Book Reviews and More

Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Microsoft Exam 70-640 - Ed Liberman - Train Signal

2013-05-10T00:03:00.000-04:00

Windows Server 2008 Active Directory
Microsoft Exam 70-640
Ed Liberman
Train Signal

Active Directory is such a core component of many Windows Environments, and yet to really master it takes a lot of time and effort. Even for administrators who work with one or more of the AD tools each and every day, you often only really know or use a specific set of tasks and do them over and over again. This course goes over it all - what you use day in and day out, and what you set up and seldom touch.

For the most part it was a really good course. But at times seemed a little ridiculous; some of the stuff was way too basic. If you do not know how to use Shift or CRTL select you should not be doing an AD course. And I sure do not want you playing in any production environment I have a stake in!

The Lessons are:
1. Getting Started with Windows Server 2008 Active Directory
2. Lab Set Up
3. Scenario for Course
4. Introduction to Active Directory
5. The Role of DNS in Active Directory
6. Installing Windows Server 2008 R2 and Active Directory
7. Remote Management
8. Creating Active Directory Objects
9. Managing Active Directory Objects
10. Configuring Access to Network Resources
11. Configuring Group Policy Objects
12. Working with Group Policy Exceptions
13. Configuring Group Policy Preferences
14. Using Group Policy for Software Deployment
15. Configuring Password Policies
16. Delegating Administrative Control
17. Managing and Maintaining Active Directory
18. Active Directory Backup and Recovery
19. Creating Sites and Configuring Replication
20. Securing a Branch Office Domain Controller
21. Upgrading Your Active Directory Infrastructure
22. Working with Trust Relationships
23. Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services Overview
24. Active Directory Rights Management Services Overview
25. Active Directory Certificate Services Overview
26. Active Directory Federation Services Overview
27. Preparing for Your Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (70-640) Certification Exam
28. Next Steps
29. Active Directory Recycle Bin
30. Active Directory Administrative Center
31. Active Directory Best Practices Analyzer
32. Active Directory Offline Domain Join

Overall, this was a really good course. Some courses that are designed for specific exams only teach what is needed for passing that exam. This course gives you the overview of all you need to know to become a good AD administrator. The material is engaging. Ed presents in a manner that will keep your attention. It is another great course from TrainSignal!

One for the Team - Maggie Clark - K-City Kink Sisters Book 2

2013-05-08T00:03:00.000-04:00

One for the Team
K-City Kink Sisters
Book 2
Maggie Clark
Smash Words
ISBN 9781458101594

This is the second eBook short story available in the K-City King Sisters series. And for now it is the last. Maggie is dedicating her writing time to other projects and any future stories in this series will likely be a long way off. More the pity.

This book comes with a content warning: "This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages." And to be honest, if your writing is not offending someone it is likely not very good, or a-la Nicholas Sparks. Yes this story is set in the world of Roller Derby, and yes there is a certain amount of lesbian love, lost and revenge. But it is the story of a relationship remembered and saying to hell with the consequences and dishing out punishment in the world of flat track roller derby.

I consider it a privilege to know Maggie Clark personally. It has been awesome watching her writing explode upon the literary scene. With each new piece I read I have a greater appreciation for her skill and talent. I do not think she has fully found her voice yet but she has created some awesome reads. Check this and her other stores out; they are sure to entertain! It is a good read and will give you a taste of her writing that will likely leave you wanting more.

Books by M.L. Clark:
Children
The Bitter Sweet Here and After - Short Story
Uncle Remy's Whizz-Bang Circus

K-City Kink Sisters:Lacing Up To Reality - Short Story
One For The Team - Short Story
Author Profile Interview with M.L. Clark

Evernote Essentials v2 - Brett Kelly

2013-05-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

Evernote Essentials v2
Brett Kelly

I was given a bound copy of this book but the ebook is easily obtainable from the author's site. I should also note that there is now a version three available. This book is an amazing tool. I have used it and found it has greatly increased my organization and productivity. The chapters in v2 are:

1 Introduction
5 Evernote Anatomy
8 Installation and Configuration
17 A Quick Tour of the Main Evernote Window
20 Adding Stuff to Evernote
28 Evernote Organization 101
33 Notebook Sharing
40 Evernote Search: Seek and Ye Shall Find
51 Evernote on the Go
53 Evernote, Email and You
57 Evernote and Satellites in Space
58 Tagging for Superhumans
62 A Smorgasbord of Random Evernote Organizational Tips
67 Evernote for Bloggers
70 Evernote for Programmers
73 Evernote for Foodies
75 Evernote for Covert Double Agents
77 Evernote as an Address Book
79 Evernote as a Simple Photo Sharing Service
81 Evernote as a Task Manager
87 Evernote as a Filing Cabinet
89 For Longtime Users: Regaining Control of Your Evernote Database
92 Conclusion
93 About the Author
94 Disclosure
95 Acknowledgments

If I had known the book was $29 before it was given to me, I would not likely have bought it myself. But I am glad it was bought for me. It is awesome.
Version two has some additional chapters and added content. But in doing so, some mistakes were made. Chapter 5 ends stating that 'Searching' will be covered next, but a new chapter on sharing has been inserted in between. I know it is a small thing, but for a $29 PDF of 99 pages, it makes a difference. But overall I can highly recommend this book. I have suggested it to numerous people, from lawyers to Microsoft trainers, and everyone who has gotten the book, finds that they now use Evernote for a lot more. Also, everyone I have recommended this book to has also come back and told me they have told others about it. Even if you only apply one or two of the techniques listed in the book, you will get your money's worth! And with under 100 pages you can read a chapter at a time and apply it before moving on to the next technique.

A great resource for anyone with multiple devices and wanting to be more organized!

Scoubidou: A Book of Lanyard & Lacing - Karen Phillips - Klutz

2013-05-03T00:03:00.000-04:00

Scoubidou: A Book of Lanyard & Lacing
Karen Phillips
Klutz
ISBN 9780545492836

This book and activity kit comes with everything you need to complete 14 amazing projects. But to be honest it is just a jumping off point. Once you have learned the basics you can buy your own supplies and you and your children will be doing fun crafts and activities for years to come.

