Sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of a pretty distraction, and I’m not talking about Pamela Anderson here. If you live in (insert city name — really, any one will do), it’s time for you to GET OUT. No doomsday warnings here, just a poor man’s guide to travel to ease your weary soul.

This month it’s cold. So let’s take our vacation-lusting souls to someplace warmer than the icebox we’ve been living in.

California. Sweet California. You’re always there for us to retreat to, no matter how many times we make fun of your governor, or how bad your drivers are, or wish that you would just fall off into the ocean already. (Yea! California Island! Even better.)

I recently made my first pilgrimage to the Big Sur Coastline. If you’ve ever seen Big Sur, you’ll understand the use of the word “pilgrimage.” The coasts are practically untouched since the days of the Spanish settlers: sweeping views, pristine waters that appear as though Tide would bottle them for their next detergent, and the freshest air to fill your lungs since you came screaming out of the womb.

Welcome to Paradise, boys.

Strange phenomena happen in Big Sur. Cypress trees cling to steep drop offs. The Ghost Tree is an example of nature’s malleability in the face of it’s own force, arched from root to tip it pays homage to the glory of it’s creation, and the mysticism that lies in Big Sur.

If the beach-that-is-really-too-cold-to-sunbathe-at just isn’t your thing, head on out from Los Angeles like the Rider on the Storm that you are to an old ski-town in another sentimentally static are of California called Vincent’s Gap. The mountains here are sleepy and wise, extending off as far as you can see in most directions. Popular for hiking and even skiing, it is east to wander into Vincent’s Gap and feel time travel back to frontier days, when the mountains were first inhabited.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been writing — actually writing with my hands, not a keyboard — more than usual. That’s because I’ve been testing out various executive and designer pens for a “Globe Tests” column.

I tested out four writing instruments, including a MontBlanc and a Cross, which you can read about tomorrow when the column runs, but for now, here are a few that didn’t make the cut:

Pierre Cardin Black Pen
$9.99

Pros: It writes. It comes with a free mechanical pencil and a nifty box to keep them in. They’re shiny and black.

Cons: This is a cheap pen. We had a good laugh at the stack of these on the store shelf, just knowing they’d be thrown into stockings and gift bags this year.

Overall: Pierre Cardin does make some decent pens. We say spend the extra money on something worth holding onto.

Classic Century Lustrous Chrome
$30 – $50

Pros: The recognized, slender shape of the Cross pen means something in the handwriting world. This is the equivalent of an E-class Mercedes, and it’s a way for you to own one without breaking the bank. (Read the Globe to see an example of one that does break the bank)

Cons: The large black tip gives it away as the “cheap” cross. You can get the pure silver model for about double the price

Overall: It’s a good pen. Maybe not great, but good.

Fisher Space Pen X-750
$30

Pros: It writes upside-down! Think of all the Seinfeld references! (Read the Globe to see another Space Pen example)

Cons: The ink is a little blotty.

Overall: The X-750 is a great gift, a perfect conversation piece and the ultimate writing-related novelty.

Cross Townsend Emerald Ballpoint Pen
$110

Pros: It’s a sturdy, solid pen that writes very well. Handsome design makes it a great gift.

Cons: Price may be a bit high, especially if you go for some of the precious metal-plated models.

Overall: The Townsend is Cross’ larger-sized mainstay. It comes in ballpoint, roller-ball and fountain.

Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2008
$3,000

Pros: You may never find a more stunning looking pen. It’s shell is made of Indian satinwood woven into a parquet pattern that usually requires a flat surface.

Cons: It costs three thousand dollars.

Overall: I mean, seriously, if you can afford this pen, go for it.

Tankinis, which were so huge last year, are still popular, while geometric shapes and mix-and-match skirt or brief bottoms are looking popular this season.

Halters and swim dresses are popular. Halters get rid of some of your back tan lines, while the dresses offer a more modest approach.

metrostyle has a lot of high-cut bottoms that they’re showing off. I don’t think this trend will hold up. It gives a high tan line that’s above the waist and gives younger women an aged look. It’s not very flattering, but it’s gaining popularity among some women.

