My memory is superb . . . in its ability to overwrite information that it deems unnecessary for my everyday survival, so fact-books such as Tic-Tac, Teddy Bears and Teardrop Tattoos are a short-lived pleasure, but for a few glorious days I am a repository of all manner of wildly fascinating mental tidbits.
Recently on Vulpes Libris we have questioned the grammar freaks, prodded the emoticon-haters, but today I insist on championing the fact-book and its loyal following of trivia-addicts, because, yes, pub quizzes are dang good fun. TV shows that offer a new random fact with each sentence can cheer the grisliest of winter evenings and who wouldn’t want to read a book that discusses everything from prison tattoos to common poker tells to the Queen’s secret handbag code? (if she puts her handbag on the table top, the Queen would like the event to end in about five minutes, whereas handbag on the floor indicates she’d like to be rescued by a lady-in-waiting ASAP and handbag hanging from the crook of her left arm signals that she’s fine.)
In the hope that there are other trivia-addicts lurking, I present some Secret Service code names for your delectation:
Renegade = Barack Obama
Tumbler = George Bush
Elvis = Bill Clinton
Cowpuncher = Air Force One.
True, one doesn’t NEED to know the origin of the Star Trek Vulcan salute, or discover Catalina’s hidden messages to the Spanish-speaking audience in My Name is Earl, or detect hidden Masonic symbols in the American dollar bill and one definitely doesn’t need to know that Hans Christian Andersen recorded occasions of masturbation in his diary with the symbol ++ (e.g “When they left, I had a double-sensuous ++” ) and yet these little factoids had me grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.
In the Introduction, the author tells us:
If there is a door marked ‘Private’ I want to know what’s behind it. If I see a squiggle on a wall, I wonder what it means. If I hear a conversation between people-in-the-know I want to understand what they are saying.
Yes, I found myself nodding, Me too. So with that in mind, and the author’s invitation to “Be nosy. Find out. Read the book,” I flew through the pages and found the answers to questions that I’d never thought to ask.
I greatly enjoyed Tic-Tac, Teddy Bears and Teardrop Tattoos and feel sure that I will return to it repeatedly over the years; I might even find a way to work some of its fabulous facts into my own novels.
So if you’re of an inquiring mind and would likely feel a small shiver of pleasure from decoding monastic sign language or spotting mobile phone masts hidden in plain sight (”The pole supporting the angel weathervane on Guildford Cathedral is in fact a mobile mast. So is the clock on the town hall in Hungerford, and the belfry of St Stephens church in Edinburgh”) then I would recommend Tic-Tac, Teddy Bears and Teardrop Tattoos. After all, when it comes to decoding the world around us, we can’t know too much.
*Christmas Present Suggestion* My dad already pinched my copy of Tic-Tac, Teddy Bears and Teardrop Tattoos and at least three other relatives will be receiving a copy of this excellent little info-feast for Christmas.
Hodder & Stoughton, Hardcover: 256 pages, ISBN-10: 0340976489, £12.99.
How did you come across this book, Lisa? This sounds fun and I like all the secret symbols idea…not sure I agree that pub quizzes are the height of entertainment mind you.
Do you know what’s even better than taking part in pub quizzes? WRITING pub quizzes, and as the daughter of a QUIZMASTER (!) I feel compelled to say that PUB QUIZZES ROCK!!!
Phew, am overcome by excessive capitalisation and exclamation mark overdose.
In answer to your question, Rosy, I am always on the look-out for fact-books, so when this little gem came through the door, sent by its kindly publisher, I could not resist diving in. I only wish I could remember more of its cool facts (damn that overwriting brain of mine).
I am a bit anti pub quiz because it is the ONLY form of socialising anyone at the Geek’s work will actually do. And they go every week without fail. I used to enjoy it but you can have slightly too much of a good thing.
You know, I think I would get on with these Geeks. I wonder how they feel about emoticons. . .
Ooh. I need this book. I could have used it when I was compiling my two annual trivia quizzes (one tricky and one so insanely difficult it induces narcolepsy). I always need bizarre bits of information to confound the punters. This sounds perfect.
Here I was expecting something about cuddly stuffed toys, I am SO disappointed.
As a person who does very well at Trivial Pursuit, I would enjoy this book. The Queen’s handbag signals are especially fascinating, who would’ve thought she was sending messages with her purse? I’d like to know the origin of Dubya’s code name. Is it because he was a cheerleader in college or his jester attitude towards things? Or something else?
Oh, I neeeed this book. I love useless knowledge! (I also need to figure out a way to implement my own system of handbag codes.)
Moira, you’ll love it. The Quizmaster himself was most impressed and regaled us all with new info gems. Jackie, I have no idea, but it made me laugh. A tumbler can also be a drinking glass. What’s that saying about empty vessels…
Teresa, I too thought “Must develop handbag code.” In fact, now I’m not sure I can go to the partner’s Xmas do without one. Just need to work on procuring the ladies-in-waiting (any volunteers, Bookfoxes?)
I need one of those handbag codes too. I wonder what the code is for “too much telescope talk already”?
I love the sound of this book and can think of at least four or five people who may be receiving a copy for Christmas…
[...] Tic-Tac, Teddy Bears & Teardrop Tattoos by Justin Scroggie – a delightful factbook designed to decode the mysterious signs and symbols of the world around us. [...]