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If there’s any upside to the crazily severe thunder- and wind storms that have been terrorizing large parts of the U.S., it’s the addition of a new word to our collective vocabulary. If you’ve been living under a hailstone, the word is derecho, derived from the Spanish for “straight.” Derechos are, according to Wikipedia, “convection-induced and take on a bow echo (backward “C”) form of squall line, forming in an area of wind divergence in the upper levels of the troposphere, within a region of low-level warm air advection and rich low-level moisture.”

Yikes. You can see why they gave this meteorological mouthful a nickname. Still, weathermen countrywide are probably relishing the rare chance to trot out a term more colorful than “partly cloudy.” And, furthermore, why stop there? We should seize this opportunity to expand our storm-related wordbank. Here are 5 new words to learn, because hey, when it rains, it pours!

I can hardly believe that my first “baby,” Campfire Cuisine, turned seven years old on May 1. And like any parent, I can’t help but wonder where the time has gone. But the coolest part is that to celebrate the occasion, Quirk Books released a new, upgraded, updated, spiffed up edition of the book. I couldn’t ask for a better birthday present.

I'll be honest. I'm a total sucker for the DIY Father's Day gifts that my kids bring home from school. Something with their handprint on it or a homemade pencil case? Perfect. But, this year, I'd like something a bit more practical…

SUV Privacy Window
Ever take a road trip with two young kids? Ever try to have a conversation with your wife or listen to your own music during said trip? It's nearly impossible, right? Not if you have the SUV Privacy Window. It would be identical to the privacy windows that separate the front and back seats in limousines. And, it could come in soundproof glass or completely opaque varieties. Roll it up and silence. Unfortunately, these don't come manufacturer-installed…yet.

The DVR Playlist App
It's 6am. The kids are awake and you want a few more hours of sleep. At that hour, the only thing that can hold their attention is the television. Unfortunately, that means they will come in practically every 30 minutes for a new show. Enter the DVR Playlist App. Just pre-set the 4 shows that your child wants to watch and press play. The App rolls from one show to the next while you get 2 more hours of uninterrupted sleep. (And, don't judge me for having the TV babysit my kids at 6am.)

The Toy Roomba(TM)
Despite having a playroom and a basement, there are toys everywhere in my house. At the end of the day, the kids are pretty good about cleaning them up. But, it's usually a point of contention. Can't technology fix this somehow? Nowadays, we've got robots that clean your carpet, your floors, your pool, your dishes and more. It would be so much easier for everyone if we had a robot that cleaned up your toys too.

A dad can dream, right?

Regardless of the gift, I'm certain that I'll have a great day with my kids. And, I hope you have a happy Father's Day!

Share your ideas for Father's Day Gifts That Don't Exist in the comments section below. Our three favorites will win a copy of Stuff Every Dad Should Know! 

Here are a few highlights from the Spring Craft-a-thon!

by Buzzy the Cicada

Pssssttt…hey, you down there. Yeah, that’s right. Hi. I’m up here, in the tree. You got a minute?

If you’re tired of reading black ink on a white page, or black pixels on a white screen, take a break and watch one of Quirk’s recommended movies for book lovers. We all need a break sometimes, but a break doesn’t mean you have to abandon your precious books.

DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989): A film for those who appreciate the power of poetry. An inspirational movie about one man’s attempt to teach his students about the value of literature. Make sure some tissue is nearby.

MATILDA (1996): A film for library fanatics. Our protagonist, Matilda, escapes her troublesome life at home by exploring the world of books through her local library. It is this passion for stories that gives Matilda the courage to stand up to those who don’t treat her (or her school teacher) with the respect and care that she deserves.

SECRET WINDOW (2004): A film for the horror fan. The protagonist, played by Johnny Depp, goes into a spiral of insanity when his written stories become a little too life-like. A creepy thriller about one of the scariest of topics: writing a novel.

CAPOTE (2005): A film for the true crime connoisseur. Truman Capote’s research about a Kansas murder is given new life in this movie adaptation. The writer gets a little too involved with his work, developing an odd friendship with one the killers who is meant to be a character in his book.

MISS POTTER (2006): A film for lovers of children’s literature. This movie tells the behind-the-scenes story of Miss Potter’s struggle to have her book published in an industry largely dominated by men.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (2011): A film for fans of the modernist writers. The main character, played by Owen Wilson, travels back in time to hang out with the likes of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein during the glorious time in the 1920s when expatriate American writers inhabited Paris.

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Maria Vicente is a literary agent intern living in Ottawa, Canada. She likes coffee, books, snail mail, and magic. You can find her on Twitter (@MsMariaVicente) or check out her website (mariavicente.com)