Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into National Parks (Bathroom Reader)

Book Description

Featuring the BRM’s trademark trivia, fun facts, amazing origins, and unknown histories, this book dips into every national park, monument, site, and trail (more than 150 in all), exploring such exciting phenomena as Yosemite’s firefall and the wild horses of Assateague, along with practical strategies for dodging that rampaging bear or moose. Printed in backpack- or pocket-friendly size with sturdy, waterproof cover, this brisk guide is ideal for both the outdoors type and those who prefer to travel by armchair — or throne.

Customer Reviews:

A Different Sort of Travel Guide: Fascinating Park Trivia.......2007-05-19

This latest Uncle John publication proclaims on its back cover "It's time to hit the Trail!" Hit the history books is more like it. This wonderful little volume is full of fascinating trivia about the national parks and monuments found in the US and Canada. Each chapter is brief enough to be read during a single trip to the throne room of your house, and for the most part the prose is enjoyable enough to keep you coming back. Favorite stories for me were "The Great Pig War" in which the US and England nearly managed to go to war over a dead pig (San Juan Island National Historic Park) and the Mojave National Preserve's "lonely phonebooth."

For the most part the history and folklore seemed accurate enough, though the authors did slip a little when they wrote that Ansel Adams had saved King's Canyon with pictures of its Giant Sequoia Grove. There is no such grove in King's Canyon proper. General Grant Grove is now administered as a part of King's Canyon National Park, but it has been protected since 1890. In any event, King's Canyon was preserved because it so closely resembled Yosemite. On the other hand, virtually every other element of the book is accurate. Indeed, this is one of the few sources I have ever read that correctly notes Hot Springs Arkansas is the oldest National Park, dating back to 1835, long before the Yosemite Grant or the creation of Yellowstone National Park.

So, by all means get this rather unusual travel guide. It probably won't help much with actual trip planning, but it is nice for whiling away the time between trips: especially that portion of the time when you are otherwise preoccupied.

Uncle John is still producing.......2007-05-06

Interesting tid bits about National Parks. Suggest you read this before visiting the parks. You might decide to change your routings, in some cases.

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into History (Uncle John Presents)

Average customer rating:

great book!
Bathroom reading
Another great book from The Bathroom Readers Institute
May be too good for the bathroom...
The Bathroom Historian

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into History (Uncle John Presents)

Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into History Again (Bathroom Reader)
Uncle John's Ahh-Inspiring Bathroom Reader
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into the Universe (Uncle John Presents)
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Extraordinary Book of Facts: And Bizarre Information (Bathroom Readers)
Uncle John's All-Purpose Extra-Strength Bathroom Reader (Uncle John's Bathroom Reader #13)

ASIN: 157145697X

Book Description

The real stories behind famous people and events from ancient to modern times. Anecdotal, thought provoking and organized by topic. Chapters will include: You Said You Knew How to Fire That Thing: Misadventures and Wrong Turns that Challenged History; the 10 Most Important Forgotten People in History; Slips of the Tongue: Simple Mistakes that Led to Great Discoveries and Awful Disasters.

Customer Reviews:

great book!.......2007-03-28

This book is exactly what I wanted. I gave it to my dad as a gift and he loves it! The information is so interesting!

Bathroom reading.......2007-01-10

I love this book. Right when I got it in the mail I started to read it right away. I actually read this book more at night than in the bathroom. The history series in the Uncle John's bathroom readers are really interesting articles because they tell you information that you always wanted to know.

Another great book from The Bathroom Readers Institute.......2006-12-20

At this point I think I have all of their books...great for trivia buffs; folks who want to read for a bit, put it down, and read later without following a storyline/plot; history fans, etc.
And as the titles say, they are great for those "Moments of Solitude" on the throne!

May be too good for the bathroom..........2005-02-27

I'm not, by nature, overly impressed with trivia books. I enjoy them at times, but I rarely consider them "page-turners", which is why they are often considered great choices for bathroom reading material. This collection is a welcome exception! History is a fascinating field, something more people need to realize but few can grasp after years of stale high school history lessons. This book has a lot of fascinating material in it, and offers the reader a wealth of hilarious and/or startling trivia. This book is well worth the cost!

The Bathroom Historian.......2003-06-30

I received the first Uncle John's Bathroom Reader as a gift nearly fifteen years ago, and I have enjoyed every one of its many successors. "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges Into History" is the first of the readers to focus on a specific subject matter, but it is every bit as enjoyable as its more generic brethren.