Our friends at Ujena are coming out with some sexy halters, especially their belted leopard bikini ($79) and a startlingly sexy ruffled polka dot thong set ($69).

Metallics are also looking to have a big year — shiny silver and gold will dazzle with the beach sun.

One of Blast’s great mid-year staff editions, Holly Jobbagy decided to combine video golf and teddy bears for her boyfriend.

“He’s especially into golf, and since he can’t play this time of year, I got him the Plug-and-Play Golden Tee Golf Game from Brookstone — available online or in the store catalog,” she said. “I also went to Build-a-Bear and got built him one, but included a special, personalized message. When he presses the Bear’s hand, he will hear my voice.”

The bear will be holding the game in its paw!

Blast Correspondent Ashley Dean shared a unique tradition.

“After our big dinner we get out a big box of fancy chocolates and play a game. ,” she said The rules are:

1. Go in a circle, everyone takes on at a time
2. No looking at the guide to see what kind you’re taking
3. Take a bite, if you don’t like it you can put it back or finish it anyway. If you put the rest back, you’re out
4. The winner is the last person left!

Here’s Samantha Lavine’s recipee for super holiday Rice Krispies treats!

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons margarine or butter (John says use butter)
1 Package regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 Cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Cereal OR 6 Cups of Kellogg’s Cocoa Rice Krispies Cereal
Holiday Sprinkles
Red String-Licorice

Then:

• Melt margarine in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
• Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
• Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cut into 2-inch squares when cool.
• Decorate with holiday sprinkles and use red string licorice for ribbon.

Best if served the same day.

Mircowave Directions:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat margarine and marshmallows at HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 through 4, above.

As for me, I’ll be in Connecticut embracing my Italianness, eating fresh fish and playing Pinochle. Pinochle is a game that I love so much that I’m letting you download a little DOS game for free as one of my Christmas gifts to you.

We have Carlos Watson and a 20-something who works as a mortician next month. Keep on reading!

Happy Holidays from Blast Magazine and Happy 2008!

Brant has a $6,000 sport jacket coming out. You can’t afford it. I can’t afford it. We can barely afford to show you a picture of it. But God-damn it would look good on any of us. Apparently Matt Damon and Forest Whitaker wear something like it from the Brant collection.

They’re hot, shiny and they keep your feet dry.

But so does everyone else. 9/11 was a day where we saw the worst of people and the best of people. In the backs of the minds of cops and firemen, they knew the stuff they were breathing in was bad for them, but — as always — they focused on the immediate health of others versus their own long-term wellbeing.

The facts have been the same for ages: police officers, firefighters and soldiers don’t live as long as civilians. Their jobs often put them in immediate danger, expose them to toxins and leave them with increased rates of hypertension, depression, divorce, and alcoholism. But that’s the way it is.

These people are part of a close, often insular fraternity. Their families are in the same league, often socializing almost exclusively with each other. Their children, like me, live their lives holding in a mixture half awe and half terror, because we know what can happen, and all too often we’ve seen it.

Many of the 9/11 emergency responders and rescue workers are sick and dying from the toxic air around Ground Zero in New York. This is irrefutable.

Look through my dad’s photos. It was a cloud with a smell he’ll never forget. It’s death, fire and asbestos.

For someone who’s seen murder, suicide, drug overdose and burn victims, this sticks with him.

Think you could stomach that?

Or rather, breathe it in?

There were others before him, and many officials have said he won’t be the last.

“We’re not just talking about health here,” he said. “There are serious financial and psychological issues as well, and a lot of people are being left out in the cold.”

That sums it up.

“There should no longer be any doubt about the health effects of the World Trade Center. Our patients are sick,” Dr. Robin Herbert, co-director of the group that investigated the long-term effects from exposure to Ground Zero told the AP last year.

Most of the rescuers wade through physical health problems. Others quietly suffer from depression, anger and post traumatic stress.

He was 34.

There will be more.

They’re going back to September 11, 2001 and discussing their coverage of the day’s events, showing an airplane crashing into a building so that people can watch someone they love die, like a dear friend who is simply tired of watching his father die, over and over again.

We won’t show any video from 9:02 a.m.

