Word Out 2011

Warning:  The words in the following post are written by a supposed professional who likes really low brow humour.  For your safety and enjoyment, please feel  free to comment, scoff, and read some of the books mentioned below…and certainly don't attempt any of the stunts contained within the blog post and the books below.

OK, I will admit it, I really like Jackass, Viva la Bam, Fantasy Factory and the Nitro Circus. 

Someone asked me why I liked these shows so much, and I cannot help being reminded my friends from high school who used to ask things like, "hey guys, do you think that I can make into Mark's pool from his garage while being on my skateboard." 

A bunch of us groaned and said that with the concrete surrounding the pool that it probably something that was better left unanswered.  With the wonder in his eyes though, we knew that our daredevil's question was rhetorical.

With two friends in two, our daredevil got on top of the garage with his skateboard.  Two friends took either arm of the guy and then flung him off.  We all watched with horrified expressions and crossed fingers that he would be ok.  He made it about half way down the roof when the board got stuck on one of the shingles and promptly stopped. Although his board stopped, he kept on going.

We all gasped and began uselessly to move our feet towards the pool, but the daredevil had just enough room to plant his feet and spring off the roof.  He barely cleared the diving board into the pool. After a moment of collecting our breath, he climbed out of the pool and said, "I want to do that again."

A chorus of about 20 friends cried out "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" 

A couple of years later, when Jack Ass debuted, it was like being back with my buddies.  To my delight, a couple of them have released books on their experiences.

Bam Magera, known for pranking his paren'ts (you tube Bam Magera and Alligator) and releasing his own skate/prank videos with the CKY crew, wrote a memoir back in 2009 called  "Serious as Dog Dirt" which I ordered and it is way over from one of the branches. YAY 

Brandon Novak, Bam's roommate, was picked by Tony Hawk at a very young age for his skills with a skateboard. What could have been a promising skateboarding career was severely impeded by Novak's growing addiction to heroin which he eventually overcame.  His life story is featured in his book called, The Dreamseller.   (sorry to tease, but TPL currently doesn't have a copy.. I know I know.. I'm sad too.)

Most recently, I read Steve-O's autobiography , "Steve-O: Professional Idiot."   
This is a no holds bar account of his life up to about 2010.  It includes snippets from his family and friends like Johnny Knoxville, G-Unit's producer whose name is escaping me, Dr. Drew and Jeff Tremaine.  For someone who is known for stapling stuff onto his body, this book is far from a light read and inane.  The book follows Steve-Os rise to notoriety, and his fall into a psychiatric ward and his battle with drugs and alcohol.  The book is intense, very dark and heavy, but at the same time very memorable. 

So this is my guilty pleasure – do you guys have one?

Tatted Librarian would like to issue the following Reminder:
The following stunts mentioned in the above blog and books were done by professional or by friends who should not have tried to do these stunts at home.  For your safety and for those around you, don't try these things at home.  But please read the books.  She can also be followed on twitter – @tattedlibrarian