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More Banana Boldness

Published August 7, 2017 | By Mary Kelly

banana recipe pamphlet

The New Banana
Fruit Dispatch Company
1931

Of course the official fruit of ALB is bananas, thanks to the post “Be Bold With Bananas.” (If you haven’t taken a look at this post you need to RIGHT NOW) Who knew that the banana had so much potential? In this publication, we have a “new” banana. (I am not sure what happened to the old banana other than turn brown.)

Today we have a lovely pro banana book from the early 1930s. Feast your eyes on the bacon wrapped banana and browse some recipes for banana sandwiches. Pretty darn bold, if you ask me.

You’re Welcome,

Mary

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Posted in You Ate What? | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

Sweater Vests to Knit

Published August 4, 2017 | By Mary Kelly

2 skein sweater patterns

2-Skein Sweaters to Knit and Crochet
Leisure Arts
1980

The 2-skein concept is probably more popular today than in 1980. Knitting and crochet books circulate very well, and my patrons are constantly making suggestions for new materials. Quick and relatively easy projects are hot items, and this type of pattern would circulate if it was a bit more contemporary. However, the late 1970/1980’s look screams outdated. No matter how relevant the content, if it doesn’t look good, it won’t circulate.

Whenever I make a comment like above, there will always be someone who tells me I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. (There is usually a judgmental tone with this comment as well) It’s as if I spit on Ranganathan himself. Maybe I will keep this around for those librarians who don’t judge books by the cover and need to expand that 80s look in their wardrobe. (Don’t forget, every book has its reader….)

Happy Knitting,

Mary

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Posted in Craptastic Crafts and Hobbies | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Wonders of Dust

Published August 3, 2017 | By Holly

Wonders of Dust

 

Wonders of Dust
McFall
1980

I can just picture the publisher pitch  meeting: “What we really need is a book about dust!” It just seems like a random topic that you wouldn’t need (or care) to read a book about. Sort of like this book about wax.

It’s not actually a bad book, though it is horribly old and outdated. It talks about asbestos, dust on the surface of the moon, different kinds of dust particles, the Dust Bowl, dust clouds that hang over cities…all kinds of fascinating details about dust. It is a juvenile book written with very adult terminology and in a very dry style, so all those interesting ideas are really lost in it’s boring cover and format. A kid might actually be interested in dust if the book came in a more exciting package.

-Holly

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Posted in Bleeding Edge | Tagged , | 13 Comments
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