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Over July 4th weekend, while the rest of you were relaxing, BBQing, and reveling in firework-related festivities, beloved Quirk authors Joseph D'Agnese and Denise Kiernan were on the road, meeting up with fans of Signing Their Lives Away.

While hanging out in Philadelphia (Quirk's hometown!), Denise and Joe stopped by Christ Church and the Independence Visitor Center. I swung by the IVC to say hi and snap some pictures. I also met their historic reanctor pal, who was reading lines from Signing Their Lives Away as guests walked about the gift shop. I've included a little photo gallery and a short video clip below.

Enjoy, and make sure you catch these two when they're in your hometown.

It's true, we do!

We created this charming little video for a meeting with our BFFs Random House back in the Spring. Lots of the Quirk Books staff got on camera and talked about their favorite titles. Figured hey, why not share it with you too?

Bonus: You can download this as a desktop wallpaper, here!

Alright, I’ll admit it. I freaking love Nyan Cat, one of the most annoying Internet memes of all time. When I’m having a rough day, the non-stop Nyan Cat website cheers me up immediately.

The little cat wedged inside a Pop Tart has inspired a number of things, from video games (Nyan Cat iOS) to a custom YouTube slider bar. But perhaps most importantly, its driven a wealth of crafters to create his/her likeness, from scarves to necklaces, plushies to totebags. Below, you’ll find my top ten Etsy creations, sparked by the Nyan Cat phenomenon.

Have some picks that didn’t make it? Own a special handmade Nyan Cat item? Let me know!

Nyan Cat Scarf: Made-to-order, anti-pill fleece scarf. Over 5 feet long. As of this posting, Carly (XD Creations) is donating 10% of her profits to Japan through the Red Cross. $32.

Keeep Calmz An Nyanyan Print: 12×18″, printed on heavyweight 150g paper by DesignNoy. $12.

Christ Church in Philadelphia (Photo by CWBash)

Joseph D’Agnese and Denise Kiernan are embarking on their annual drive up the East Coast, visiting sites that are associated with the Signers of the Declaration of Independence to promote Signing Their Lives Away.

In any of these cities? Check out the schedule below.

June 30th: National Archives, Washington D.C.
July 1st: Christ Church, Philadelphia, PA (right next door to Quirk!)
July 2nd: Independence Hall Visitor Center, Philadelphia, PA
July 3rd: Old State House, Boston, MA
July 4th: Old State House, Boston, MA

Swing by, say hello and get a book signed. For more information, visit Joseph’s BookTour page.

I grew up on Sonic (the blue hedgehog, not the fast food restaurant), and today SEGA’s beloved blue blur turns twenty.

And while the spiny little erinaceidae has seen better days in terms of modern games (see Sonic & the Black Knight, set in the world of King Arthur, and Sonic Unleashed, where he turns into a werehog), I choose to remember the better times.

Forget about the modern platformers and Sonic racing games. I’m talking about the early to mid-90’s era of Sonic. There was the original, its two subsequent 16-bit sequels, and Sonic & Knuckles with its crazy lock-on cartridge. Those were good days. Life was simple and side-scrolling.

When I announced that we wanted fans of Quirk to send us in their cat hair, I wasn’t kidding. Crafting with Cat Hair comes out in November, and we’re getting ready, practicing our felting skills.

In fact, Katie Hatz and Margaret McGuire have been keeping themselves busy, working with a wealth of kitty fur that’s appeared in the Quirk Books mailroom.

What’s the source of all the fur? Well, Christina Yendall was the first to send in batches of cat hair from her three beloved kitties, Buster, Shadow and Fuzz.

We like to thank all the little people (and cats) whenever we can, so we’re posting photos of these lovely cats here on the blog. Christina and Co., we thank you!

Interested in sending in your cat hair? We’re still accepting submissions, and we’ll happily post your kitties on here too! Details on Jezebel.