Now You Know by Tony Arcabascio

Written by Alife’s cofounder, Tony Arcabascio, “Now You Know”is 3 years of compiled short stories and articles he wrote when he was working for Arkitip magazine (which you may know from their exclusive limited edition catalogs).

“Now You Know” seems like a very interesting and humourous read. I’m tired of the mundane novel and I hardly have the patience to sit through one whole story. This is something I definitely would pick up when I’m in the need to procrastinate or feel the urge to read about something random. Artkitip describes the book as a “‘how to’ for the street smart”. So if you’re ever in the need to torch your boss’ car or looking to get some love from the ladies, you might want to check this out.

- Jon

Berlin’s Propeller Island City Lodge

Here’s a crazy/fun hotel to visit and perhaps stay in if you are ever in Berlin. The Properller Island City Lodge is a 30+room hotel but resembles a carnival funhouse more. The hotel has eccentric theme rooms such as a ‘mirror room’, where as the name hints, a room made up of many mirrors. Another room houses a circular bed which can be set in motion by a pedal. Pretty crazy if you ask me, but definately a place I’d stay a couple of nights if I had the chance. Check out more photots of their rooms at their site.

-phil

Tashen Architecture Series

Taschen brings a unique perspective to world architecture, displaying architectural trends by nation. Each book offers 15 to 20 architects with the focus on how they contributed to recent buildings in their nation. Entries include short biographies as well as terrific photography of the architects’ most significant recent projects. The France, United States and Japan editions are available this month while previous editions for the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Switzerland are available now. At $25 USD, you can’t really have an excuse not to own any of these essential reads.

- Jon