Historians note that Christmas as we know it, decked with holly, and hung with mistletoe, etc. all came from Charles Dickens. When Dickens began work on his 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, he looked to Washington Irving's writing on the American Yuletide for inspiration, weaving the more wholesome version of the festive season into the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited miser shown the true meaning of Christmas by a trio of ghostly visitors. In the end, it was Dickens’ vision that prevailed, his book, a poetic masterpiece, quickly supplanted Irving’s essays in the popular imagination ..read more

Travel and writing go hand in hand. No trip is complete without a good book for company, and many a magnificent journey has resulted in published work. There is something about exploring a foreign land through the eyes of another that remains irresistible, whether the trip is in a metropolis or the middle of nowhere. Travel writing is wonderful, but you can’t beat a good old travelogue. Europe’s myriad charms attract millions of visitors annually, and the history books are packed with gorgeous tomes penned about its many countries. These are the books to read before visiting specific cities, c ..read more

While the name Pocket Monsters may sound menacing, the Pokémon series has creatures that don't look anything like a monster. In fact, many of the Pokémon in the series look adorable and so cute. Many players prefer cute Pokémon on their teams since they always have to look at them in battle.  Players who want the cutest Pokémon of all time should look no further. In no particular order, these cutest Pokémon offer some of the most colorful and magical designs in the entire series. Players also have options across all nine generations in the game for a cutesy partner Pokémon.  1. Eevee ..read more

New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. What better way to get the most bang for your buck during a visit than with budget-friendly options? While exploring these attractions, remember to savor the flavors of New Orleans. The city's Creole and Cajun cuisine is a culinary adventure, and you can sample it without emptying your wallet at local eateries. You should check out this list of restaurants in New Orleans, where you'll find something for any budget. Most importantly, relax and enjoy your time in the vibrant Crescent City. With its rich cultural he ..read more

Bob Marley: One Love hits theatres in January, and the buzz around it echoes the buzz around Bohemian Rhapsody of just a few years ago. But Bohemian Rhapsody stands as just one biopic in a long line of incredible musical biopics based on the lives of famous musicians. From Kurt Cobain to Weird Al Yankovic, high-quality musical biopics abound. 1. Jimi: All Is by My Side Image Credit: XLrator Media. Starring Andre 3000 and a pre-Marvel Hayley Atwell, the Jimi Hendrix biopic tells the story of Hendrix as he left New York City for London and his career took off. An interesting look ..read more

If you're like me, you've probably seen photos of the German Christmas Markets and daydreamed of visiting. They're dripping in lights, showcase artisan crafts, and warm treats are plenty. It's one of the most famous European holiday traditions, but you don't have to cross the pond to experience one. Surprisingly, authentic German Christmas markets in the U.S. will give you the same festive vibes without the plane ticket. The Best German Christmas Markets in the US Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Geolina163. The lure of the German Christmas Market was so strong that major U.S. cities wanted to ..read more

While San Francisco is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, the City by the Bay sparkles a little brighter in December. From ice skating in Union Square to a life-size gingerbread house, festive holiday lights at Fisherman's Wharf, and the country's largest holiday light projection event, there are simply so many things to do in San Francisco this holiday season. The Best Things To Do in San Francisco at Christmas Image Credit: Shutterstock. I grew up an hour outside of San Francisco, and visiting the city at Christmas was always the highlight of the season. Now, as a San Francisco res ..read more

Christmas is a time for celebration. A time for whimsy and cheer. It's also a time for holiday specials galore, with almost every TV program offering some kind of Christmas-themed episode for everyone in the family to enjoy. While we always advocate spending time with those closest to you watching family-friendly TV shows, there's no denying that watching so much holiday cheer on TV can get somewhat old. Luckily, plenty of TV shows boast fresh, alternative takes on the holiday, portraying it in a less-than-wholesome manner compared to seasonal specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolp ..read more

Like any other video game franchise, everyone recognizes the name Street Fighter, regardless of whether they’ve even played the game or not. An iconic staple in video game fandom, Street Fighter games also serve as one of the pillars of the fighting game genre, influencing countless succeeding titles like Mortal Kombat. Like Lara Croft or Metal Gear Solid, multiple entries in the franchise have seen releases over the years, but only a select few stand the test of time as the best Street Fighter games in the series’ existence. 1. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1991) Image Credit: Capcom ..read more

Vermont is known for its idyllic New England beauty—rolling hills, covered bridges, farms with postcard-like red barns, and maple syrup galore. It’s as if someone waved a magic wand and brought a Norman Rockwell painting to life. This is especially true in the winter when people flock to the area for skiing and hunkering down in the state’s many inns and cabins—usually by a warm, crackling fireplace. Things To Do in Vermont This Winter Image Credit: Shutterstock. It’s not hard to find the famous ski mountains in Vermont, but if your goal is a cozy Vermont town that’s quiet yet bustling with li ..read more