For the rest of the week, Blast Magazine will show you photos, not of the dead and dying, but of the living and breathing. These photos are not professional. They were taken by my father, a firefighter and 9/11 rescuer, and his companions in the hours after the attacks in New York.

They must stand and serve as a reminder that when everyone else ran from lower Manhattan, these people ran towards it. And now they are dying from the toxins they inhaled and ingested.

It is time for the government to acknowledge this and care for the caregivers. If they do not, it will be a shame. A shame on the current president and whichever man or woman assumes the role next. A shame on Congress — Republican or Democrat. A shame on all of us.

The great thing about this season is that it is full of flashbacks to the 80s, 40s and 30s. This is a combination of traditional elements that are done with an individualistic twist.

For those of us that want to look high fashion but save a little on the price tag, vintage is definitely the way to go. Just make sure to add the element of surprise with details that you add yourself. Buttons and metallic appliqués are definitely a start in the right direction.

Outer wear is so girly and full of a 60’s cross with 80’s appeal. The hounds tooth print and the round necks with big black high gloss or covered buttons is so in this fall. The sleeve lengths run the gamut from elbow to wrist. Making gloves and bangles something to really incorporate into this season’s wardrobe.

Black, red and white are forerunners in most collections. A crisp clean and ready to make a statement ensemble can be inspired or selected from several of the top designers around.

The report is also out that gray is the new black. Okay, gray is always a hot choice when it comes to making that power statement. So the very girly cuts and details make a strong woman statement. When wearing gray, choose several shades that compliment each other in texture and style. There is a hue range is large and goes from almost white to almost black. There are some that is almost green. So really take the time to decide what balance you are looking for when it comes to your choice of gray.

The epitome of girly for this season is the dress. I know sometimes this is not what you feel like. But a dress, one it makes it easier to get dressed in the morning, but it will turn an eye quicker than anything else. If a guy has only seen you in jeans and a tee and then you show up in a sweet dress, it will still be you. But he will definitely see you differently.

Accessories are all over the place and one of the must have things for the season is one of those over sized coin purse bags. The purse has been a statement item for several seasons now and I guess this season is no different. Be careful with the size and style that you pick in this area because you don’t want to channel Flava Flav with his ridiculous chest clock. Keep it to a decent size and recognize this as a fad bag and don’t splurge on one unless it is done well and in a neutral color because otherwise the fashion pimp will have gotten you for another item that will make you go, “What was I thinking when I bought that?”

What does all this mean for the everyday woman?

We regular girls can really be on fashion’s cutting edge by taking some risk of individual taste. Take an element that you really like from this seasons fashion plate and work that element in a way that you fell expresses your personal style. The 80’s were all about over the top style that was individual and fun.

If I had to summarize this season in a word, it would be FUN. The flirtiness and the cute elements that can be added to any old or new garment will make you feel glad to be a fashion icon if only in your own mind

For men the look is all about the bad boy. Can you say channel James Dean? The leather jacket and a slightly fitted tee and jeans will be all the rage. Biker dude with a swagger will make every woman’s heart race.

Of course the classic black is in but so is the cognac. There are so many options when it comes to the details. Details definitely make the biggest statement.

There are side stripes on the sleeves and contrasting and complimentary trim that give you so much variety and ability to express your own sense of style.

To be in style pick the consistent element that makes this a modern statement. That is that these are true jackets. They should ideally come to just above the pocket on the back of your jeans. But if you want to take it just below the pocket that is cool too. Anything longer than that will date you.

One last thing — every trend is not good looking. I am so against this footless legging, skirt, long tee and shirt look. Please people that is such a cold weather hobo look. It is not attractive, I don’t care who has it on. Kate Moss could not pull that off in any stylish manner.

Let it go, it will never look good!

Love’s mother, an Irish gypsy, was a bastard child forced to work as a farmhouse worker after being separated from her mother in Northern Ireland. She got pregnant on a trip to America, giving the artist no specific cultural roots like her mother. She moved and lived in more than 30 countries before turning 18. While still an older teen, she decided to leave home to travel across America and Europe. Struggling for money and stability, Love took refuge in art at age 12 trying to channel her emotions to create something hoping to make people think and grow. Photography became the means for her creative exposure. Her first photo expedition was on her 21st birthday in Darfur.

