It seems I'm always late to these things. Humans of New York had long existed as a blog with tens of thousands of loyal followers by the time I discovIt seems I'm always late to these things. Humans of New York had long existed as a blog with tens of thousands of loyal followers by the time I discovered this book. It was a thrilling discovery all the same, and better late than never as the saying goes.
When I found out about the book I checked out the blog immediately starting about 10:30 at night. At 2 am I was still riveted. I literally could not stop looking. It's since become one of my newer addictions/obsessions. It appeals to the people watcher in me, to the girl who truly believes the right picture can be worth a thousand words, and the small town Canadian who imagines New York City as the epicenter of all that is gritty, inspiring, crazy and authentically human.
I think HONY is an inspired project by a beautiful mind. History told through the photographic lens has always been one of our most powerful, evocative mediums since its invention. I also love that Stanton has tried to put these photographs into some sort of context by the very human questions he asks of his subjects (and the illuminating -- sometimes heart-wrenching -- answers he receives).
If I'm ever stranded on a desert island, I want my copy of HONY to keep me tethered in some fundamental way to my human life and what it means to be human. ...more
Jenny Lawson (aka The Bloggess) is seriously effed up, and that doesn't always equate with being seriously bleeping funny but in her case, this book w Jenny Lawson (aka The Bloggess) is seriously effed up, and that doesn't always equate with being seriously bleeping funny but in her case, this book will S-L-A-Y you. I laughed so hard in parts I shed tears (and a little pee I think). Just sayin'. For anyone out there with some incontinence issues already.
Her frantic, stream-of-consciousness delivery (though punctuated with gems of insane hilarity) can get exhausting. Sometimes you just want to scream, "Jenny, will you just shut the *&%@# up already!" -- imagine being stuck in an elevator with a coked up Robin Williams who just also happens to be sipping on a Red Bull laced with vodka. As horrible as that sounds, Jenny Lawson makes it work. Despite her frantic crazy energy, she will make you laugh your ass off, teach you how to curse like a sailor (that woman loves to let the expletives fly), force you to appreciate all of life's absurdities, face tragedy with (enough) dignity, and be grateful for every single blessing that you have.
She also taught me that the most interesting person in the room is probably the one hiding under the table (or in the bathroom) hyperventilating. Only stupid people aren't locked and loaded for the zombie apocalypse (well d'uh, that one I knew already). That chupacabras are REAL. That people who tell you that acupuncture is painless are "complete fucking liars." And most important of all, Texas may be big and beautiful and have awesome BBQ, but it's also where all the bitey, stinging things live.
Today the exterminator came out to spray for scorpions again, and he left a note saying that he found an enormous snakeskin next to our house. Then I screamed, "EVERYTHING IN THE COUNTRY WANTS TO KILL YOU," and Victor told me to go lie down. But then I went to look at the snakeskin, and I was all, "This is a used paper towel." Then Victor said, "Dude. That's totally a snakeskin that's been shed. Look at the diamond scale pattern," and I was all, "That's a textured diamond weave to absorb more wetness. You can tell it's a paper towel because snakeskins aren't square. Or perforated." And I spread it out on the ground and then he was all, "Huh. That is a fucking paper towel. I think we need a new exterminator." We're probably not going to survive the year.
I had never heard of The Oatmeal until some GR friends started reviewing this book. With my ignorance finally rectified, I gleefully dived into this g I had never heard of The Oatmeal until some GR friends started reviewing this book. With my ignorance finally rectified, I gleefully dived into this giant heap of hilarity. Now I feel it's my turn to spread the word about its awesome contents (and parent website).
One of my favorites is Why I Believe Printers Were Sent From Hell to Make us Miserable. This comic is added as a pull-out poster and is worth dropping the cash to own a copy. How many late nights and very early mornings have I been through "the printer trials from Hell" with my boyfriend as he pleads with the demon to give up its goods? Pleading turns to cajoling, which turns to cursing, which turns to screaming, which turns to threats of throwing the damnable machine right out the window (which thankfully hasn't happened yet). He's shown infinite patience, and has tolerated the extortionist prices for new printer cartridges, but alas, the vile, demonic gadget continues to break his heart.
I love the brutal honesty and cheekiness of many of these comics. They're not all home runs, but the diamonds do sparkle and shine. The best part is their diversity: no matter your humorous bent you are bound to find something that appeals and resonates. Highly recommended!
Oh, and for cat lovers? Don't miss these to die-for gems. I laughed so hard at a few of these they hurt me :) :)...more
I love the Post Secret phenomenon. Who knew the act of baring one’s deepest secrets anonymously on a post card would resonate with so many people all I love the Post Secret phenomenon. Who knew the act of baring one’s deepest secrets anonymously on a post card would resonate with so many people all over the world? These sometimes quirky, sometimes tragic, always heartfelt confessions astound me in their beautiful simplicity. Every card is a canvas, where text and images unite in powerful, unassuming ways. Do you have a secret to tell?...more
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