What you get:

Beads: small beads, big beads, toggle beads and pony beads
Scoubidou
Lanyard clips
Key Rings
Instruction book with built in ruler

The book comes out of the supplies case and can be kept separately while working on the projects, and then stored once those included are completed.

The sections in the book are:

Bracelet Basics
Zippy Wristbands
Lacy Bracelet
Fancified Flip-Flops
Celtic Knot Wristband
Wrapped Pen
Pen leash
Spiral Bracelet
Loopy Hair Elastic
Loop de Loopy Hair Elastic
Woven Whatzit
Toggle Bracelet
Classic Lifeguard Lanyard
Wrist Lanyard

The book also has a history of Scoubidou, hollow tube-like plastic cord, to a song and musician in the late 1950's. It is very different from gymp (gimp) which is a flat cord. It is a great kit and sure to be a favorite. It will definitely provide hours of fun.

How I Got Rich Writing "C" Papers - Andy Hueller

2013-05-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

How I Got Rich Writing "C" Papers
Andy Hueller
Cedar Fort
ISBN 9781462110582

This is the second book by Andy Hueller that I have read. The first was Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth and it was a great read. So I jumped at the chance to read another book by the author. It did not disappoint.

Charles Remington Dremmel has a great business going. He writes papers for other students. He started with a plan in Grade 9 and by senior year, was writing papers for almost every student in his school. But he has very specific requirements. In the contract it states: "will compose, proof, and print every written assignment for the school year".

His rates are:
$5 for D's
$10 for C's
$20 for B's
And $100 for A's and that is per paper.

Charles has a plan and that plan means making enough money to go to any college he wants to. But during his senior year things start to change. There is going to be a writing assignment in school, the blue book exam. And some of his clients have not written a paper in years. He needs to come up with a plan to save his own hide and that of his clients. For Charles, writing has always been easy and throughout this book he shares his writing times that will help you become a student who constantly achieves whatever writing grade you desire. The book is full of humor, writing tips, and lots of good clean fun. It was a great read and I really enjoyed it. And I look forward to Mr. Hueller's next offering with eager anticipation!

Books by Andy Hueller:
Dizzy Fantastic and Her Flying Bicycle
Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth
How I Got Rich Writing C Papers

SQL Server 2012 Querying Exam 70-461 - Christopher Harrison - Train Signal

2013-04-29T00:03:00.000-04:00

SQL Server 2012 Querying
Exam 70-461
Christopher Harrison
Train Signal

This course is designed to prepare you for Microsoft Certification Exam 70-461. It should teach you what you need to know about SQL Server 2012 databases, querying, using joins, aggregations and a bit about optimization. It also includes some instructions on management of SQL objects and the SQL server itself. The 23 lessons are:

1. Introduction to SQL Server 2012
2. Introduction to Relational Databases
3. Introduction to SELECT Statements
4. Filtering Results with WHERE Statements
5. Utilizing Joins
6. Executing Subqueries and UNION Statements
7. Aggregating Data
8. Advanced Data Aggregations
9. Built-In Functions
10. Query Optimization
11. Modifying Data
12. Advanced Data Modification
13. Managing Transactions
14. Implementing Error Handling
15. XML Basics
16. Retrieving XML
17. Importing XML
18. Creating and Altering Tables
19. Data Validation with Constraints
20. Creating and Modifying Triggers
21. Creating and Modifying Views
22. Creating and Modifying Stored Procedures
23. Creating and Modifying User Defined Functions

Now I must admit, this course was frustrating almost from the get-go. For the beginning, every time Christopher did a query or anything in the management studio, I tried to do it also. I soon found that I had the wrong version of the Adventure Works Database. At first I tried the Adventure Works 2012 Database that comes with the MS Press book, Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Training Kit, since that is the book for the same exam. But soon my queries were not getting the same results as Christopher. Next I tried the other 2012 Sample DBs, then the 2008 R2 and 2008, and finally found that Christopher was using the Adventure Works 2005 R2 database. Well, after spending hours installing and testing databases to find the correct one, I could finally follow along with Christopher and perform all the queries as he was, and verify my results. I find it hard to imagine an SQL course without some hands-on experience. You need to spend time in the management studio, playing, learning, querying and making mistakes in order to really learn it. The way this course was structured and prepared, it just made that vexing and disappointing. In many ways, it really felt like Christopher just took his knowledge, used an old database and showed us how to do the stuff he knew and then showed us new stuff.

Yes he does teach a lot, and his style is engaging. But between the database issue and other inconsistencies, I spent the rest of the course feeling short- changed. An example is: in lesson 11 it gives warnings, and one is to always start with the Where statement, but for the first 10 lessons, it was not done this way. So it was just thrown in out of the blue. Not a bad course but not great. If I had to give it a rating of 5 stars it would only be a 2 or 2.5 at best. It is the only time I have done a course from TrainSignal that, if I had bought it as a standalone, I would have requested my money back and gone and tried a different provider.

A 40 Day Spiritual Workout For Catholics - Bob Rice

2013-04-26T00:03:00.000-04:00

A 40 Day Spiritual Workout For Catholics
Bob Rice
Servant Publications
ISBN 9781616365264

This book was a spiritual treasure trove. I loved it! Each day I looked forward to the straightforward devotional and teaching. I especially loved reading the digital edition and always having it on me, on my phone, my iPad, my computer at work and home. Bob Rice has put together a great tool here that will spur spiritual growth and deeper devotion.

Each day has the following components:
Title:
Hydration: Bible verse or quotes.
Reflection: Meditation
Muscle-Building: Intercession
Cardiovascular: Praise
Cool Down: Prayer

The book is written in such a way that you have a short reading or readings each day from the bible; then quotes from Catholic authors, the Catechism or church writings. Then comes the teaching. And trust me, Bob's teaching is marvelous. This book will help you develop spiritual disciplines and improve upon those you already have. Once you start, you will find you keep up the habits well beyond the 40 days. It is a great read and I recommend it to anyone who wants a deeper spiritual life.

See a sample day here.

