How about a do-over?

Is it just me, or do others feel like the whole world needs a reboot?  I find myself avoiding the news because I really don't want to hear about the latest country collapsing, or another freakish weather event destroying a town.  If 2012 is when the plug gets pulled, I'd say recent events are sure starting to back up that theory.

It's undeniable that the world is in need of some major repairs.  While there are many capable people out there who can fix some of our problems, I want everyone to be aware of those who can't.  A new book, There, I Fixed It: No, You Didn't, created by the folks at the Cheezburger Network, should be required reading for anyone who thinks he's handy but isn't.

The book is filled with real photographs of "repairs," and trust me when I say that these "fixes" will induce guffaws and/or slack-jawed disbelief.  You'll discover a wide spectrum of ineptitude in this literary gem, and once you see the creative albeit cockeyed uses of duct tape, glue, paper clips, and beer cans, you'll understand what a "kludge" is.

There's a web site too - www.thereifixedit.com.  When I saw a MacGyver'd drinking fountain positioned above a bathroom toilet in an effort to recycle water (Yeah. Ick.), I figured, well, at least this person isn't trying to fix the economy.  I hope. 

Jules Verne would approve

If you're a fan of steampunk, hold onto your head because I have three - that's right, THREE - new titles with which to amaze you. 

#1 - The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature by Jeff VanderMeer
     A veritable lollapalooza of steampunk information, this guide staggers the imagination. 

#2 - Steampunk Emporium: Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments From Assorted Cogs, Gears and Other Curios by Jema Hewitt
     Handmade steampunk trinkets are HOT right now, so check out this book and start being anachronistically creative!

#3 - Steampunk Softies: Scientifically Minded Dolls From a Past That Never Was by Sarah Skeate
     Make a few of these dolls, and I guarantee your friends will talk about you...but in a good way.

(p.s. if you like the image at the top of this posting, be sure to visit The Graphics Fairy)

Jane's at the library

The new Vancouver Community Library will be having its' grand opening this Sunday.  A grand opening ceremony starts at 1p., and the doors will be open to the public around 1:45p.  I've been in the building many times during the construction process, and the final product is truly amazing.  If you have the opportunity to stop by on Sunday, please do so.  This is your library, and we're anxious to share it with you!

Are you a Jane Austen fan?  So much has been written about her recently that you might be suffering an Austen burnout.  But there's a new book out that offers a little different perspective (and no, I'm not talking about the weird mashup trend started with "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies").  A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter is written by a Jane Austen scholar who didn't think the Romantic author would ever interest him.  But she did - enough to make him write a dissertation about her.  His book has received several favorable reviews, and I think I'm going to take some time to read it.  Nothing plain Jane about it.