Books
I've written a couple of books. Maybe you'd like to know about them, because I think they're pretty good. Like all of my other writing, they aren't related to each other in any way—except for the fact that both of them are relatively amusing. They're even free on Amazon Kindle, so check 'em out.
Slackernomics
Basic economics for people who think Economics is boring
Click here to see a sample or buy on Amazon
If you think economics is boring, then maybe you've been learning about it in the wrong places. The humorous, informal style of Slackernomics makes it easy to learn a wealth of information that you will find useful in business, politics, or regular daily life. From the basics of economics to current political controversies, Slackernomics cuts through the dull, boring economic arguments you're used to hearing, and presents them in a lively, interesting fashion.
If you want to know about the basics of investing, or trade, or how the government uses--and misuses--you money, Slackernomics will give you the basics. Slackernomics is a must-have book for anyone who wants to know how the economy works, but who doesn't want to be bored to tears while learning it.
Slackernomics uses witty, fun--sometimes outrageous--examples to help you learn the basics of economics, and maybe get a few good laughs while doing it. By the time you're finished, you'll be able to speak about the economy as knowledgeably as any real economist.
And you'll be just as wrong as they are.
The Joy of Automotion
Musings from a vehicular dillettante
Click here to see a sample or buy on Amazon
If you’re tired of the staid, predictable prose of the mainstream automotive press, then this might be just the book for you. Dale Franks writes in an informal, irreverent style that takes no prisoners. As the examples below show, Dale has strong opinions about many things.
Hooning around in the Ford Focus ST with the traction control turned off: Black streaks of rubber are left on the road as the front tires squeal and burn. These streaks will tell the police the exact trajectory your car took before it ran off the corner into a tree. This is convenient, because you’ll be too dead to explain it to them.
The Subaru WRX STi’s rear wing: Independent analysis says the STI’s wing probably provides 70 lbs. of downforce at 100 MPH. You might get 100 lbs. of downforce at track speeds. You wouldn’t notice that. Even Subaru says it’s not really functional and that it’s mainly there for looks. Apparently, it’s a marketing ploy to attract douchebags.
The Volkswagen Jetta S: The Jetta S drives exactly like a Ferrari 458 Speciale in the sense that, if you turn the steering wheel clockwise, the Jetta turns to the right. Conversely, counter-clockwise turns of the wheel will move it to the left. There is also a very Ferrari-like setup of two pedals on the floor, one of which makes the Jetta move, while the other makes it stop moving. The Jetta S is completely unlike the Ferrari 458 in every other way, however.
The front grille of the Lexus GS 350: Like some other manufacturers, Lexus has followed Audi’s unified center grill design. The way Lexus has implemented it gives the front of the GS 350 a scowly look. But it’s not an angry, aggressive scowl. It’s more of an "I’m having trouble passing my excessively hard and dry stools" kind of scowl.
The styling of the Hyundai Genesis: The Genesis sedan is…well…it is what it is. I mean, it’s not…ugly, exactly. It has some very attractive symmetry when viewed briefly, from far away, at certain angles. It has a sort of flowing…you know…design motif that…Oh, screw it. It’s awful. The front end is hideous, with a grille that makes it look like some sort of mutant Mercedes that, against every rational argument, was allowed to be born, and which makes the townspeople so uncomfortable that they are always seconds away from grabbing pitchforks and torches.
Dale knows what he likes about cars, but he especially knows what he doesn’t like. If you want to know what automotive writing is like when penned by someone who doesn’t care about losing his media fleet driving privileges, look no further.