Headbands & Hairstyles - Klutz - Eva Steele-Saccio

2013-04-24T00:03:00.000-04:00

Headbands & Hairstyles
Eva Steele-Saccio
Klutz
ISBN 9781591748649

This book was overall disappointing. Many of the activities were beyond the skill set of young children. The two head bands provided are not comfortable. The crafts are interesting but by the time children have the skills needed, I doubt they would be interested in the book.

Included:
2 Plastic Headbands
1 Elastic Headband
Ribbon
Sequins
Beads
Glue
Instructions for 5 specific Headbands

The chapters:
Headbands:
What You Get
Planning Your Headbands
Covering a Headband
Making Ribbon Tips
Wrapping a Headband
Simple Bow
Fancy Bow
Attaching a Bow
Ruffle
Attaching a Ruffle
Sequin Flower
Attaching a Sequin Flower
More Sequining

Hairstyles:
Supplies
How to Brush Your Hair
How to Part Your Hair
Side Ponytail
Boho Band
Side Sweep
Side-Sweep Ponytail
Fancy Loops

Overall I felt this book was a little too advanced for younger children. Many of the Klutz books have a suggested age range on the outside. This one does not and it likely should. Was disappointed!

Professional SharePoint 2013 Administration - SharePoint for IT Professionals

2013-04-22T00:03:00.001-04:00

Professional SharePoint 2013 Administration
SharePoint for IT Professionals
SPA 2012
Critical Path Training

I need to be honest: this course was very disappointing. If it were not for an incredible trainer in Denny Eapen, it would have been a waste. Now maybe they rushed the manual because we wanted to run the course, but this course manual version 1.0 was definitely not complete and had numerous errors. We ran it as a class onsite at work with 10 participants from three different IT Teams - developers, infrastructure and end user support. Each of us in the room had various exposures to our 2007 and 2010 environments. This course was to get us all on the same page as far as SharePoint 2013 and all have fundamental understanding of 2013. The course did achieve that objective.

But often the manual had the slides at the top of the page and no further description, no notes, no further explanations. Even the instructor often talked about the gaps in knowledge in the manual and his instructor slides. There was even a glaring mistake in the lab set-up telling you to download a version of the SharePoint Designer tool that had known issues and spent hours trouble shooting only to uninstall and install the correct version.

Overall I would wait for a newer version of the course or look into different options!

An Update: I have since this review published found out that yes I did participate in one of the first running's of this course. And the Critical Path Partner did not follow the requirements for the course. The course has also undergone two major revisions since I took it. After finding this review Critical Path contacted me and did everything they could to understand my experience and compensate for it. I also understand that our particular experience is not typical. Based on the newer materials this course will provide all that you need for a successful implementation. I applaud their response to my concerns.

Coin Blaster Arcade - Klutz

2013-04-19T00:03:00.000-04:00

Coin Blaster Arcade
Klutz
ISBN 9780545396271

This book should provide hours and hours of entertainment. This awesome book comes with 10 games and all the pieces to play them. It will be nostalgic for fans of the old penny football or hockey, or to introduce kids to a whole new pastime with no batteries and no displays and social interaction.

The Games:
Slap Shot
Break The Bank
Blastometer
Blasting Blocks
Monster Mouth
Get Air
Hot Shot Hoops
Upper Cut
50-Yark Flick
Skee Coin
Penny Putt Golf

It comes with two shooters, ramp and braces, and a number of pieces for the games. There is a pocket in the back to hold all the pieces. On all books by Klutz there is their 100% Klutz Certified and this one lives up to that. You will not be disappointed!

Build A Book - Klutz

2013-04-17T00:03:00.000-04:00

Build A Book
Klutz
ISBN 9781591745600

This is a great craft activity book for children. They get to make a book about their family and is as simple as using the materials provided to fill the 10 nearly blank pages. It could be a first book a child writes, a first scrapbook, or just for fun. They can glue, write or draw. The package includes a 10 page book, chipboard letters, foam shapes, double sided papers, googly eyes and a double-tipped pen. This book is so fun! Do not be surprised if kids want more than one!

SQL Server 2012 Administration Essentials - Sean McCown - Train Signal

2013-04-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

SQL Server 2012 Administration Essentials

Train Signal

Sean McCown

This course is designed to teach you the basics of becoming an SQL administrator. Sean does not presume any previous knowledge or experience, but he also does not spoon feed everything. He expects you to work and he gives you the tools to learn SQL and the tools to know where and how to start looking when you run into issues. With just over 14 hours of material, there is a lot to learn here. Sean does not, for the most part, use a prebuilt Database so you cannot follow along exactly but you can use and database and do most of what he is doing. Sean is very passionate about SQL and his passion makes the materiel even more inviting and interesting to learn. The lessons are:

1. Introduction

2. Planning

3. Installing SQL Server 2012

4. Advance Installation

5. Basic Database Objects

6. Using SQL Server Management Studio

7. Database File Management

8. Database Configuration Options

9. Special Database Space Considerations

10. Server-Level Configurations

11. Database Console Commands (DBCC)

12. Server-Level Security

13. Database-Level Security

14. Transaction Logs and Recovery Models

15. Instance Configuration and Management

16. Working with Concurrency Problems

17. Collecting Troubleshooting Data

18. Auditing SQL Server

19. Backup Basics

20. Restore Basics

21. Indexes

22. Basic Ex3ecution Plans

23. Query Tuning

24. SQL Server Agent

25. Database Mail

26. Importing and Exporting Data

27. High Availability Basics

28. PowerShell

The one quirky thing was that the last lesson ends with "see you in the next lesson". When I reached out to Sean he said that the final order for the lessons was not 100% and likely just got missed during editing. Also every other SQL course I have ever looked at, or book I have read, people use ALL CAPS for writing their queries, Sean skips that; he also skips an intro about himself, he just jumps in and starts teaching. And that teaching is great.

Now let me give you some background. A year ago, all I had ever really done with SQL was install it and hand it over to developers or administrators. Last year I changed roles and was soon primary for supporting 12 SQL servers across three different tiers and numerous lines of business and financial applications. I do not want to know enough to just get by. I want to know SQL inside and out. This course by Sean has gone a long way to meeting that goal! In the last year I have done 5 courses through TrainSignal online, and another 10 courses through other vendors or virtual classrooms and this was one of the best. So I can highly recommend this course. My subscription to TrainSignal was worth it last year for this course alone!

