The Book Report: Meet Michael Stusser!

Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Michael Stusser, a columnist for mental_floss magazine, ParentMap, and author of The Dead Guy Interviews, Conversations with 45 of the Most Accomplished, Notorious and Deceased Personalities in History  "“ my first book.

I've been asked by the good folks at mental floss to write a series of posts to introduce the book "“ and keep folks informed of important historical landmarks they may have left off their DayPlanners.

More after the jump...

Sadly - when it comes down to it - we're just not all that "book-smart." We're fuzzy on the facts. We have trouble telling the Bill of Rights from a Bill of Lading, astronomy from astrology, or Madonna from, well, Madonna. Most people think Hercules is a pro wrestler, and Descartes  a snail or dessert wine. While people love to feel smart, they'd prefer not to have to work for the knowledge. We're active people without a lot of time on our hands. It's the same reason fast food, insta-photos and dry cleaning are so darn popular. We want it all, we want it quickly, and - if possible - we'd like it supersized (no mayo).
Today's historical/hysterical lesson is an interview with the fabulous "“ and controversial Charles Darwin. On this date in 1935, Professor Darwin  reached James Island on the Galapagos archipelago on the HMS Beagle. (That's not a dog, it's a ship). His research here led to the theory of evolution, where Chuck postured that Eve did not come from Adam's rib. But we'll leave that up to you and your local PTA. In honor of this historic event "“ I'm allowing you to sit in on a condensed interview with Darwin from my book. For the full, in-depth interview with Mr. Darwin, you'll have to buy my book. But it'll be worth it "“ or I'll be a Monkey's Uncle.

Enjoy - and see ya tomorrow for more bloggery.