Should we change the CEO's title to Rebel Commander?

Heidi Durrow (you remember her from Wi5, right?) has kicked off her fourth annual Mixed Experience History Month with all sorts of stories that you won't find in a typical textbook:

"Robert Smalls (1839-1915), a mulatto conscripted into the Confederate Army, became a war hero at age 23 when he hijacked a Confederate Army ammunitions transport ship and turned it over to the Union Navy."

Geoffrey Jennings wins for quip of the week. (Of course, he would have gotten bonus points if he'd said it on Tuesday):

"The rebel alliance disagrees."

I was thinking of writing up a "what booksellers should know about QR codes" article soon, but Josie's covered most of the high points:

"Can’t bother to read the back of the book? Just download the barcode and you’ve got a multi-media bonanza awaiting you on your phone."

Data point:

"Why the sudden generosity? Well, it could have something to do with the company's recent foray into 'free' and the story of that unpronounceable volcano."

Barry Ritholtz does a pretty good job explaining economic news. But when he brings in a children's book as a metaphor for bailouts? Awesome:

"It reminds me of the children’s book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk, etc… The austere measures that other countries will have to take too risks a slowdown in the euro region at the same time China tries to reign in their growth."

Sure, there are all sorts of practical aspects to Gov 2.0, but there's no reason to skimp on stuff like this:

"It's bookmark-worthy for history buffs and Beltway nerds who love old government posters, military history and military-commissioned Dr. Seuss drawings."

Bookseller Seth Marko has a new project:

"Most people I know don't think I can go the whole 117 days. I have to. I can't let this book defeat me." (via)

You know our thoughts about The Site That Shall Not Be Named around these parts. So keep that in mind when I tell you that this book is one you might want to pay attention to:

"I had already made a book trailer and study guide for the book, it had been adopted by local schools and public library systems…in a way, it was a no-brainer, although AmazonEncore’s been very smart about selecting books that have the potential to connect with multiple reading communities."

There are books out there about naked mole rats, so I think this is work-related, don't you?:

"This naked mole-rat colony occupies a labyrinth of transparent tubes that mimics the underground tunnels and burrows in Africa, where mole-rats live. The web cam is focused on a busy intersection of two tunnels."

The Shrinking Violets are once again sharing their indie love:

"And we couldn't bear to pass up an opportunity to repost photos of them, link to their stores, and sing their praises."

There are no Penguincubators currently on eBay. (Yes, I checked.) But if anyone wants to sell one, I'll take it:

"In the Penguincubator we see several desires converge: affordable books, non-traditional distribution, awareness of context, and a quiet radicalism."

A sales rep finds a practical use for his iPad:

"But after the iPad announcement I got to thinking, what if I had an iPad filled with an entire season's worth of blads and F&Gs and sample page spreads? What if I had PDF versions of all those sales materials instead of all the tote bags?"

Posted at 04:13PM May 07, 2010 by Sarah Rettger in General  |