Yes, This is A Cat Post: We begin this week’s Found on the Internet with a feast of kittens AND literacy for your eyes. First, check out this collection of photos of kittens hanging out in indie U.S. bookstores. We are particularly fond of the one called “Ripley” (pictured at left.) Then go visit a sweet new Tumblr called Canadian Poets Petting Cats. Each post features a photo of the poet in question reclining with their favorite furry pal (usually with a computer in tow) and a short Q & A. It’s not only adorable, but informative, and shares some nice little nuggets of wisdom from up-and-coming Canadian wordsmiths.
A Real Münster of a Comic Fest: Comic arts festival season is upon us, and a particularly fun-looking addition is the D.I.Y. Comic Fest in Münster, Germany, happening from July 6-8. While the structure of the fest seems to be fairly standard, the workshop titles – translated from German – are intriguing: “Less Muscles and Tits – More Kicking Ass,” reads one title. Meanwhile, the participating artists comprise a small but intriguing-looking bunch. We particularly liked the looks of an extremely cool-looking comic newspaper from Finland called KUTI. Visit the festival’s website and browse, why don’t you?
D.I.Y. Publishing Apps: The travel website Matador is a terrific resources for experienced and beginning writers, regardless of your background or area of interest. This article outlining 10 of the best self-publishing/writing apps is no exception, with suggestions for programs that will synch your writing onto multiple devices, help you edit on different platforms or create a deadline reminder system. Zinesters will find the article’s last suggestion particularly relevant – it’s a piece of software that enables you to print documents from any iDevice to any printer, and it works (seriously.) Get on that tip.
Columbia’s Mini-Libraries: Columbian literary organization Fundalectura has started a new literacy initiative where they’ve installed over 100 mini-libraries in public parks. The libraries are staffed 12 hours a week, and during these periods people can check out books, join in activities or get help with their homework. We love this idea of literally bringing library spaces out into the public, where people are not only browsing and learning, but participating in a common space in a positive and productive manner.