Sean McCown is a Microsoft SQL Master and VMP. His wife Jen is also, and SQL MVP and together they have a number of online involvements in the SQL Community:

and more. Check them out. There is always something more to learn. And if I get the chance to do more courses created or taught by Sean, I will jump at the chance and so should you.

Superhero Silliness - GoofBalls Book 3 - Tony Aboott and Colleen Madden

2013-04-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

Superhero Silliness
GoofBalls Book 3
Tony Aboott (Author)
Colleen Madden (Illustrator)
Egmont
ISBN 9781606843673
ISBN 9781606841662
eISBN 9781606843680

The goofballs are four close friends, but they are also friends who, though in primary school, solve mysteries in and around Badger Point. The goofballs are Jeff Bunter, Brian Rooney, Kelly Smitts and Mara Lubin. These primary school detectives are called on again by Randall Crandall from the first book in the series The Crazy Case of Missing Thunder. They have a well-deserved reputation for being able to solve any mystery. But this time they are contacted before the actual event occurs. Randall Crandall has been forewarned that a thief known as the Dutchman will try to steal his world-leading, world class collection of derders. Yes, Cardboard rolls; for Randall Crandall has many weird and unique derders in his collection given to him by his grandmother. His collection includes one carved by Abraham Lincoln and the famous one from Custer's Last Derder. And to top it all off, there is a masquerade ball where everyone is dressed up as an unknown superhero. Can Crandall and Goofballs protect the collection? Can they solve the mystery? What is to happen to all those priceless derders? You just need to read the mystery of the Superhero Silliness to find out!

This is the third book in one of two new series out last year by Tony Abbott.
To be honest, of the three in the series so far, this one was the most fun. The characters are becoming more developed; their interaction more playful. And the writing is sublime in combining realism, humor and that spark of childhood to spur the imagination of readers young and young at heart. It is a great read and a wonderful addition to the canon of his writings. This series is aimed at younger readers more than some of his other writings but Abbott does a marvelous job of gearing the story for them. This book was a wonderful read and currently there are two more planned in the series. I hope there will be many more to share with my children after that!

Books By Tony Abbott:
Goofballs
1. The Crazy Case of Missing Thunder (2012)
2. The Startling Story of the Stolen Statue (2012)
3. Superhero Silliness (2012)
4. The Mysterious Talent Show Mystery (2013)
5. The Scary Story of the Ha-Ha-Haunted House (2013)

Underworlds:
1. The Battle Begins (2012)
2. When Monsters Escape (2012)
3. Revenge of the Scorpion King (2013)
4. The Ice Dragon (2013)

Danger Guys
1. Danger Guys (1994)
2. Danger Guys Blast Off (1994)
3. Hollywood Halloween (1994)
4. Danger Guys Hit the Beach (1995)
5. Danger Guys on Ice (1995)
6. Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (1996)

Time Surfers
1. Space Bingo (1996)
2. Orbit Wipeout! (1995)
3. Mondo Meltdown (1996)
4. Into the Zonk Zone! (1996)
5. Splash Crash (1997)
6. Zero Hour (1997)
7. Shock Wave (1997)
8. Doom Star (1997)

Weird Zone
1. Zombie Surf Commandos from Mars (1996)
2. The Incredible Shrinking Kid (1996)
3. The Beast from Beneath the Cafeteria! (1996)
4. Attack of the Alien Mole Invaders! (1996)
5. The Brain That Wouldn't Obey! (1996)
6. Gigantopus from Planet X! (1997)
7. Cosmic Boy Versus Mezmo Head! (1997)
8. Revenge of the Tiki Men! (1997)

Secrets of Droon
1. The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (1999)
2. Journey to the Volcano Palace (1999)
3. The Mysterious Island (1999)
4. City in the Clouds (1999)
5. The Great Ice Battle (1999)
6. The Sleeping Giant of Goll (2000)
7. Into the Land of the Lost (2000)
8. The Golden Wasp (2000)
9. Tower of the Elf King (2000)
10. Quest for the Queen (2000)
11. The Hawk Bandits of Tarkoom (2000)
12. Under the Serpent Sea (2001)
13. The Mask of Maliban (2001)
14. Voyage of the Jaffa Wind (2002)
15. The Moon Scroll (2002)
16. The Knights of Silversnow (2002)
Special Edition 1. The Magic Escapes (2002)
17. Dream Thief (2003)
18. Search for the Dragon Ship (2003)
19. The Coiled Viper (2003)
20. In The Ice Caves of Krog (2003)
21. Flight of the Genie (2003)
Special Edition 2. Wizard or Witch? (2004)
22. The Isle of Mists (2004)
23. The Fortress of the Treasure Queen (2004)
24. Race To Doobesh (2005)
25. The Riddle Of Zorfendorf Castle (2005)
Special Edition 3. Voyagers of the Silver Sand (2005)
26. The Moon Dragon (2006)
27. The Chariot of Queen Zara (2006)
28. In the Shadow of Goll (2006)
Special Edition 4. Sorcerer (2006)
29. Pirates of the Purple Dawn (2007)
30. Escape from Jabar-Loo (2007)
31. Queen of Shadowthorn (2007)
Special Edition 5. Moon Magic (2008)
32. Treasure of the Orkins (2008)
33. Flight of the Blue Serpent (2008)
34. In the City of Dreams (2009)
Special Edition 6. Crown of Wizards (2009)
35. The Lost Empire Of Koomba (2009)
36. Knights of the Ruby Wand (2010)
Special Edition 7. The Genie King (2010)
Special Edition 8. The Final Quest (2010)

Don't Touch That Remote
1. Sitcom School (1999)
2. The Fake Teacher (1999)
3. Stinky Business (announced, not published)
4. Freak Week (announced, not published)

Cracked Classics
1. Trapped in Transylvania: Dracula (2002)
2. Mississippi River Blues: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (2002)
3. What a Trip!: Around the World in Eighty Days (2002)
4. Humbug Holiday: A Christmas Carol (2002)
6. Crushing on a Capulet: Romeo and Juliet (2003)

Haunting of Derek Stone
1. City of the Dead (2009)
2. Bayou Dogs (2009)
3. The Red House (2009)
4. The Ghost Road (2009)

Novels
Kringle (2005)
Firegirl (2006)
The Postcard (2008)
Lunch-Box Dream (2011)

Author profile interview with Tony Abbott.

