Hamsters Dont Fight Fires


If you have kids, or know anyone that does, you should go buy the book Hamsters Don't Fight Fires by friend of BdW Andrew Root. Not only does it get a 5-start Amazon rating (so you know it is good), but it gets my seal of approval (which should be enough for anyone.)

You might know the author, Andrew, as one of the tireless bloggers of Brothers Root back from the hey day of blogging. Well, he's all grown up now with the cred to prove it.

But seriously, what an accomplishment. My sincere congrats to Andrew on doing something so cool. I really do encourage you go out and buy a copy, not just because it is an awesome book, but because it's nice to support our friends. Andrew, keep cranking out the books!
Tuesday September 19 2017File under: books

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The Chair Dance Book

"Look at that sexy book! What's that? Not only is the book sexy but it will teach me the sexiest dance of all time? What a deal! I've gotta have one!"

Yep, that's right folks, Della (with some writing help from yours truly and some awesome illustrations from Stef) has put out a book to accompany her world famous chair dance act, and I gotta say that it is pretty awesome. With both helpful hints and hilarious hijinx, this book is part tutorial and part knock-you-outta-your-seat comedy. Originally conceived as a merch offering for shows, it turned out so great that we're hoping sales go far beyond that. With it being as awesome as it is, there's no doubt it will be a world phenomenon in no time.

If you want your own copy, you're in luck! Shoot me an e-mail and we'll make it happen, all for the low low price of $10 (+shipping and handling). Or you can come to one of her shows (like, for example, Moisture Fest this Saturday at 7:30 or 10:30).

Anyway, we're pretty dang proud of this little masterpiece. We're sure that if you check it out, you'll understand why.
Friday April 5 2013File under: circus, books

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Ken Jennings at Village Books

I'm not much of a celebrity hound. If I passed Usher on the streets of Anacortes, 1) I totally wouldn't recognize him and 2) if he was pointed out to me, I gaze curiously for a moment and then move on. But there are a few people out there who do get true celebrity status in my eyes. Last night, I got to go see one of them speak.

Ken Jennings first attained fame through an epic run on Jeopardy!, earning a cool $3.7mil. Since then, he's taken to writing books. I've read Braniac, a history of trivia interwoven with his experience on Jeopardy! and Maphead, a great look at geography nerds of all types. I recommend them both highly.

Last night, he was speaking a Village Books in Bellingham about his latest book Because I Said So!, an interesting look into the facts behind the myths and lies our parents told us when we were kids. He recounted some of the facts from the book and they were quite funny. I don't know if I've ever go to hear an author speak, and I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Afterwards, I stood in line to get a book signed only to realize it was already signed! Solution: have him sign it again!

Celebrity-ism is funny to me, but also neat. All in all, a neat experience!
Friday January 25 2013File under: books

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Friday Comics 2 - Another Freaking Book!!!!

The moment you've all been waiting for is finally here! Friday Comics 2, a compilation of the best of my* Friday Comics in the last 2 years (since the first book came out), is hot off the presses and ready to find its way to your bookshelf (or coffee table or toilet reading stand*). We're talking 48 full color, painstakingly drawn*, hilarious comics in this handsome book. How can you say no?*

I went with a different form factor this time around, and am very pleased with how it turned out. It makes for slightly larger comics than the last book, so no strained eyes in reading those hilarious captions.

So get them while they're hot. Like last time, I'm asking $10 a copy to offset printing and shipping costs ($8 if I hand deliver). Or if you'd like to order a copy of the first book as well, I'll do a combo pack for $15 ($12 hand delivered). Contact me for details and we'll work it out. Thank you for supporting local "art".
Friday January 11 2013File under: comics, books

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Change in Genre

I wouldn't consider the books I typically read high brow literature*. I often approach books like I approach movies: turn on and tune out. That usually leads me to reading fun fiction that you forget immediately after you close the book (hence the need to keep a list, so as not to reread). But of late, I've forayed into other genres with much success! So instead of paperback fluff*, I've read a couple of non-fiction, a graphic novel, and a young adult novel, each with their own story.

The Origins of Dexter & Stray Part One: The Horizon Line
By Z. A. Armstrong

It has been so long since I've read young adult fiction, I didn't really know what to expect. I semi-reluctantly decided to read this one because it was written by a buddy of mine and I wanted to be a supportive friend. Whatever concerns I had about reading a "young adult" novel were totally unfounded. The story was super engaging, the characters were fun, and I couldn't put it down. It pretty much combines all my favorite things in the world: travel, juggling, and wonder. I could only imagine being a young adult and stumbling onto this book and gobbling it up. I can't wait to read it to the Punksto!

The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport
by Carl Hiaasen

Reading a non-fiction account of some guy's return to golf sounds about as boring a book as I could imagine. But when that some guy is among my favorite authors (and I've already read all his fiction, a genre he seems to have completely given up on), I figured I might as well give it a try. I'm so glad I took the chance. A Downhill Lie is hilarious and at the same time inspirational. At times, I found myself wanting to head out to the links and try to conquer the sport myself. Or, pick a completely random project and dedicate 18 months in its pursuit all in the name of a book.