Whether you read this book in the bathroom or in the living room, you'll really get a kick out of it. Each article is short, interesting and can generally be read in one sitting (so to speak). Although some of the material was new to me, the book seemed to have its facts straight about the stories with which I was familiar. Despite the witty and breezy style, the authors have usually done enough homework to master the basics. To top it off, the "factoids" on the bottom of each page are pretty interesting in their own right!

Book Description

Once again, Uncle John goes back in time to bring fans more compelling, confounding, and fascinating peeks into the world's past. As always, the slant is on revealing what isn't taught in history class. Here are scintillating sagas of rogues and rascals, diplomacy and disaster, popes and peasants, nices and vices, defeats and victories, royalty and rabble, feuds and famine, battles and breakthroughs, crime and punishment, secrets and scandals, cultural milestones and historical millstones.

Sample topics include Dictators and Their Offspring; Lord Minimus (the world's smallest man and his big successes); Horses in History; How Salt Shaped the Fortunes of Nations; Shoes Through the Ages; Who Were the Knights Templar?; John Dee: Court Astrologer to Elizabeth I; Great Gigs Through History (town crier, food taster, minstrel); and much more. The folks at the Bathroom Readers' Hysterical Society again lay bare the legends and bring forward the facts in a witty, entertaining way that makes this book perfect reading during "business hours."

Customer Reviews:

Just What the Trivia Doctor Ordered!.......2006-07-11

Trivia afficiandos rejoice - here's another wonderful sampling of historical facts, personalities and events from the "Uncle John" franchise.

Like its 2001 predecessor which sold 500,000+ copies(!), this installment ranges through all ages and all continents to bring you interesting facts on people, places and sundry things. Fun, informative articles on the history of money, medicine, the Amish, Ninjas, art, inventions, sports, flowers, literature, disasters, purses, salt, famous encounters, great goofs in history, etc., etc. - this book has it all. (I especially like the entries that correct historical inaccuracies. And those entries that spotlight how Hollywood rewrites history in its films).

So, pony up your $16.95, sit back and enjoy!

Must Have.......2005-09-20

I really enjoy the whole series. Intesting factoids GALORE!

Funny conversation piece, when your guests are in your restroom for a "LONG TIME" then come out and say.. "Hey those are great books, Where'd you get those!"

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Hollywood (Bathroom Readers)

Average customer rating:

The Real Hollywood Gossip
The Old Boy is still doing well.
Strange title, but a fun book.
Outstanding
Two Thumbs Up for Uncle John's Latest!

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Hollywood (Bathroom Readers)
Bathroom Readers' Hysterical Society
Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Wonderful World of Odd (Uncle John's Bathroom Reader)

ASIN: 1592234976

Book Description

Uncle John’s team of stellar researchers has dug deep to probe the mysteries, mayhem, and majesty of the movies and their makers. This witty tome for the throne covers such topics as landmarks (just how tall is the Hollywood sign?); mind-boggling special effects; Hollywood murder mysteries, including the strange death of Jean Harlow’s husband; “Where Are They Now?”, a guide to the final resting places of the stars; and lists of the best and worst flicks in several categories, including westerns, sci fi, action, drama, biopics, comedies, and many more. Of course, no book on Hollywood is complete without plenty of diva-licious dish: “Joan Crawford vs. X” details her bitter, bizarre rivalries with Bette Davis and Norma Shearer. Jam-packed with quotes, historical tidbits, puzzles, quizzes, and the effluvia of Hollywood, Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Hollywood is sure to keep film buffs enthralled while enthroned.

Customer Reviews:

The Real Hollywood Gossip.......2007-02-18

This is really fascinating stuff. Even my wife began to read it.

The Old Boy is still doing well........2007-02-07

As with previous Bathroom Readers, holds your attention. Some folks get so enthralled that the book "wanders out" of the throne room to other rooms in the house.

Strange title, but a fun book........2007-02-02

This was a gift from a media friend of ours. She knows I stay in the car and read when my wife shops. So this is more a car book than a bathroom book. It is fun and there are so many sections in so many categories and covers most of the great stars. The only complaint I would make is that there are some great ones only given a sentence or not mentioned at all. A sequel to this book is needed. We need more on Susan Hayward than a line. And we do need material on other favorites like Rhonda Fleming, Deanna Lund and Joyce Meadows. Very much appreciated was information on the old great horror films, science fiction, Westerns and action/adventure.

Outstanding.......2006-07-13

I love these books..... keep them coming. For the people that love useless knowledge and short form styles of reading these books rock!!!