Viper - Stephen Shea aka Arthur Slade

2013-04-10T00:03:00.000-04:00

Viper
Stephen Shea
aka Arthur Slade
Dava Enterprises
AISN B007B23J1W

This short story is like a cross between Chuck Palahniuk and Douglas Coupland and Irvine Walsh! This story is quick, dark and gritty. Viper is crazy, and the narrator does not even know his real name, but calls him a friend, with a biker gang called the Rumble Fish and the small town of Bosco. The story begins with:

"Viper's eyes are gun metal blue.
That's the coolest thing about him. The way he stares down anyone who steps in his way.
Waiting for you to flinch, to hesitate.
Then he's on you.
Bye, bye."

Viper is described as being made of bruises, leather and spit, kind of like a living crocodile or snake. And he is the toughest SOB you will meet.

This was a very entertaining short story. The edge with which it is written shows a new, more intense side of the author. Check it out. I am sure if you like Palahniuk, Coupland or Walsh you will definitely enjoy this offering and if we are lucky, Stephen Shea will be releasing more and longer books for us to devour!

Books as Stephen Shea:
The Not So Simple Life
Damage
Viper - Short Story

Books by Arthur Slade:
John Diefenbaker: an Appointment with Destiny (2000)
Dust (2001)
Tribes (2002)
Monsterology (2005)
Villainology (2005)
Megiddo's Shadow (2006)
Jolted (2008)
Shades: 17 Startling Stories (2011)

Hunchback Assignments Series:
The Hunchback Assignments (2009)
The Dark Deeps (2010)
Empire of Ruins (2011)
Island of Doom (2012)

The Northern Frights Series
Draugr (1997)
The Haunting of Drang Island (1998)
The Loki Wolf (2000)

The Canadian Chills Series
Return of the Grudstone Ghosts (2002)
Ghost Hotel (2004)
Invasion of the IQ Snatchers (2007)

Visual Bibliography for Arthur Slade
Author profile interview with Arthur Slade.

NUTRiBULLET - A Review

2013-04-08T00:03:00.000-04:00

NUTRiBULLET

Last year during a job interview, I was asked if I were a kitchen appliance, what one would I be and why. At the time, I stated I would be the Magic Bullet. When asked why, I talked about how versatile it is and the fact that we used it daily. And bang for the buck was worth more than anything else in the kitchen. At the time, I did not even know about the NUTRiBULLET, but I got one for Christmas and it is 100 times better. Let's start with what is in the box:

The Milling Blade
The Extractor Blade
The Power Base
Tall Cup
Short Cup
Handled Cup
Comfort Ring
Comfort Handle
2 Lids
Guidebook and Recipe Book
Pocket Nutritionist

The design and power of the NUTRiBULLET over the original was astounding. First it has a 600 Watt motor, and a new extractor blade. The power is amazing. With the original, I had to be cautious of how much frozen Mango I used because the blades and motor just could not handle it. With this one I can fill to the max line with just mango add liquid and go. I have added whole carrots and blended them smooth into drinks with other ingredients. It comes with a quick card that has numerous recipes for cleansing, immune boost, energy lift, and more. You can not only make smoothies, but side dishes snacks and more. Between the book and your imagination you could come up with new recipes every day. There is a mix and match chart where you pick a green, fruit and a booster and make your own concoction. Of all the gifts I have received, this one by far was the most useful out of the box and should provide great service for years to come. Now I wish it came with more cups, and the lids do not form a perfect seal and occasionally it leaks on the way to work. But that can be overlooked based on how well it performs. On a scale of 1 to 5, I rate this a 6! You cannot go wrong.

Fancy Friendship Bracelets - Anne Akers Johnson - Klutz

2013-04-05T00:03:00.000-04:00

Fancy Friendship Bracelets
Anne Akers Johnson
Klutz
ISBN 9781591746928

This book will provide hours of fun. It gives you everything you need to complete a number of projects just with the supplies provided. The projects will teach the basics of weaving a number of different patterns and styles. But you can use that as a start for creating your own projects and crafts once you have mastered the basics.

What you get:
6 Charms
Small Beads
Big Beads
4 Colors of cord (8yYards each)

Chapters:
Braclet Basics
Charmed Braid
Woven Beads
Knotted Beads
Square Knot
Zigzag
Dew Drop
Double Bead
Lark Loops

This book is awesome fun. The projects can be started and finished at a later point. The techniques will be transferable to more crafts and activities and experimenting with different materials. An awesome book and I highly recommend it.

Draw the Circle - Mark Batterson - The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

2013-04-03T00:03:00.000-04:00

Draw the Circle
Mark Batterson
Zondervan
eISBN 9780310327509
ISBN 9780310327127

In the last month and a half I have read four books by Mark Batterson, and I have read each of the books twice. That speaks to the power of these books. But to be honest, this one might be the most powerful one yet and most likely to change your life and maybe even help to change the world. It all started when a friend recommended reading Praying Circles Around Your Children which was being offered for free in ebook format at the time. I started reading and only really stopped to pray for my kids. Then I got an advanced readers copy of The Circle Maker Student Edition: dream big, pray hard, think long and again I was blown away. Then I read this and the original The Circle Maker at the same time. I was flipping back and forth. Now I know this book is designed to be read over 40 days and used as a tool to spark praying and thinking differently, but I could not put it down. I am now half way through a second time, only reading a day at a time as it was designed.

