featuring Alina Baikova. I love the moody, vulnerable nature of these photographs, not to mention the fun play with British attire. They make me want to be locked away in a dark study on a dreary day with a glass of scotch and male suitor...  

Gentlemen: Virtue and Merit

When I landed at SFO late last weekend, I witnessed a man greet what I presumed to be his wife, with open arms and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He was grinning cheek to cheek so much that I couldn't stop smiling as I witnessed this raw moment of joy. The week before, I befriended a handsome stranger who walked me six blocks to work under his umbrella so I wouldn't get caught in the rain. When I visited with my Aunt & Uncle in Boston, my Uncle, without any hesitation, would open the car door for my Aunt and me every single occasion. Social decorum, kindness and thoughtfulness are some of the most attractive qualities, in my opinion. These acts of course go both ways, however I find it particularly refreshing in this day in age when I see men exhibit such niceties. My guy friends and male cousins back east are especially virtuous in this regard, however I seem to notice less of it out west. Mind your manners, gents!