Crafts & Hobbies

An insider's hilarious, whirlwind account of his years spent globe-trotting in search of the holy grail of handbags: the Birkin. For more than twenty years, the Hermès Birkin bag has been the iconic symbol of fashion, luxury, and wealth. Though the bag is often seen dangling from the arms of celebrities, there is a fabled waiting list of more than two years to buy one from Hermès, and the average fashionista has a better chance of climbing Mount Everest in Prada pumps than of possessing one of these coveted carryalls. Unless, of course, she happens to know Michael Tonello . . . Michael's newfound career started with an impulsive move to Barcelona, a vanished job assignment, no work visa, and an Hermès scarf sold on eBay to generate some quick cash. But soon the resourceful Michael discovered the truth about the waiting list and figured out the secret to getting Hermès to part with one of these precious bags. Millions of dollars worth of Birkins later, Michael had become one of eBay's most successful entrepreneurs—and a Robin Hood to thousands of desperate rich women. With down-to-earth wit, Michael chronicles the unusual ventures that took him to nearly every continent, from eBay to Paris auction house and into the lives of celebrities and poseurs. Flirting with danger, Michael recounts the heady rush of hand delivering his first big score to famed songwriter Carole Bayer Sager in Paris; how he had to hire thugs to rescue a bag that one of his "shoppers" held for ransom; and the story of the Oscar-worthy performances that allowed him to snag "reserved" bags from other, less dogged Birkin seekers. Whether he's relating his wining and dining, buying and selling, dodging and weaving, laughing and crying, or schmoozing and stammering, Michael is a master raconteur who weaves together tales of hunting Birkins in the world's most posh locales, memories of meals that would make any gastronome salivate, anecd more...

Price: $11.99

TAB Electronics is the premier name in amateur robotics. Since the 1987 release of Gordon McComb's blockbuster Robot Builder's Bonanza hobbyists have looked to TAB as the source for cutting-edge, how-to robotics titles. These groundbreaking, heavily illustrated books explain how to create everythinbg from basic, simple robots to ones that walk, see, feel, talk, listen and fight! Written by ''professors of robotics'' such as Gordon McComb and John Iovine, they're great for beginners as well as experienced robot builders. more...

Price: $19.95

This book contains all the instruction needed to make 15 country-comfort furniture projects that will add warmth and style to any home. more...

Price: $24.99

When prepared the old-fashioned way, nothing tastes as delicious and comforting as homemade sweets fresh from the oven. Now Jennifer Appel, cookbook author and owner of the world-famous Buttercup Bake Shop, shares more of her popular recipes in Buttercup Bakes at Home, a collection of more than 75 new and tempting treats from the much-loved bakery and her own kitchen, for home cooks to enjoy. Family and friends will swoon over the Lemon Coconut-Filled White Buttermilk Cake, Buttercup Golden Layer Cake with Chocolate or Vanilla Buttercream, and Banana Oatmeal Crumb Cake. A wide variety of cookies, bars, and other goodies, such as Dried Cranberry Pumpkin Bars, Marshmallow Crunch Brownie Bars, Pear Nectarine Crisp, Mixed Berry Trifle, and Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Bread Pudding will tempt any palate. There is also a chapter on making delectable cheesecakes, including Lime Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust and Cappuccino Cheesecake; and what would a book from the owner of the Buttercup Bake Shop be without cupcakes? Here you'll find Gingerbread Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Icing, German Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Pecan Frosting, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes (perfect for an after-school snack), and even Splenda-iferous Cream-Filled Vanilla Cupcakes. There's also a chapter on baking with children, with simple recipes such as Candy Bar Ice Cream Pie and Peanut Butter Chocolate No-Bake Cookies. For bakers and home cooks of any skill level, Buttercup Bakes at Home is the perfect addition to any kitchen bookshelf -- with recipes for any occasion -- whether you are entertaining guests or cooking for loved ones. Complete with preparation tips and easy-to-follow instructions, this delightful collection is sure to satisfy dessert fans of all ages. more...

Price: $26.00

A hands-on guide for the novice who wants to boost a car’s performance Beefing up a car today usually involves hacking its computerized ECU (engine control unit). This expert guide walks the first-time modifier through programming the ECU for maximum performance, choosing and installing aftermarket electronic devices, and making physical modifications. It covers legal implications, warranties, costs, and more. David Vespremi (San Francisco, CA) is an automotive consultant to TechTV and a contributor to Sport Compact Car Magazine. more...

Price: $21.99