“I was with an anthologist who had been following a group of women who self-mutilated as a form of protection, a practice which begun with colonial slave trade and still continues today,” Love said.

Her expedition into Sudan and Chad influenced her desire to keep traveling and exposing people’s stories from across the globe. She has traveled to Africa and the
Middle East. She has gone to all parts of Asia, reaching Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Her residences on her voyages have ranged from orphanages to churches and even jails at times. Love has called Australia, London and New York home and has collected thousands of pictures from her travels.

From July 31 to August 4, Love had the chance to debut her work in a solo exhibition of 100 pieces from her extensive portfolio, showcased at the World Culture Open Center in New York City. The exhibition, “Representing Woman – Unbreakable Surrealism,” documents the combination of chaos and order within human life. Photographing the masses and the esteemed alike, including Gloria Steinem, Ani DiFranco, and the Dalai Lama, Love creates a fusion between a photojournalistic approach and the capturing of fantasy.

“In my life, thus far the only thing that remains constant is my obsession with recording life as honestly and openly as I can,” she said. “I only hope that in sharing my work people will stay open to make their own voice real.” Although peaceful in nature and more than willing to chat, one may wonder if a difficult background is the only reason why this woman has a ‘flower child’ personality. But as she explains, there should be no stereotypes of prejudices because they may shock those who employ them.

When growing up Love was exposed to rich and poor environments alike. Her father, of Russian descent, has a stable life and economic means. This gave Love chance to mingle with diplomats and models, learning how to act in any situation with comfort. In the midst of her disjointed upbringing, Love was also diagnosed with crippling Dystonia, a neurological movement disorder in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

Adding to the turmoil of dealing with a movement disorder that affects a quarter-million Americans, Love has also been raped and beaten. After the incident, the first thing she reached for was her camera. She chose to videotape herself while making calls on her phone, trying to get help, as it was the best way she could process. Eventually, Love was able to create with what she lived through.

“I have always lived in chaos, knowing I was loved. Love and chaos…if you want to trace me to my roots, that’s what you will find,” she added.

Her photographs are as direct as she is in explaining her history. Featuring young and old, in portraits or nudes, each photo tells a story. Whether it is a child looking intently at the camera or a beautiful sunset by the ocean, art aficionados saw a variety of pieces from fine art to surrealism in her New York exhibit. Featured in the exhibit was the work of Allison Kramer, whose photo-essayist approach documenting Love’s life and career reflect their mutual passion to produce art. Kramer covers the progressive stages of Love’s illness, vulnerability, and most intimate relationships. In regards to relationships, Love admits that marriage and single-hood are only labels.

A self-described passionate woman she is torn between wanting ‘the other half’ and enjoying her independence. While still learning about Love, the woman, who does not acknowledge age in her life, admits that she will continue to meet possible soul mates.

“In every country [I visit] I make sure to do three things: visit the holy places, read the papers, and have friends and lovers who are locals,” she said.

What the future may bring for this survivor could be as unexpected as her life has been. Although she is a college graduate, with a bachelor’s in journalism and visual communication from the University of California at Santa Cruz, she wants to continue to educate herself, relying on her instinctive character. Other projects are also in the works with four books ready to be printed, but waiting for a publisher. Most importantly, she wants to excel and help others know life is, after all, beautiful. “I am ready to share…I draw my inspiration from God, by a higher power. I am looking for gallery walls to fill, for people to work with [and] I am an unrelenting optimist,” Love said. Love is a member of the arts collaborative Red Monsoon, where artists embrace a shared spirit and create works that bridge on their experiences. To see Love’s art visit www.lovephotography.org.

Our Culture and Fashion editor Dan Peleschuk ran the shoot on location. The beach site spot fell in the shadow of the Boston skyline and provided some nice views. But we’ll let Lisa handle most of the visuals.

Yes, entrants from all over the country are holding out, hopeful that their commodes and $3 bathroom cologne will push them to victory in 2007.