The Griff
by Christopher Moore and Ian Corson

Comic books were never my cup of tea as a young 'un, though I actually never really gave them a try. So I had no idea what I was getting myself into with a graphic novel. But again, like A Downhill Lie, it was my favorites author's foray into a new genre that led me there. (Christopher Moore's books top my all time favorites list and I recommend him to anyone I meet.) And, like with A Downhill Lie, I wasn't disappointed. The story was great, the art was fun, and visual aspect gave a whole new dimension to the book. My only complaint is some of the drawings were done so stylistically that I could hardly tell what was happening. But all in all, a great, fun read.

Yay for reading! But for now, I think there is a John Grisham that I haven't read. To the book depository!
Tuesday May 1 2012File under: books

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Friday Comics - Book Edition


"Could it be...? Is that what I think it is? OMG! My dreams have come true. This is the happiest day of my life!"

That's what my imaginary fan base screamed when they heard that I went and did it, I actually made a book of my comics*. The book contains 59 of my favorite comics in full color on 34 pages*. Dimensions are 4.25" tall by 7" wide with a fold binding. If I do say so myself, they turned out GREAT (waaaaay better than this attempted promotional shot makes them look)! I really enjoy this pseudo-publishing thing* and can't wait until I have enough decent new comics built up to make the next edition.

Anyway, I made these books to share. I've really enjoyed making the comics over the years and sharing them with ya'll. So if you want a copy, I'll gladly send you one. I'm asking for $10 per copy to offset printing* and shipping costs (if I can hand deliver the book instead of shipping it, I only ask $8.) Contact me by whatever way you see fit and we'll work out the details.
Sunday January 16 2011File under: misc, books

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Reading Season

Last year at about this time, I posted about the beginning of knitting season. And while I am still excited to starts me some knitting, it would be kind of a cop out to post about that again. So instead, I'm going to post about the beginning of reading season!

Most people talk about the summer reading season, but I find there is just so much else to do in the summer. Granted, if you find yourself at a beach, it is always good to have a book handy, but my reading time is just before bed, and when the sun is still up when I go to bed, I just don't feel like reading. But now that days are getting darker sooner and it won't be long before outdoor activities become somewhat tedious due to rain and whatnot, I'm getting my winter reading list ready.

One of the things that may have gone unnoticed in the big switch over to the new skin here at BdW is the addition of the "Life Book List"* link on the header. It is a list of all the books I have read since the beginning of high school, sortable by author, title, and date read*. I've found it a great asset for when I am looking for a new book of a particular type. I just go through and find an author that I had forgotten about, and see if s/he has written anything new. Or when a friend asks me for a suggestion, I can quickly scan what I've recently read and hopefully come up with one.

At the beginning of this reading season, I'm feeling pretty ambitious. Last night, I started Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. It is merely 837 pages, so I should be able to finish it easily before the spring thaw, maybe even sooner. If I do finish it sooner, do you have any suggestions for me (and others), esp. based on what I've read so far? Please limit your recommendations to 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction. (We don't need to go recreating GoodReads here.) I'll list my recommendations in the comments below.
Wednesday October 1 2008File under: books

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You Can Quote Me On That

With all my free time these days, I've been trying to get as much reading in as I can, although the pile of yet-to-be-read books seems to get larger rather than smaller. Being that I am a hopeless listmaker, I have a number of book related lists that I keep. I have a list of every book I've read since the beginning of high school, which is always good for a browse whether to remind you of an old favorite author or if a friend is looking for reading suggestions. But one of my favorite book related lists to browse through is my quotes list. When I read, I try to keep a pen and paper near by to record memorable quotes. I then transfer them to the master list kept in my computer.

In the interest of fun, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites here. Please feel free to share one of your own. Please note that I don't necessarily support or reject this ideas presented. I just found them interesting.
  • "It is to erase the fixed smiles of sleeping couples that Satan trained roosters to crow at 5 in the morning." -Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume
  • "The universe always conspires to help the dreamer." -Paul Coehlo, By the River Piedra I Wept
  • "Listen: We are here on earth to fart around. Don't let anyone tell you any different." -Kurt Vonnegut, Timequake(?)
  • "Sober men don't dance." -Will Ferguson, Happiness
  • "Don't let the muggles get you down." -J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter
  • "There's birth, there's death, and in between, there's maintainence." -Tom Robbins, Fierce Invalids Home from a Hot Climate
  • "Lunch justifies any morning and sedates the worst of afternoons" -Tom Robbins, Fierce Invalids Home from a Hot Climate
  • "Just keep your bowels open and try to lead clean lives." -Ernest Hemingway, Islands in the Stream
  • "But I comfort myself by believing that shallowness is a key part of being a complicated male." -Randy Wayne White, Everglades
  • "The mind's ability to rationalize its own short comings is unlimited" -Robert Heinlein, Stranger from a Strange Land
  • "Mayhem was mayhem even if people were having a good time." John Irving, A Prayer for Owen Meany


Saturday January 20 2007File under: books

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