AbsintheMan.com

I've seen this book from time to time in my local book store, yet never flipped through it. Although this book has no reviews on Amazon, Amazon.com sells the book for $11 new, and the used price is also about $11. Many times I will gauge the quality of the contents based on the used price compared to the new price. This one holds its value so maybe there is something to it. I would hardly call absinthe "living dangerously" as the write up about it suggests...

Written for reasonable risk takers and suburban dads who want to add more excitement to their lives, this daring combination of science, history, and DIY projects explains why danger is good for you and details the art of living dangerously. All of the projects—from throwing knives, drinking absinthe, and eating fugu to cracking a bull whip, learning baritsu, and building a flamethrower—have short learning curves; are human-focused, as opposed to technology-centric; are affordable; and demonstrate true but reasonable risk. The guide maintains that risk takers are more successful, more interesting individuals who lead more fulfilling lives. What would the world be like if Thomas Edison retired after 30 years working for the railroad, it asks, instead of getting fired for blowing up a rail car with one of his experiments? Though the manual doesn’t advocate getting fired, it does reveal that making black powder is pure excitement. Unlike watching an action movie or playing a video game, real, edgy life experience changes a person. Each potentially life-altering project includes step-by-step directions and illustrations along with sidebar tips from experts in the field.

In any event, it has peaked my interest enough to go read through it next time I'm at the book store. I'll let you know if I find anything interesting!