This book is amazing; it will change your relationship with God, challenge your prayer habits and help shape new patterns for both prayer and devotional time. In the Introduction Mark states "If you want God to do something new in you, you cannot keep doing the same old thing. You have to do something different. And if you do, God will create new capacities within you. There will be new gifts and new revelations. But you've got to pray the price. You'll get out of this what you put into it." Then on day 26 he states: "If you want God to do something new in your life, you cannot keep doing the same old thing. My advice is simple: do something different. And you'll see what a difference it makes!" And again on day 28 "If you want God to do something new, you cannot keep doing the same old thing." This book will help break you from the habit of same old same old. The Psalmist in Psalm 51:12 declares: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." This book will rekindle your prayer life! Give it a try - you have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain.

"In a moment of revelation, the circle maker realized that praying is planting. Each prayer is like a seed that gets planted in the ground. It disappears for a season, but it eventually bears fruit that blesses future generations. In fact, our prayers bear fruit forever."

So pick up this book and pray through the forty days. Plant new seeds and keep pray hard and thinking long!

Books by Mark Batterson:
The Circle Maker
The Circle Maker Enhanced eBook Edition
Praying Circles Around Your Children
Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge
The Circle Maker Student Edition: dream big, pray hard, think long
Primal
Soul Print
ID: The True You
In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day
Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God
Chase the Lion Stepping Confidently Into the Unknown

Top 10 Fiction Books of the 1st Quarter 2013

2013-04-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Top 10 Books First Quarter 2013

( I know this should be the top ten fiction books of the first quarter but I have been so busy training at work that I have not read 10 fiction books yet this year. In 2010 by April 1st I had read 39 books, 2011 it was 32 and 2012 it was 66. This year it is a grand total of 21 books and most are non-fiction. So I decided to do top 5 each for fiction and non-fiction)

Top 5 Fiction Books First Quarter 2013

1. Game - I Hunt Killers # 2 - Barry Lyga
2. Damage - Stephen Shea - aka Arthur Slade
3. The Not So Simple Life - Stephen Shea - aka Arthur Slade
4. How I Got Rich Writing C Papers - Andy Hueller
5. Goofballs #3 Superhero Silliness - Tony Abbott and Colleen Madden

Top 5 Non-Fiction Books first Quarter 2013

1. Draw the Circle - Mark Batterson
2. A 40 Day Spiritual Workout For Catholics - Bob Rice
3. Apostle of the Exiled St. Damien of Molokai - Margaret Bunson and Matthew Bunson
4. The Circle Maker - Enhanced eBook - Mark Batterson
5. The Circle Maker - Mark Batterson

Hopefully this next quarter I will get back to some of my more traditional reading habits!

Relates Posts:
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Reading Goals for 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 4th Quarter 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2010 - Recap
Top 10 Fiction Books 2010
Top 10 Picture Books of 2010
Top 10 Non-Fiction Books of 2010
Top 10 Graphic Novels for 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals for 2011 Update
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fictions Books 4th Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals 2011 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 4th Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2013

Statistics Books Read By Year:
21 - January-March 2013
176 - 2012
163 - 2011
302 - 2010
142 - 2009
98 - 2008
83 - 2007
191 - 2006
151 - 2005
60 - 2004
52 - 2003
97 - 2002
50 - 2001
41 - 2000
71 - 1999
73 - 1998
131 - 1997
101 - 1996

Easter Friday 2013

2013-03-29T00:03:00.000-04:00

This prayer card was given to me by a stranger years ago. Often at Mass I ended up behind the same family. I asked one day where the card came from and they gave it to me. Every time I came across the card I prayed for them. I do not know their names or where they are. This Easter I did two different 40 day prayer challenges, Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson and the 40 Day Spiritual Workout for Catholic by Bob Rice. Both were great. Who do you pray for, how often do you pray what do you prayer about?

Apostle of the Exiled St. Damien of Molokai - Margaret Bunson & Matthew Bunson

2013-03-27T00:03:00.000-04:00

Apostle of the Exiled
St. Damien of Molokai
Margaret Bunson & Matthew Bunson
Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN 9781592766109

Father Damien, or Saint Damien of Molokai, was born Jozef De Veuster on January 3rd 1840. He died April 15th 1889 a long way from home on Molokai in Hawaii. He served as a priest in the leper colony for 16 years before he succumbed to the disease. Damien has been canonized in both the Eastern and Latin rites. His feast day is celebrated May 10th. The process of his canonization took from 1977 until 2009.

But you might wonder why, and for me the pursuit of Damien his taken place over the last number of years. A few years back I was on retreat and the speaker was Michael W Higgins. During the retreat we watched the film adaptation of Fr. Damien's life Molokai directed by Paul Cox. Something in the portrayal of Damien in that film captured my attention. Since then I have kept an icon of Damien on my desk (it is an older image and calls him Blessed Damien not saint Damien) and I followed his canonization process. Since that time I have read or started to read a number of stories, biographies, and books about Molokai, Damien, Dutton and Mother Marianne. I have a feeling it will be a lifelong obsession. To steal from Higgins' book's title, it is Stalking the Holy. And in this case Stalking Father Damien.

Of everything that I have read and watched about Father Damien, I must state this is the best. It is an amazing biography of a man not easily understood. We can look back upon Damien's times, and his conflicts with authorities within and outside the church and it is easy to judge or be harsh. For Damien is a saint. But as this book details, saints are not always easy people, and often their plight is a very difficult path. St. Damien is no different. This book not only chronicles Damien's time on the Hawaiian Islands, but his life leading up to that mission, and his lasting, and to some extent ever growing, impact.

This book is researched and footnoted like an academic paper, but reads like an adventure novel. The writing is fast-paced and often entertaining, considering the subject matter. With an extensive series of appendices and a great index, the book can be used for research and it gives an exhaustive suggested reading list. I dare anyone to read this book and not be challenged. They will find that their prayer life is altered. Damien is held up as an example and with great cause. So spend some time learning more about the man and dive into this incredible read.

Why I Certify?

