Quirkology
Feb 19, 2010 Comedy, Learning and Knowledge, Science and Technology, Self Help & Personal Training, Skeptical books
If I were to ask you whether you would rather wear a sweater covered in dog feces, or a nice, clean one previously worn by a horrific mass murderer, what would you answer (other than “is there something wrong with you”)?
How about if I were to offer evidence that your starsign CAN reflect your personality in some way – but not because the constellations themselves have made any difference whatsoever?
Quirkology uses psychology, scientific studies and a liberal splash of humour to reveal some of the strangest, most unlikely things that effect us in ways that seem completely counter-intuitive and breathtakingly unlikely, as well as the methodology for what might be some of the oddest studies of all time.
Quirkology remains the most outstanding, most hilarious psychology book I have ever read. I suggest you read it, too.
The Terrifying Effects of Reading
Dec 3, 2009 Bad Books, Comedy, History
The Guardian has an article on the dangers of reading, according to 18th Century physician Samuel Auguste André David Tissot – normally a massive opponent of masturbation, in Diseases Incidental to Literary and Sedentary Persons, with Proper Rules for Preventing Their Fatal Consequences, and Instructions for Their Cure, he outlined some of the alleged unfortunate effects that reading too much can have on individuals:
“[Philosopher Nicolas] Malebranche was seized with dreadful palpitations with reading Descartes’s Man; and there is still living in Paris a professor of rhetoric who fainted away whilst he was perusing some of the sublime passages of Homer.”
If you’ve experienced any such effects after picking up some of the volumes recommended in this blog, feel free to let us know, but please remember we can’t be held liable for reading-induced faints or palpitations.
Full article over at the Guardian.
Frankie Boyle – My Shit Life So Far
Nov 14, 2009 Biography, Comedy
If you’re a fan of Frankie Boyles then this book goes without saying. If you don’t know his work then he’s probably the UK’s last real rock’n'roll comedy hero in the mainstream. Despite his smart appearance on the cover the book is a hilarious ride about his wild and reckless lifestyle involving drugs and drink, it reminds me more of what you’d get from the true greats like Prior and Hicks 20 years ago.
I did smirk and smile most of the way through and it wasn’t burst out loud funny, but I feel that few books sustain comedy for as long and lasting as this one does. As you can tell by the cover Boyle is offensive, he is crass and at times just plain foul, but he’s also intelligent, insightful but not at the expense of his delivery.
Comedy has managed to be left alone a little, the bland and inoffensive churning out of formulaic acts from the likes of X-Factor and MTV has set music back years. Good solid movies seem to be few and far between and so comedy has filled the void a litte and today we have some incredible stand-ups and great TV comedy. Boyle is certainly up there and whilst I’m not a huge fan of Mock the Week he definitely shines through as the most consistently entertaining. I’ll be watching his DVD live act very soon.
This one’s on the xmas list for a few people I know. My copy was passed on to 2 people who both saw him in a different light after reading it. It will at least cheer you up but what ever you do, don’t let your nan read it.
The Atheist’s guide to Christmas
Nov 1, 2009 Comedy, Religion and Ethics, Skeptical books
Who could go another Christmas without at least a small groan that is associated with the holiday. Society has come to slightly loath Christmas. Its obvious over-commercialisation and compacted timescale forces everyone to perform the usual dreaded rituals that certainly seem to take all the fun out of it.
Combined with this is the obvious religious angle, which for most has been almost completely dissolved. Ironic as it is that this originally pagan festival was hijacked by Christianity centuries later, Christmas has a bizarre identity in the new millennium.
And so this entertaining volume which has been pulled together by some of the best entertainers out there will hopefully exists as a subtle and ingenious way to introduce your family members to the idea of open mindedness. It’s also not what you think it might be. There’s no ranting paragraphs about how stupid bible bashers are or acidic poems about how Jesus isn’t real. There’s a guide to making xmas decorations, party games and an excellent section on how and why to be caring and moral.
Many people who might admit they are Christian actually sit on the fence and a book like this may just be the volume to gently push them off into at least the Agnostics vegetable patch.
A great read but a far better xmas present and all profits go to charity – marvellous.
Description: 42 atheist celebrities, comedians, scientists and writers give their funny and serious tips for enjoying the Christmas season. The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas is a funny, thoughtful handbook all about enjoying Christmas, from 42 of the world’s most entertaining atheists.
It features everything from an atheist Christmas miracle to a guide to the best Christmas pop hits, and contributors include Richard Dawkins, Charlie Brooker, Derren Brown, Ben Goldacre, Jenny Colgan, David Baddiel, Simon Singh, AC Grayling, Brian Cox and Richard Herring. The full book advance and all royalties will go to the UK HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust.
