A chance meeting blooms to romance, via the Internet: Sophie Blackall's whimsical drawings capture what we love about reading Craigslist's Missed Connections page. The Brooklyn-based artist specializes in winsome girls in pale pastels with just a touch of the absurd -- as in a recent post where an M train rider laments that he looked "offal" and thus didn't approach the girl of his dreams. Here are some subjects we think Blackall should tackle next:

· Queens Museum of Art (Corona Park): Because we've always wanted to run into a girl wearing "a blue and white checked toga" when it wasn't laundry day. You could have your first kiss in front of the new Colin Powell mural! ]]> egw 2009-08-14T15:49:35-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/1/8/94035/34249

And now with her very own personal story of a Missed Connection, is HotelChatter's Jenna. This one involves an airport, an Austrian man, bad pop music and the savvy use of Facebook. Enjoy.

Love is in the air — and it's floating over the Airport WiFi Network. Utilizing a killer combo of Boingo Wireless, iTunes and Facebook, a young Austrian lad has proven that a tech-savvy European can school any humble American in the fine art of meeting someone at an airport.

Here's what went down: after a trip to Vail, I'd headed back to New York through JFK on December 29th without any major issues. After grabbing my luggage, I parked myself in a seat inside the baggage claim area to finish up a post on HotelChatter. Naturally, I was connected to the Boingo wireless network and had my iTunes open so my girl Beyonce and her jam, "All the Single Ladies" could come through my headphones as I worked.

A little over a week later (January 7th), I received the following message in my Facebook inbox:

Hi Jenna,
is it possible that you were at JFK airport on Dec 29th. If so, thank you for sharing your iTunes Library on the Wifi Network...I enjoyed your music greatly!!
Since you're 1 of 3 Jenna Brombergs on Facebook and the only one from NY I thought I'll give it a try and write to you ;))
Greets from Austria,
Stephan

We couldn't resist squeezing in just one more Jaunty in honor of our Craigslist-crazy Friday series. Here were the top places to meet and be met in 2008:

On the campaign trail:
Elections mean roving packs of staff going to where the primaries are for brief, frenetic, sleepless visits. If you're at your best on nine cups of coffee and two hours of sleep, you probably followed our primary series from Charleston to Indianapolis--and even to the president-elect's hometown of Chicago.

Movie tie-ins:
You didn't have to see "What Happens In Vegas" to let whatever happens, happen in Vegas. Don't forget that brawl on the set of "W." that made us happy to be alive or our Chasing Michigan series. We even followed the mustache to the scene of its hairy crimes.

In transit, of course!
It shouldn't take a wave of grounded planes, a visit to Love Field or an overnight stay in Atlanta for you to meet someone in 2009. Just tell us where you did it!

Related Stories:
· Chicago Hearts Obama, How About You? [Jaunted]
· Missed Connections in Shreveport: Mr. and Mrs. Bush Edition [Jaunted]
· Missed Connections: American Airlines Hubs Edition [Jaunted]

[Photo: kadanwa]]]> egw 2009-01-02T16:00:42-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/26/121344/25

Christmas has come and gone, and the Pacific Northwest is still digging out of its winter cataclysm. Need three reasons to venture out? (Besides delicious food, cabin fever and the desire to take pretty pictures, that is.) We've got you covered with these hot spots. You could also try the bus, the ferry or offering strangers a ride, but it'll be a lot warmer at...

Linda's Tavern: Maybe some beers at what local indie newspaper The Stranger calls "one of Seattle's best drinking joints" will get you over your fear of being superficial. 707 E Pine St.

Fifth Avenue Theater: Come for the show (it's the classic musical "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers"), stay for the short-haired girls. 1308 5th Ave.

Re-bar: See the sights beyond your snowy driveway at this DJ-driven bar. 1114 Howell St.

Honorary Xmas/Possibly Fake Missed Connection: We're not sure if anyone could really fall in love with a Salvation Army bell ringer, but it warmed our coal-black hearts all the same.

Related Stories:
· Seattle Airport Is Newly Fond of Farm Animals [Jaunted]
· Snowy Seattle Goes Mexican [Jaunted]
· Freezing Cold, Hot Photos [Jaunted]

[Photo: elgregein]]]> egw 2008-12-26T16:05:38-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/18/144731/74

SIGH. This week marked the last day of shooting for "Men Who Stare At Goats," George Clooney's forthcoming CIA thriller costarring Kevin Spacey and George Clooney's mustache. It must feel as deflating to the state of New Mexico as a Bill Richardson's failed presidential bid or every time someone confuses it with the old country to the south.

Well, we found at least three good reasons to visit Albuquerque, the last set used for "Men Who Stare At Goats," and they have nothing to do with the above-named bachelor:]]> egw 2008-12-19T14:30:33-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/12/14640/890

You shouldn't need the excuse of a new Virgin America route to head to Boston; it's such a charming town! But if that purple-lit plane convinces you to visit, we're happy for you--and whatever lucky guy or girl you can find at one of these hot spots:

Trident Cafe: Pick up a sweet artist at this purveyor of coffee and teas attached to an indie bookstore. 338 Newbury St. in the Back Bay

Ned Devine's: Get your makeout on at the locale where area brewery Sam Adams chose for a Beer Appreciation Dinner. 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl.

Flat Top Johnny's: Bounce back from a brush-off at this MIT-area pool hall. 1 Kendall Sq. in Cambridge

Related Stories:
· Sorry, Chicago: Virgin America Is Headed To Boston [Jaunted]
· More Missed Connections In Boston [Jaunted]
· Boston coverage [Jaunted]

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OMG! Art Basel started yesterday but there aren't any missed connections for it yet? Let's face it, you can admire the W Models but you aren't going to be painting beautiful pictures with them this weekend. There's always this sad sack, in case you like works in progress.

Twist Bar: This South Beach institution has something for everyone in its seven bars, though it's dangerous for scarves. 1057 Washington Ave.

The Fontainebleau: Sure, you've already missed its grand opening, but this newly reopened hotel is still the place to see and be seen, even if you can't get in. 4441 Collins Ave.

BT's: Put on your best bustier because you'll be competing with the strippers for attention. 5922 S Dixie Hwy.

Related Stories:
· W Models in Hummer Golf Carts Will Be Asking "What's Your Wish?" [HC]
· Fall Culture Travel: Art Basel Miami Beach [Jaunted]
· Missed Connections coverage [Jaunted]]]> egw 2008-12-05T16:45:53-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/