Believe it or not, some of these are actually really impressive. Noteably, the bathoom at Mix Lounge at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. This restroom sits atop the 64th floor of the luxury hotel and casino, and the toilets are arranged facing floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you the best seat in the house to overlook Nevada at night.

Other entries include:

• Catch 31 in Virginia Beach: Its dark wood and mosaics propelled it to the top five this year
• Fandangles in Flushing, Michigan: Fancy lights, local art and “creature comforts”
• Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield, Ohio: On the outside it looks like there’s just two port-o-potties, but inside, it’s a jungle of a bathroom
• Proctor Marble Exhibit in Proctor, Vermont: Pure Vermont marble shown off here

Cintas created the award in 2002 to “honor those businesses cross America that combine function with exceptional style in their public estrooms,” according to a press release. The contest attracts tens of housands of voters each year. The winner gets a plaque of recognition and a spot in the “America’s Best Restroom Hall of Fame.”

Previous winners have included restrooms at Notre Dame University, The Grand Casino, Kohler Art Center, the Fort Smith, Arkansas Airport, and in 2006, Wendell’s Restaurant in Westerville, Ohio, the press release said.

The pictures really just speak for themselves.

The first thing to get is a bikini that’s full of vibrant color. No one will be able to miss you, even if you’re off at a distance.

To pump up the sex appeal, add animal print and you have the start of a fire. The prints are fun, and they really add that animal attraction into the mix. To send your look into temperatures that rival the sun’s, add a to-die-for cut.

Many of the suits for this season have plunging neck lines, cute clasps, belts and other details that will make everyone turn and look at you. When you step out of the building in which you got dressed, the walls will talk about how hot you made the room. The boy cut bottom is the most popular for the season, but the thong is still holding on.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give you the necessary facts for proper bathing suit selection.

A good bathing suit should be lined. If you really plan on getting wet, make sure that the material is not so thin that you show all too well what the bathing suit is supposed to cover. Light colors are more likely to reveal your goods when they’re soaked.

The right cut and fit are more important than anything. If the bottom is sagging, and you’ve got a grandma butt, there is nothing that you can do to fix it (you may also lose it if you get in the water anyway). Getting a cut that’s sexy is fine, but just make sure that falling out of the top is not in your future.

If water or activity is in the future for your suit, get something that is secure. Sexy is nice, but if the suit comes off before you’re ready, it will be very embarrassing. There are several products that are available to make clothing more secure–like bikini tape–but they are not guaranteed. Make sure that you and your suit are sure.

Having more than one bathing suit is always a good choice. Something that’s good for the water may not be your first choice to lay around in. The truth is, being prepared and being aware of your options are truly the keys to always looking your best.

Tankinis are worth taking a look at if you’re really getting into the water and exposing yourself to the weather and the sun. Protect yourself; if something unexpected happens, your suit will be a little more substantive and can protect you just a little more.

The tankinis are really hot this year, as well. They emit a more sophisticated look than a bikini does, but it’s still sexy. This is a great choice if you are staying at a hotel that may be work-related. You’ll want to enjoy the pool, but want to keep it somewhat professional. This is the perfect option.

So this season, think about what you really plan to use that suit for, and make a wise choice that will not leave you embarrassed and naked. Happy Sunning!

We wanted to give you a special treat this month. After all, we showed you a hot couple last month, and we even had them fight for you. Afterwards we showed you a gallery of enough chocolate and cookies to make you get over any relationship fight.

So in March, we present two absolutely gorgeous Irish girls from opposite sides of the gene pool. Maureen, a shy and cute redhead and Keriann, a dark haired princess from Malden, Mass show us the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day.

We have Valentine’s Day to worry about this month, but Blast has you covered with gift ideas and tips and a candy/dessert gallery to die for. We also had Sean and Cat act out a fight–so it’s just the perfect Valentine’s Day!

Something that captured the essence of V-Day and the hype over finding the right gift and booking the correct restaurant. We wanted to change it up.

So we had our models fight.

Enjoy.

Captions/text by John Guilfoil, photos by Aram Boghosian, both of the Blast Magazine staff

Blast launches into your home today, and what better way to celebrate the start of 2007 than with beautiful Margaux, spacey dress and all!