Would You Like to Ride in My Beautiful Balloon?

MelBivDevoe

Image by Bill Heinsohn, Getty Images

Summer may be the most popular time to travel, but I love vacationing in autumn - temps are cooler, places are less crowded, and those annoying kids who would ruin your flight are all back in school (HA! Take that, punks!).  So where should you head if you're taking to the road this fall?  You can start at the International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, shown here.  (National Geographic)

Me, I want to visit these amazing "hanging" pools that make it appear as if you're swimming in mid-air.  I just need to hurry up and win the damn lottery already!  (The Atlantic)

Calling all actors:  "Sesame Street" is holding an open audition next Monday in NYC.  Who wouldn't want to work with Big Bird and Elmo every day??  (Laughing Squid)

Sixty-eight years ago, while Europe was embroiled in World War II, the Liberation of Paris began when a group of resistance fighters rose up against the Germans.  This collection of photos captures the moment when the tide began to turn and winning WWII began to seem like "only a matter of time."  (Life)

George R. R. Martin, author of the "Game of Thrones" series, has voiced his opinion on the various voter suppression laws that have recently passed in several states.  I knew there was a reason I liked this guy.  (HuffPo)

Not sure what Romney's newly-announced running mate Paul Ryan means for you and your reproductive rights?  Allow this co-opted meme to explain his views!  (Blisstree)

R.I.P., Helen Gurley Brown.  Even if it's mostly just full of ridiculous sex tips these days, "Cosmopolitan" magazine was a major force during the sexual revolution of the '60s, due in large part to  Brown's editorial prowess and attitude.  (The Gloss)

Miley Cyrus is going to guest star on "Two and a Half Men"?  Interesting.  I wouldn't expect to find a big Hannah Montana audience crossover potential there.  (Vulture)

Butthole tattoos.  They are a thing now.  Two questions:  WHAT?!? and WHY???  (Gawker)

Uh, I need these.  For reasons.  Educational ones.  No other reasons.  (Geeks Are Sexy)

Ok, ok, one last Olympics-related item, then I'm done, I swear!  Remember when the US swimmers did a lip dub of "Call Me Maybe?"  Well, Britain's athletes did their own lip sync video, set to "Don't Stop Me Now."  We get Carly Rae Jepsen, they get Queen.  I think it's clear who the winner is here.