Two Thumbs Up for Uncle John's Latest!.......2006-03-16

I have been a fan of the Uncle John series since the very first Bathroom Reader came on the scene. The series is perfect fodder for trivia-craving minds like mine! I have especially enjoyed their "Plunges Into" books - Great Lives, History, etc.

Like the previous "Plunges" volumes, the "Hollywood" book is a hoot. You can dip into the book at any page and come up with fascinating material on actors & actresses, awards, directors, studios, scandals, good movies/bad movies, special effects, bloopers and much, much more. Almost 500 pages of pure delight!

Trivia buffs and movie afficiandos will love this. I know I did. At $17.95, how can you go wrong?!

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Texas (Bathroom Reader)

Average customer rating:

A bowl-side companion

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Texas (Bathroom Reader)

Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Jokes & Riddles | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Satire, General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into New Jersey
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Christmas Collection (Bathroom Reader Series)

ASIN: 1592231128

Book Description

Especially for armchair (or throne room) travelers and trivia buffs, Uncle John has compiled over 300 pages of interesting stories, little known facts, and gossipy tidbits about the Lone Star State. This outsize state has no shortage of tall tales, colorful characters, and strange tourist attractions, and readers in any room in the house will be fascinated with the doings of Ima Hogg, George and George W., the Great Mosquito Festival, the first oil well, the Confederate Air Force, Larry McMurtry, LBJ, ZZ Top, Nolan Ryan, the Cadillac Ranch, the Dallas Cowboys (and Cowgirls), and much, much more.

Customer Reviews:

A bowl-side companion.......2006-01-31

The UNCLE JOHN'S BATHROOM READER series presents collections of one- and two- page trivia that are perfect for reading when diversion is required.

The PLUNGES INTO TEXAS volume focuses on a wide range of Texas lore, covering history, celebrity, food, politics, travel, and other bizarre bits of esoteric information. There are smidgens about the origin of Big Tex, the down-and-dirty personal life of Sam Houston, the ghostly cat who haunts the capitol, and the legality of dinning on road kill.

From LBJ to Red Adair to ZZ Top, stories about the movers and shakers of the Lone Star State offer the reader quick snippets to amuse and entertain while other business is at hand. No Texas home should be without it.

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Minnesota

Average customer rating:

It was a given as a gift
Take the plunge!
Terrific
Minnesota Trivia and interesting facts and history

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Minnesota
Bathroom Readers' Hysterical Society
Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Satire, General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Ohio (Bathroom Reader)
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Michigan (Bathroom Reader)

ASIN: 1592233805

Book Description

Bordering its trading partner, Canada, on the north, Minnesota is the 12th-largest state in the USA. It’s no wonder that Minnesota, nicknamed Land of 10,000 Lakes, leads the nation in per capita sales of fishing licenses, with 15,000 streams and over 5,400 fishable lakes. Uncle John is rightly enamored of a state with the world’s only two-story outhouse, and while all states have official flowers and birds, Minnesota has a state beverage (milk) and muffin (blueberry). What other state has spawned such disparate personalities as J. Paul Getty, Bob Dylan, and Jesse Ventura? Its people are just one interesting facet of a state where travelers can find such fascinating curiosities as the SPAM Museum or the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices. Over 300 pages of interesting facts and amusing trivia provide armchair travelers with a glimpse into Minnesota’s people, places, and stunning natural wonders.

Customer Reviews:

It was a given as a gift.......2007-01-04

I gave it to a friend for Christmas because she is from Minnesota. She really enjoyed all the trivia about her home state.

Take the plunge!.......2006-07-28

Awesome!!! Don't visit the loo without it! Bathroom jokes aside, it's overflowing with great facts and humor and the writing is superb (lots of great, undiscovered talent here). If you haven't visited Minnesota yet, you will want to after reading these excellent essays. And if you are a Minnesotan, you will chuckle and nod your head and maybe even say "wow, I didn't know that" about a tidbit or two.

Terrific.......2006-07-28

Uff Da! You betcha this book is fun, interesting and educational!
Worthy of reading beyond the bathroom, Plunges into Minnesota provides an eclectic and entertaining tour of the North Star State. Great for native Minnesotans, transplanted Minnesotans and those who just want to know more about life in the Frozen (and not so frozen)land of 10,000 lakes.

Minnesota Trivia and interesting facts and history.......2006-07-26

Worth every penny!
I really enjoyed reading about important events and people in Minnesota history.
Very well written and not boring facts one after another.
Lots of variety with even a crossword puzzle.
I especially enjoyed the history of the large department store Daytons.

