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4th of July Great Grilling: Classic Chicken Barbecue

Just imagine it.

The heat is pouring off your grill in waves and the smoky, sultry aroma of chicken grilling floats through the air. You’re using your favorite tongs to turn the thick chicken thighs (pre-marinated in succulent, sweet teriyaki sauce of course) just enough to sear all sides evenly as the meat sizzles lazily in the flickering flames. Smoke is swirls in the air, picking up the robust scent of the charcoal. Your neighbor looks up from what he’s doing on his own patio, and stares longingly across the trees. His mouth waters, envious of your grilling prowess. Can you really blame him?

July 4th weekend is here and it’s time to fire up the grill! An all-time favorite in my home during grilling season is the Classic Chicken Barbecue. This recipe is one of my go-to, no-fail, simple, easy-to-do barbecues. It is so versatile. I feel like I’ve made this a thousand times. Perfect for family get-togethers, lazy weekend afternoons, and of course, 4th of July BBQs, this is my barbecue recipe of choice.

Posted by Elizabeth Ann Quirino

Quirk Books: We Love Our Backlist [Video!]

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?

Brent Weichsel, one of our interns at the time, shot the video in our conference room. We were beyond thrilled with how it came out. Check out his portfolio, talented kid.

Do you have a favorite Quirk backlist title that didn't pop up in the video? Let us know in the comments!

Posted by Eric Smith

Top 10 Etsy Creations Inspired by Nyan Cat

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.

Posted by Eric Smith

Signings for Signers: Joseph D’Agnese & Denise Kiernan Hitting the Road this Week!

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.

Posted by Eric Smith

Sonic the Hedgehog Turns 20, Celebrate with the Sound of Speed

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.

Posted by Eric Smith

Today in Awesome Parenting: What Does Admiral Ackbar Say?

If you’ve ever doubted whether Star Wars, parenting, and roughhousing could intersect… doubt no more!

In this video clip we see one of the classic ways parents connect with their kids – by asking them what something or someone says; Johnny, what does the dog say? Lucy, what does the cat say? Here, Dad starts off with some slow pitches but then ramps up to his grand finale… asking his son, “What does Admiral Ackbar say?

His son responds with a joyful “It’s a trap (or a “fap” in kid language).” Then he runs over to his dad with open arms and bowls him over in utter happiness.

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Posted by Anthony T. DeBenedet