2013-03-25T00:03:00.000-04:00

I was recently asked why I keep my certifications up to date. I work for a company I love; I enjoy my job and my boss and up through the chain. I get to play with all sorts of technology and since 2007 I have written 39 certification exams. The breakdown is as follows:

31 Microsoft Exams
6 CompTIA Exams
3 Apple Exams

Across those exams I now hold over 30 designations. So when a former professor, a few friends and someone on the Microsoft forums asked why I continue to update my credentials it got me thinking. Why do I write certification exams? And the more I thought about it the more I realized there is no easy answer, but there are a number of different reasons:
1.   I love to learn.
2.   To stay current.
3.   Because of new responsibilities at work.
4.   Because of new technologies I manage.
5.   Because if I do not plan on writing the exam I won't get around to it.
6.   For fun.

I am going to expand upon each of those points and hope it will provide some insight into why I certify and why you should consider doing so also. I spent almost 20 years in university and college both full and part time. In fact, if I won the lottery I would go back to school full time. I love learning, reading and studying; in fact it is one of my favorite things to do.

The second reason is to stay current; I have been privileged to have been offered Beta exams from more than one organization. What I loved about those opportunities I have accepted is that you need to work hard from just the list of exam objectives and figure out the new generation of technology. Also outside of the beta exam option, the upgrade paths are always easier than waiting and starting over again. I know people who still proudly state that they are MCS but what they do not say is that it was Windows NT or Windows 2000. What happens if for some reason their career path changes? Their designations are so out of date they cannot upgrade even if they want to. So it is always in your best interest to keep your credentials current.

The third and fourth reasons I pursue certification is new responsibilities at work. A good example is SQL Server, for both the 2005 and 2008 version of this technology. I wrote the first exam and then because I did not directly manage any SQL servers, never went further. It was always on my 'to do list' to go back and finish my SQL certification but I never got around to it. Then after a change in roles last year I was all of a sudden managing 12 SQL servers across different tiers for staging, development and production for different technologies. I really wish I had stuck with the plan and spent more time on SQL before I was primary for supporting it!

For the fifth reason: ties back to the two above. I find that if I buy the voucher and have 1 year to write the exam or exams if a pack is bought, then it forces me to spend the time. If I do not use the voucher and it expires, it is wasted money. Spending the money will kick-start the studying and push the commitment.

Finally, I find studying fun. I like being in learning mode. I like playing with new technology. This past year I have loved playing with Windows 8 and Server 2012 and learning both. On a side note, one of my professors, Jason Eckert, wrote a sheet for Certification Exam Preparation. With his permission I posted it a few years back but I still post it near my desk when in Certification mode.

Now I am also blessed in that my last few employers have compensated for exams once passed. So staying up to date does not have a big out of pocket cost to me. It was the commitment to time and effort. And for the last few years, part of my annual performance review goals has been at least 1 certification exam relevant to my role and responsibilities.

So now you know why I study and certify. And hopefully it will spur your own thinking as to why you do also, or if you do not, why not? Would love your feedback either way!

In case you're interested the designations I currently hold are:

Microsoft

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate
   Windows Server 2012
   Windows 8
   Windows 7
   Windows Server 2008
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
   Enterprise Desktop Administrator Windows 7
Server Administrator Windows Server 2008
Enterprise Administrator Windows Server 2008
Enterprise Desktop Support Technician Windows 7
Consumer Support Technician Windows Vista
Enterprise Support Technician Windows Vista
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
   Windows 7 Configuration
   System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 Configuration
   SQL Server 2005
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
   Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration
   Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
   Business Desktop Deployment
   Microsoft Windows Vista Configuration
Microsoft Certified System Administrator: Security
   Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security
Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Certified System Administrator: Messaging
   Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Certified System Engineer
   Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
   Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Certified Professional (Legacy)
Microsoft Office Certified Specialist
   Word 2002
   Excel 2002
   PowerPoint 2002
   Access 2002
   Outlook 2002

CompTIA

A+ IT Technician
A+ Depot Technical
A+ Remote Support Technician
Network+
Security+

Apple

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator 10.6
Apple Certified Support Professional 10.6
Apple Certified Associate Mac Integration 10.6

And if all goes well I will be adding 3 or 4 more before the end of the year. But you can read more about that in my last certification update - Inner Geek - Updated December 2012.

Peace and Strength!
Yours, learning to be
Steven R. McEvoy

http://mcevoysmusings.ca   My Homepage
http://bookreviewsandmore.ca My Blog
http://www.linkedin.com/in/srmcevoy LinkedIN
http://twitter.com/SRMcEvoy Twitter

CompTIA IT PRO, A+ ITT, A+ DT, A+ RST, Network+, Security+
Microsoft MCSE, MCSA, MCP, MCTS, MCITP, MOS
Apple ACTC, ACSP, ACA

"Now we can travel with more books stored in our telephones than the ancient Egyptians kept in their vast library at Alexandria."
           Mike Aquilina

"No tea cup is big enough nor book long enough for me to be satisfied."
           C.S. Lewis

"When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left over I buy food and clothes!"
           Erasmus

The Not So Simple Life - Stephen Shea aka Arthur Slade

2013-03-22T00:03:00.000-04:00

The Not So Simple Life
Stephen Shea
aka Arthur Slade
Dava Enterprises
AISN B007PJ19EA

Every now and again an author surprises me. Sometimes it is good, and my opinion of them goes up. Sometimes it is bad. This time it was amazing. I have been a fan of Arthur Slade's writings for many years. Recently I found out he has been publishing books under the name of Stephen Shea and they are amazing! To date there are two novels and a short story published under the name Stephen Shea and I devoured all three in under a week.

Casey Stewart is an advertising copy writer. His Volvo is named Odin and his missing finger is named Frodo. And after a blind date with a woman named Violet, his life is turned upside down. Casey has some idiosyncrasies and a very intriguing back story.

The writing is witty and humorous at its best. Join Casey on a road trip that leads many place and most of them unforeseen. It was an amazing read and I have recommended it to dozens of people. The story is quirky but once you begin the journey you will not want to get off the ride. And you might just want to find out what happens to Casey next! A great read!

