We usually keep things pretty simple around here -- so if you want something a little more literary, there's a plethora of clever, quirky, smart, and wonderful writing at McSweeney's Quarterly Concern and associated publications (books, The Believer, and DVD-based magazine, Wholphin).
Seems that the McSweeney's crew has fallen on some hard times financially, and needs to raise a few bucks and quick.They're letting interested parties know that every single item in their store is on sale.
In addition, they are holding a rare auction item on eBay. Items include Spike Jonze-signed Wolphins, Dave Eggers' depiction of George W. Bush as a double amputee, and a bunch of original Tony Millionaire drawings.
So, if you're unfamiliar with McSweeney's neat stuff -- or if you've found them cost-prohibitive -- now's a great time to indulge yourself. As the site says, "For the next week or so, subscriptions are $5 off, new books are 30 percent off, and the entire backlist is 50 percent off. Please check out the store and enjoy the astounding savings, while knowing every purchase will help dig us out of a big hole."
And, hey -- good books will last if you keep them around until Christmas. Or even longer. This is a good chance to help a local company doing some interesting and good things.