Banned Books Week - Pedophile's Guide

I was reluctant to do a post on this book for several reasons. But I don't want to not talk about a book because I do not agree with its content and find the subject matter deplorable.

The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure was banned from Amazon.com after they caved to the public. The book was self-published. I believe that Amazon should have not caved to the public. After all, even though the content is illegal, the book itself is protected under the 1st Ammendment. From the information I could gather, Pedophile's Guide is written as fiction although I hate to wonder how the author did his research.

I'm a fan of murder mysteries. These stories are fiction (I hope) and frequently give details about killing, kidnapping, rape, drug use, etc. Yet, there is an abundance of murder mysteries available online and in stores. Let me be clear: I am not advocating any illegal actions that may be described in books. Where do we draw the line? Who determines which books are banworthy and which are not?

Banned Books Week - Anarchist Cookbook

Ah yes, the infamous Anarchist Cookbook. It tells you how to make bombs and counterfeit money. Originally written in 1971, it has been updated and is still being published. Note that this book is not based on true political anarchy.

I find it interesting that the author William Powell is trying to distance himself from his work. Read the author's comments on Amazon.com.

This book will have you listed on a Federal watchlist. Access at your own risk.

Banned Books Week - Fahrenheit 451

To my knowledge, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury has not been banned. The subject of this book, however, is concerning banned books. The setting is the future where all books are outlawed and if any are found, firemen are to destroy them.

Banned Books Week - Hitman

Banned Books Week is the last full week of September annually. The official website focuses on books that have been challenged in school districts and libraries. While I support restricting books to certain age levels because of content, books should not be banned because it offends the majority religion.

My first featured banned book is Hitman: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors. This book is no longer in print after being used as a how-to guide for a triple murder in 1993. The victims of the families sued the publisher and eventually settled out of court. Do I think the publisher was responsible? No, no more than violent video games (I'm looking at you, Grand Theft Auto) being at fault if someone is stupid enough reenact the storyline.

You can find a copy of Hitman online. Be careful since I believe this is a book that will get you on a Federal watchlist.

Deck Review: Black Cats Tarot

I wasn't going to get this deck at first but changed my mind. It's a whimsical deck with almost all cards featuring anthropomorphic black cats. I was hoping for cats that looked like cats but this not a big deal. Black Cats Tarot is a standard deck with black borders. The major arcana is numbered but not labeled. My least favorite card is XXI - The World. I'm sure the artist was not thinking racism when showing the white cat shedding its outer black cat skin. I suppose it makes sense since the 0 - Fool card features a white cat starting on its journey. Which brings me to wonder - why is there a white cat starting the journey when this is suppose to be a deck featuring black cats?

My favorite card is the Moon. The cat face as the moon is simply adorable. The black cat is ready to soak up all the Moon's energy.

The suits retain their usual meanings. All-in-all this is cool deck and I look forward to working with it.

Suits: Chalices, Pentacles, Wands, Swords

Courts: King, Queen, Knight, Knave

Reversible: Yes, although the LWB does not give reversed meanings

Cards on deck packaging: Moon (front) and Magician (back)