Books as Stephen Shea:
The Not So Simple Life
Damage
Viper - Short Story

Books by Arthur Slade:
John Diefenbaker: an Appointment with Destiny (2000)
Dust (2001)
Tribes (2002)
Monsterology (2005)
Villainology (2005)
Megiddo's Shadow (2006)
Jolted (2008)
Shades: 17 Startling Stories (2011)

Hunchback Assignments Series:
The Hunchback Assignments (2009)
The Dark Deeps (2010)
Empire of Ruins (2011)
Island of Doom (2012)

The Northern Frights Series
Draugr (1997)
The Haunting of Drang Island (1998)
The Loki Wolf (2000)

The Canadian Chills Series
Return of the Grudstone Ghosts (2002)
Ghost Hotel (2004)
Invasion of the IQ Snatchers (2007)

Visual Bibliography for Arthur Slade
Author profile interview with Arthur Slade.

Damage - Stephen Shea aka Arthur Slade

2013-03-20T00:03:00.000-04:00

Damage
Stephen Shea
aka Arthur Slade
Dava Enterprises
AISN B008O7ZV9G

This book is gripping. It was incredibly powerful and a wonderful read. It is an amazing mix of Icelandic and Canadiana. It is like a continuation of his Northern Frights trilogy for an older audience. Or if you read and love this book then those will entertain as well. I could not put this book down.

Things in Kinniwaw are as they were. The summer has been too hot and too long and it is continuing into the fall. But there is a darkness spreading. Something old is waking up and it is stirring; it is bringing darkness and destruction. Forces are being called together and it is bringing a wave of destruction. Can Rand, his longtime girlfriend Kari, and his grandpa save themselves and their town?

The story will trigger something in all readers. We have all encountered darkness in some form. Most of us have struggled to determine who we are and who we want to be. We will all deal with tragedy and loss. This book wraps all of those and more elements together in an amazing mix.

I have been a fan of Arthur Slade's writings for many years. I found out recently that he has been publishing books aimed for adults under the name of Stephen Shea and they are amazing! To date there are two novels and a short story published under the name Stephen Shea and I devoured all three in under a week. Another amazing book by an incredible writer! Give it a try - you will not be disappointed.

Books as Stephen Shea:
The Not So Simple Life
Damage
Viper - Short Story

Books by Arthur Slade:
John Diefenbaker: an Appointment with Destiny (2000)
Dust (2001)
Tribes (2002)
Monsterology (2005)
Villainology (2005)
Megiddo's Shadow (2006)
Jolted (2008)
Shades: 17 Startling Stories (2011)

Hunchback Assignments Series:
The Hunchback Assignments (2009)
The Dark Deeps (2010)
Empire of Ruins (2011)
Island of Doom (2012)

The Northern Frights Series
Draugr (1997)
The Haunting of Drang Island (1998)
The Loki Wolf (2000)

The Canadian Chills Series
Return of the Grudstone Ghosts (2002)
Ghost Hotel (2004)
Invasion of the IQ Snatchers (2007)
Visual Bibliography for Arthur Slade
Author profile interview with Arthur Slade.

Game - Barry Lyga - I Hunt Killers Book 2

2013-03-18T00:03:00.000-04:00

Game
I Hunt Killers Book 2
Barry Lyga
Hachette Book Group Canada
LB Teens
ISBN 9780316125871

Last year I read 176 books and I Hunt Killers was my number one pick. Game is even better! A quick comparison: when I finished IHK it felt like base jumping. I was falling but excited about where things were going. The end of Game was like being thrown off a mountain, while screaming on the way down, no idea where or how we're going to stop. An amazing book! Barry Lyga has a skill and craft in his writing that gets better with each offering. And Game is a thriller that races from start to finish. It some ways it reminded me of Tom Clancy’s Clear and Present Danger because there are so many different story lines and so many different tangents that you wonder how it will all come together. But as we discover each new piece of the puzzle, we find that new pieces are being put on the board and played with skill. But we should have known that once he escaped from jail, Billy Dent, aka The Artist, Green Jack, Gentle Killer, Hand-in-Glove or the world’s most notorious serial killer was going to play and this time the stakes are higher.

Jasper 'Jazz' Francis Dent is the son of serial killer Billy Dent. He is fresh off the case of the Impressionist and helped catch the serial killer who was imitating his father. But now dad is out of jail. There is a serial killer in New York and Jazz gets called in to consult, at first unofficially but later directly requested. The pieces just do not add up and Jazz is trying hard to help solve the case. There are so many pieces in play, how could we expect Jazz to pull it all together and can he in time. But the biggest problem Jazz has is people he loves. Connie and Howie are being pulled into the game and they are trying to protect him and soon they may all be caught up in a game only one person really understands.

This was an incredible read! I could not put the book down. I raced through the 500 plus pages in two sittings, and literally screamed at the end because I want the next chapter in the story of Billy and Jasper Dent. I have recommended I Hunt Killers to dozens of people and all have loved it. I really cannot state how much better this one is. You will need to read it and see.

Books by Barry Lyga:
I Hunt Killers:
I Hunt Killers (2012)
Game - I Hunt Killers #2 (2013)
??? - I Hunt Killers # 3 (2014)

Brookdale High:
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (2006)
Boy Toy (2007)
Hero Type (2008)
Goth Girl Rising (2009)

Archvillian:
Archvillain #1 (2010)
The Mad Mask - Archvillian #2 (2011)
Yesterday Again - Archvillian #3 (2013)

Other Books By Barry Lyga:
Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A definitive Guide (with Alison A.W. Lyga - 2004)
Wolverine: Worst Day Ever (2009)
MangaMan (with Colleen Dorren 2011)

Contributed to:Geektastic (2009)

Author Profile and Interview with Barry Lyga

Firehouse - Mark Teague

2013-03-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

Firehouse
Mark Teague
Orchard Books an imprint of
Scholastic
ISBN 97804399150007

This was the first book both written and illustrated by mark Teague that we have read as a family. It is always interesting approaching a book written by an illustrator that you know from other books and series. You cannot help but have some preconceived ideas. Mark is part of the duo that has created the very popular 'How do dinosaurs …" series. This was a fun read. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is entertaining. Children love the book and will ask for it to be read many times. In this book we join Edward and his cousin Judy as they spend the day at the fire station. They want to learn to be firefighters. Their adventure includes a fire drill and a real emergency. A great read for the family or in the classroom.