The Coolest Kids in Town: a blog about Baltimore, DC, and the misadventures of two-city life.

Here in the Mid-Atlantic early March is usually a sign that spring is just around the corner, but with the expectation of another 30 inches of snow this week it appears that winter may not be giving up quite so easily this year. With that in mind, I've made plans to head somewhere greener, somewhere warmer; namely, New England. In travel, as with everything else, prior planning is clutch, so allow me the humble pleasure of introducing you to Duffle : Duffle lets you plan out every aspect of your upcoming trip(s). Just put in the basic trip information to start (when, where, etc) and Duffle creates an individual trip profile to assist in all your planning needs, it even makes suggestions on where to stay and what to do once you're there. It also gives you plenty of organizing space to do things like write yourself reminder notes, categorize your activities, and keep track of your transportation plans. If you're like me, and you've decided to forego flying in favor of a...

I don't know if you've heard, but there's a pretty big blizzard headed to the Mid-Atlantic, and in that light we here at TCKiT would like to supply you, dear readers, with some productive (indoor) time-fillers. I know, productive isn't generally something we like to promote around here, but you know, everything in moderation etc etc. So friends, today's activity will be: reading . Project Gutenberg allows you to download free ebooks that can be viewed on your computer or added to a digital reading device like Kindle. The content is totally legit because the site only offers books that have an expired US copywrite (unless otherwise noted), which means you can finally download Leviathan guilt free. If you'd prefer something a little newer than Gutenberg can offer, try the Digital Media Locator . The Digital Media Locator is a directory of local libraries - which means can you check ahead of time to see if that new Gideon Defoe ebook is available instead of schl...

Snow day! Ok, maybe it's not a real snow day since I'm no longer in school and it's a Saturday, which means most people didn't have work anyway (though our mail carrier did, and he is a champ for going out in this weather); but still, it's blizzarding here in Charm City - we had close to 20 inches around 2pm and our winter storm warning (read: huge effing blizzard) will be in effect until at least 6pm. So, in the spirit of the weather I've decided to give you the gift of the Calvin & Hobbes Snow Art Gallery : So go on and settle down by the fire with some hot chocolate, your laptop, and your favorite pet tiger, cause even if it's not snowing where you are everyone could use a little time off from the holiday rush.

Hellllllllo friends, we’re back. It’s been a long five months, and we’re sure you missed us, but Tex and Coda have returned to help get you through these trying times. Also known as the holidays. And possibly 2010, but no promises. Since the holidays are, in fact, here (the first night of Hanukkah is tomorrow , people – I’m celebrating by getting my tree), you’re gonna have to start making a lot of decisions. Need some help with that? Let Simon Decide has you covered. Just create a profile, answer some questions that illustrate your personality (the better to help you decide, my dear), and start making smart decisions. Once you’re registered click the large red button and let Simon help you make some good calls. Just ask a prepared question or a unique original and Simon will help you break the problem down, step-by-step. Then all you have to do is wait for Simon to analyze the info and give you his objective opinion. Now Simon is great, but he’s not for the indecisive, so to help yo...

So it's now officially the middle of summer and rather than being diligently committed to work you're spending all your free time on orbitz looking for airplane tickets that'll get you out of Dodge and on vacation. Well, Tex and I've got you covered. If you're in need of inspiration because your vacation scheming never got more specific than 'I need to get out of here,' take a look at Atlas Obscura . Atlas Obscura is an online catalogue of the strangest sites the world has to offer. They're even working on organizing tours some time in the near future for the people on their mailing list. You can search for curious sites by category, continent, and country (as well as by state in the US); but if you've got some free time on your hands (and if you're here you clearly do) then try just clicking around on their map. The sites cataloged range from a Plague museum in the Netherlands to the world's largest drain with just about everything in...

Anyone who knows Coda & I knows that there are two things we love: Paternity Tests and laughter . Which led us to compile the following list of sites: they're either funny or hilarious. Get with the program. 1. In the Butt is a photography collection, a dynamic art piece, a representative performance of the collective - fuck it, it's vandalism. But hilarious vandalism. So it's OK. Here's the long and short of it: take a sticker that says IN THE BUTT and stick it in a hilarious place (stop signs are played out, kids), or use it to interrupt some heavy-handed corporate advertisement. What ensues? Hilarity. SFW hilarity. 2. Superdickery is a hilarious site collecting vintage and super-sketch strips, scenes, and covers from the Superman/Batman comic book franchise. Hilarious, and SFW if your boss has a sense of humor. 3. Debate raged about whether to include this site in this post, or to make it a Blog of the Month*. Fuck Y...

It’s February 12th and while it’s doubtful that you’ve forgotten Valentine’s Day is looming a mere 27 hours from now, it’s entirely possible that you still have nothing to give to your significant other. Not to worry, TCKiT and overnight delivery are here to help you throw some shit together reeeal fast. The best ingredients to help set the mood for a romantic night in are the two that probably shouldn’t be mixed to begin with: booze and fire. Well, the nice people at Let’s Get Lit Candles are way ahead of you. They use alcohol bottles and turn them into holders for scented (or unscented) gel candles, and for those of you in warmer climes, they even offer citronella. There are 12 scents (as well as an unscented option) to choose from and dozens of bottle varieties. Let’s Get Lit also has an option for special requests that can be ordered over the phone or by email. Now all you have to do is buy some actual booze… If you happen to be one of those foolish people who agreed to give ...