First dating website for business travelers

Fresh off the PRNewswire, Gadling has received word that the good people at Eros Partners, LLC have launched the “first dating website focused on business travelers.” Of course, the word “dating” is used loosely here as the site, along with Eros Partners’ other ventures, is geared more towards casual encounters than long-term relationships. But, hey, business travel is lonely so you might as well get your johnson some action while you’re on the road securing the Johnson account. Am I right?!

The new site, Travelingencounters.com, allows users to create a profile in their home city and then calendar up to four business trips. Once calendared, the user’s profile shows up in searches for the other cities, as well. According to the press release, “a member’s private profile focuses on intimate topics such as health, grooming and their views on adult subjects.” I have a sneaking suspicion that the “adult subjects” are not a reference to opinions on how to diversify your 401(k) investments.

Eros Partners is the same company that brings you a wide array of adult sites, including one that allows users to rate their experiences with “escorts” more than one that focuses on casual or discreet relationships. So keep that in mind before you browse too much in the office. But what you do on your private time on business trips is your…well, business. As for me? I’ll stick to my hotel’s wide array of pay-per-view movies and free lotions.

Mansfield Reformatory: Haunted place with scary stories and a bridal fashion show

Happy Halloween! This video clip of Mansfield Reformatory, a former prison in Ohio, is of a documentary that highlights the prison’s paranormal activities. It’s creepy whether you court the idea of the paranormal or not. When I was walking around the grounds a few weeks ago, it was daylight and sunny, but the massive building is an imposing sort that has a definite thrills and chills factor. It’s the perfect setting for the haunted house that continues through tomorrow night.

Although, it is possible to visit the reformatory at night when its not Halloween, even stay there overnight to search out the paranormal for yourself–or tour during the day, there are other events with a more lighthearted touch.

“Glamour in the Slammer Bridal Expo” a bridal fashion show, is held here each year. This year’s is scheduled for November 9, and it’s free. After watching the video clip, and finding out about the bridal show, it seems like a showing of Corpse Bride would be a perfect fit.

Politics, the Vegas way

Who knows what kind of publicity John McCain expected to drum up when he selected little-known Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate — but he probably wasn’t counting on anything like this.

Club Paradise in Las Vegas recently held a risque Sarah Palin lookalike contest. Contestants had to compete in a debate and strut in a swimsuit while guests voted on who looked most like the vice presidential candidate. The winner received over $10,000 in cash and prizes, including a trip for two to the January 2009 inauguration in Washington, DC. Will there be one or two Sarah Palins there in January, though?

This may be the first time that sex appeal has played such a prominent role in a major US election. But will Palin be able to draw voters to the polls the way she brings people to the stripper poles? We’ll find out in a few days. If her ticket falls to Obama/Biden, at least Palin knows she can find work in Nevada.

You can watch a video of the contest here, but it’s almost certainly not safe for work.

Hookupmaps, for convenient lovin’

So, I just went to hookupmaps.com, X’d out of the pop ups, clicked on my area of Manhattan, and to the right is a screenshot of what I found.

Minimal travelin’, maximal lovin’. Hookupmaps has intergrated Craigslist’s Personals section and Google Maps. At last…or something.

The possibilities are endless and totally appalling. I mean…“throat slut for hotel visitor?” Really.

“Where are all the nice women?“
Where are all the nice women? The type who seek a serious relationship? Women that want to be treated with respect? I am looking for a long term, committed relationship. I am not interested in NSA or someone who plays mind games. I am honest, hard working, drama free, fun… searching for an awesome woman. Send me an email and we can see how things go. Worst case is that you meet someone new.
Peace
–36, Male

Dear “Where are all the nice women,”
Not reading the Craigslist personals section. Except this once.
Sincerely, Annie (nice woman)
P.S. Desperation is hot. Call me.

Drink vodka on the ice in the ice at a new Orlando bar

We’ve written about hotels made of ice–this one in Quebec, another in Sweden, and one in Finland. We’ve also written about ice bars. There is one in Montreal, for example. At least there was in 2006 when former Gadling blogger Neil wrote that particular post.

As of October 1, there’s another place to get cold for a cold one. Icebar Orlando opened as one more option for adults looking for an adventure. In this AP article, Mark Wangrin provides an overview about what patrons can expect.

To help ward against the cold, visitors are provided with an insulated cape and gloves. Also, don’t expect to linger. The 27-degree temperature means that one or two drinks, and you’re out of there. There’s a 45-minute time limit on visits.

With the $35 cover charge that includes the cost of a drink, a trip to Icebar Orlando is not one of the cheaper things to do in the Sunshine State. Double the cost of admission and you’re in Disney World for a day. The Icebar is quieter though.

If you want to spend some more time here, you can hang out in the Chill Lounge where temperatures are regular and there isn’t an extra charge.