Absinthe & flamethrowers
Subtitle: projects and ruminations on the art of living dangerously
By: by William Gurstelle.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Chicago, Ill
Language: eng
Number of pages: 208
ISBN-13: 9781556528224
Subjects: Threat (Psychology); Daredevils; Stunt performers
Description: A Selection of the Scientific American Book Club. Want to add more excitement to your life? This daring combination of science, history, and DIY projects will show you how. Written for smart risk takers, it explores why danger is good for you and details the art of living dangerously. Risk takers are more successful, more interesting individuals who lead more fulfilling lives. Unlike watching an action movie or playing a video game, real-life experience changes a person, and Gurstelle will help you discover the true thrill of making black powder along with dozens of other edgy activities. All of the projects--from throwing knives, drinking absinthe, and eating fugu to cracking a bull whip, learning bartitsu, and building a flamethrower--have short learning curves, are hands-on and affordable, and demonstrate true but reasonable risk. With a strong emphasis on safety, each potentially life-altering project includes step-by-step directions, photographs, and illustrations along with troubleshooting tips from experts in the field.-- Provided by publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Big-t people, little-t people; title: Edgework; title: Where the action is; title: Why live dangerously?; title: The most important chapter in the book; title: Obtainium; title: Thundering noyse; title: Playing with fire; title: Embracing macguyver; title: The minor vices; title: The physical arts; title: Thrill eating; title: Flamethrowers; title: The strange music starts.