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into New Jersey

Average customer rating:

Trenton Makes, The World Takes

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into New Jersey
Bathroom Readers' Hysterical Society
Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Extraordinary Book of Facts: And Bizarre Information (Bathroom Readers)

ASIN: 1592233813

Book Description

From Jersey tomatoes and blueberries, the Tigers of Princeton and the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers, the songs of the Boss and the Chairman of the Board, New Jersey has long provided a treasure trove of exceptional sons and daughters, legends and folklore, amazing facts and figures — not to mention a wealth of jokes. Whether going "down the shore," getting lost in the Pine Barrens, dining on great cuisine in Newark's Ironbound district, or driving down the Turnpike, traveling around New Jersey captures the imagination. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into New Jersey presents over 300 pages of interesting and entertaining articles covering tons of little-known facts about the Garden State.

Customer Reviews:

Trenton Makes, The World Takes.......2007-01-06

So far, about half way through the book and I find the acticles as good or better than the General BR series. I love American History, and this book is quite an addictive read! Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein would be proud, as they are both written about as New Jersey residents.

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into the Presidency (Bathroom Reader)

Average customer rating:

Uncle John rocks

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into the Presidency (Bathroom Reader)
Bathroom Readers' Hysterical Society
Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Uncle John's Presents: The Book of the Dumb (Uncle John Presents)

ASIN: 1592232604

Book Description

Modern-day presidential candidates are subjected to unprecedented scrutiny, and Uncle John is right there alongside other zealous investigators digging up the most compelling, confounding, entertaining, and unique information, facts, and figures about our nation's chief executives. This book is full of interesting insights, amazing anecdotes, and trashy tidbits about the lives, times, and issues of each president. Topics include: The Men — Their Personalities, Performance, Virtues, and Vices; Presidential Firsts and Lasts; Sibling Rivalry — Presidential Brothers and Sisters in the News; Health Secrets of the Chief Executives; Close Calls — Assassination Attempts; The Presidency as Depicted in Books, Movies, the Media, and Monuments; and much more. Readers learn about the oldest sitting president (Reagan at 77); the tiniest president (5'4" James Madison, who weighed less than 100 pounds); and the special status of 1841 (the only year when three separate men all served as president).

Customer Reviews:

Uncle John rocks.......2007-07-28

We own this entire series (or at least the ones I can get my hands on) and love them. My son will not enter the bathroom without one in hand. We are a homeschooling family, so I take learning anywhere I can get it.

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Michigan (Bathroom Reader)

Average customer rating:

Good stuff, but some duplication
Midwest Handbook

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Michigan (Bathroom Reader)
Bathroom Readers' Hysterical Society
Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Essays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Christmas Collection (Bathroom Reader Series)

ASIN: 1592232671

Book Description

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Michigan presents over 300 pages of little known facts and witty dish on the Great Lakes State. With over 10 million residents, Michigan has no shortage of fascinating folklore and colorful characters. Porcelain partisans can read about the antics of the Kellogg Brothers, the first minimum daily wage, the world's only floating post office, the different flags that have flown over Michigan, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

Good stuff, but some duplication.......2007-05-15

If you've got other bathroom readers, then you've already seen the longest articles (on GM, Buick, etc.) in this book. Most of the articles are new and up the usual Bathroom Reader standards. The crosswords were too difficult for me, though. I'm not sure I'd want to spend the kind of time in the bathroom that I'd need to do them.

Midwest Handbook.......2007-01-06

Having moved to Chicago from NYC last summer, I found this book essential reading. You'll learn why Midwesterners call soda "pop", what the difference is between northern and southern Michigan, and how the prohibition law relates to Canadian "trade". A must read for all history enthusiasts, as good as or better than the Bathroom Reader general article series. I also enjoy the New Jersey book and I'm going to start Texas soon. I recommend them to just learn more about the USA!

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Ohio (Bathroom Reader)

Average customer rating:

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into Ohio (Bathroom Reader)
Bathroom Readers' Institute
Manufacturer: Portable Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into National Parks (Bathroom Reader)
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Wonderful World of Odd (Uncle John's Bathroom Reader)

ASIN: 159223321X

Book Description

Ohio is about much more than corrupt politicians and voter fraud. The BRI’s crack team of investigators have combed the countryside and scoured the cities to uncover the things that make Ohio such a special place. In addition to Buckeye-based puzzles, quizzes, and trivia, this guide includes hometown profiles, Ohio firsts, state facts and symbols, and noted Ohioans from the infamous (Civil War nurse and spy Mary Edward Walker) to the heroic (astronaut John Glenn and America’s first federal judge, Florence Ellinwood Allen) to the legendary (Johnny Appleseed).

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