Music being the rich and intertwined cultural phenomenon that it is usually makes it difficult for fans to understand the geographic significance of every single genre. That is, until now. Thanks to Thomson and their interactive How Music Travels infographic, fans can now see a relatively accurate breakdown (5-year margin of error) of the origins of some of the world's most popular dance music. Check it out!

Click image to open interactive version (via Thomson Holidays).

Foreign Policy magazine recently published an eye-opening article about the economic value of an education abroad. What they did was compare the median cost of one year of an American undergraduate education ($9,000 USD) with that of an average international one ($4,000 USD). While money wasn't the only factor explored (there's also the question of quality, of course), the article does point out some rather startling examples, like how even though South Africa's University of Cape Town has a higher QS ranking than The University of Notre Dame, attending the latter is a whopping $32,000 USD more. Incredible! Check out the full piece here.

Two of the world's most iconic cities, Paris and New York, go head-to-head in a humorous and visual hardcover. A concept that began with Vahram Muratyan's online travel journal is now a blog and book, Paris Versus New York: A Tally Of Two Cities. Included in the iconic mix are fundamental contrasts between the subway and metro, bagels and baguettes, and The Apple Store (cube) and The L'ouvre (pyramid) among others.

Here's a preview of the Endémico Resguardo Silvestre Hotel, set to be completed later this year in the Valle De Guadalupe area of Baja California. The sleek habitat will feature twenty independent eco-lofts that are 215 square feet each. Each one is designed from steel and wood in minimalist fashion with a wooden patio deck and clay fireplace to top it off. Visitors of the Habita hotel group establishment can expect an amazing view of the valley, a stunning pool, and a nearby winery. Very nice!

FieldCandy is a UK-based company dedicated to making outdoor camping cool and design-forward. They do so by producing some of the funkiest and unique tents around. Check out their line of hi-res imagery that's sure to make a camper out of even the most demanding design aficionado!

In an obvious sign of the times The Guardian reports how Canadian citizen, Martin Reisch, was able to successfully cross over into the United States using an iPad that displayed scanned version of his passport. As the story goes, Martin had forgotten his physical passport at home, two-hours back in Montreal. It was a longshot, he admits, but after telling border agents about how he was delivering Christmas gifts for his friend's kids and showing them the digital document, it was a go. Granted, it probably won't happen all the time, it was great for Mr. Reisch to know that his scanned version went a long way. He's even got hopes about it officially being instated:

I see the future as 100% being able to cross with your identity on a digital device it’s just a matter of time.

Now you don't necessarily have to be an energy drink lover to enjoy the world according Red Bull. The Red Bulletin is an awesome monthly publication that covers culture, sports, events, and overall cool stuff from around the globe. There's even an app version of the mag for all you pad users. Sweet!

Hip-Hop artist, Common, recently visited post-earthquake Haiti. The trip was sponsored by Call + Response, an organization dedicated to connecting cultural leaders to the fight to end modern-day slavery. The journey was documented as part of a joint effort with the CNN Freedom Project. Common and his peers breakdown the experience, the problems and how they all aspire to help change the reality of the Haitian people.

Scandinavian Airlines has a neat way of helping frustrated travelers deal with flight delays and boredom--their very own TimeKiller app. Developed with the help of creative agencies, SWE Advertising and JWT Stockholm, the app was designed to draw attention to SAS´ impressive punctuality and poke fun at flight delays via silly games like Spin the Hamster, Blow the Propeller, Hold That Thought and Follow The Footsteps. Funny stuff!

The Dominican Republic Education And Mentoring Project (Dream Project) is a 501(c)3 based in Caberete, Puerto Plata that dedicates its mission to the impoverished children of the Caribbean island. Together with a team of teachers, trainers, and volunteers, the unique school is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by offering its students quality, early and continuing education. This regiment is comprised of an inclusive and sustainable curriculum that promotes critical thinking that is fostered by individual support. República salutes!