The Ten Most Beautiful Bridges in the World

I don't know who this Neatorama blog belongs to but he/she/it has posted some great photos of impressive and mostly attractive bridges. (I'm not sure about Bridge No. 1 myself -- maybe it's better in person.) I would have thrown in the perfectly arched Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, as well, perhaps in preference to one of the covered bridges. What's the point of a covered bridge, anyway? Anybody know?

Is this fairytale castle the inspiration for Hogwarts?

If it wasn't, it might as well have been. I think it might have been the inspiration for the movies' set designers, if not for J.K. Rowling. At any rate, it's the 125th anniversary of the death of artistic but oddball King Ludwig II, who built Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. Check out the great photos in this piece from The Altantic. (No, this is not a paid endorsement, and no, I don't have stock in the company, in case you're wondering.)

A Perfect Snow Day

This is especially for those of you who live in a warmer climate. Fantasy writer Neil Gaiman has posted a photo of the gorgeous view outside his guest bedroom window in Minnesota. Even this blog ought to have something pretty in it occasionally.