Dean Koontz Book and Audio Download

Looks like another book in the Odd Thomas series, Odd Hours, will be out in May of 2008.

Black River will be available as an audio download. Evidently this was originally a magazine article back in 2000, in a publication called Mystery Scene Magazine.

Check out the KoontzMania website for lots of good little tidbits (I happened upon them when I was looking for some of the tv movies that his books have been turned into).

Harvard to Post Scholarly Articles Online for Free

Check it out, the Writers Write blog posted this news item today.

Harvard Announcement

This is intended as an online, searchable repository of professorial articles.

Free Math, Science, Engineering and Technology Books

I don't recall how, but, at one time I stumbled upon this list of free Math, Science, Engineering and Technology books.

You can find free courseware from MIT on this page. This is simply awesome for the self-learner.

I've recently been enjoying the audible portion of these free Yale courses, and I'd certainly recommend downloading some of their lectures.
I had some boring and repetitive tasks at work last week, and carried them out while listening to some psychology talks by professor Paul Bloom. I'm only three segments into this one, but, I'll be continuing to download the mp3 files as I have the opportunity to listen to them.

Enjoy! Happy learning!

Catalog *Your* Library and Dean Koontz news

Log your current reads, or the contents of your entire library here on this site: Library Thing. It can also connect you with others who share similar tastes.
It's free up to 200 entries, with a small fee after that.

Speaking of connecting with others over book tastes... I've added a 'friend' on MySpace that I'm really digging... a guy named Chris has started a Dean Koontz Fanspace, where he posts interviews and news of current and upcoming Koontz projects.

I've just gotten Darkest Evening of the Year, and haven't started reading it yet. But! I did just finish rereading By the Light of the Moon (myself) and Santa's Twin (annual Christmas reading with my son - one of three illustrated books done with Phil Parks).

You can check out plenty from Koontz here and here.

Where have I been? Wandering, of course.

I just wanted to give a rundown of what I've been doing and what I will be doing in the near future so the curious faithful readers (yes, both of you) can have some insight.

It all started last fall. I was working on the Salary Survey, which takes up more than enough of my time anyway, when I had the opportunity to work for one of my personal heroes in writing a little for her book. This was intimidating. This was also A LOT of work. I didn't know that writing could be so hard. Deadlines and 'voice' and explanations of new topics that hadn't been covered before. It was a lot of work, but, it was well worth it and I'm so thankful for the experience. And, no, I won't get any royalties, so feel free to purchase this wonderful AutoCAD reference, without fear of lining my pockets. ;)

1. I had an action-packed week at AU with AUGI and the FM team

2. finished up the CAD/Design Salary Survey, which was published in the January/February 2007 issue of AUGIWorld Magazine as well as preparing additional documents with more information, for download from the survey channel

3. finished my part on the autocad and autocad lt 2008 bible

4. then I had my spring quarterly Gateway AUG meeting next, for which I was presenting both segments (AutoCAD 2008 features, as well as general CAD tips and tricks for any version)

5. and started planning the following meeting for the summer quarter with Rudy and Tomislav, which was about BIM

6. sat on another industry advisory board meeting to discuss the state and needs of the local design community

7. wrote an AUGI HotNews article: TIPniques: Dashboard Customization

8. started doing a 'Technical Edit' on the 2008 version of the 'Applying AutoCAD' text. I also ended up editing and writing exam questions to match.

9.10. prepared for and attended our company's annual Planning, Design and Educational conference with corporate, which is always two days just PACKED full of learning and new appreciation for the expertise of my coworkers, and a chance to connect with those from other facilities and hear about their triumphs and frustrations. Not only was I an attendee, but, I also handled all of the a/v needs (one cool part was that I could control the lighting in the room with a remote control... if someone started to ramble before a break, I'd turn the lights back on as a big hint to wrap it up. ;) )

11. lost a family member very close to me. :-(

12. wrote an AUGI HotNews article: TIPniques: Using Referenced Files

13.14. finally ordered and installed FMDesktop for a pilot project. it's an attempt to gain more widespread support by showing off the software. I have wanted to do some CAFM at my Facility for awhile now, obviously, and took every FMDesktop class at AU last year and learned from the BEST (not only the best, but, also the creator, Bob, whom I had met at previous AU's when he was still hawking his wares on the exhibit hall floor with the rest of the 3rd party software guys ;) ).

15. ordered and installed AutoCAD Architecture to assist in space preparation (ie, prevent me from having to polyline every single area. SpaceAutoGenerate works a little differently in AutoCAD Architecture 2008 than it did back in Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007. I'll try to make a post outlining the new steps (it's controlled via the properties palette now, rather than a dialog). Thanks to Jimmy for pointing me in the right direction.

16. bought a house

17. started working with a 'Women in Design' initiative with a nearby college. their administration is attempting to recruit more talented young women for their design curriculum. We've just been emailing so far, but, will have our first sit-down planning session this Friday. I'm very excited about meeting more talented local ladies in various disciplines, and I'm thrilled to see the instructors taking initiative on this. I've asked for a writeup to give an outline/details/goals, etc to share here, I'll post it as soon as I receive something.

18. began planning the fall quarterly meeting of the Gateway Autodesk User Group. It will be a joint meeting with SLAMSUG the evening before the St. Louis AUGI CAD Camp. Clear your calendars and be ready to come and learn and have fun at both events!

19. moved from my role as Forums Co-Manager of the AutoCAD Community, to the duty of Community Chair.

20. wrote an AUGI HotNews article: TIPniques: AutoCAD 2008 Odds and Ends

21. had my blazer in the garage because some dingbat t-boned us

22. had my blazer in the garage again because of... what the heck is dex-cool anyway?

23. started talks with corporate about the future of BIM deliverables (who cares about architectural models? I'm only interested if we've got MEPFP's to go inside of them), and we've got some meetings coming up about it. It's nice to not be the only one paying attention to this and to hear other people finally starting to talk about it. (You might remember me mentioning two past Planning and Educational conferences where I've mentioned it in my own presentations.)

~pause~

So, yep, the Wanderer is wandering again. It seems like just yesterday, but, I know it was really a few years ago, that I posted to you that I was in the middle of, yet another, move.

We're fleeing (sort of) the bright lights of the city and the conveniences inherent therein to the cozier feel of the suburbs.

The much longer commute will stink to high heavens, without a doubt, but, our little angel will be starting school in 2008, and we want to make sure he's got closer to the best of what this region has to offer in public schools.

So, I'm busy packing up now. We've ordered most of the necessities and will be moving in a couple of week's time.

We're also planning on a little jaunt across the puddle to visit family and friends in England and Ireland not long after that. My Mom's big 5-0 this year demands a decent celebration, too. ;) Next thing I know it will be time to run the Annual Salary Survey again.

Anywho, wish me luck!

Look forward to future postings from me on the Women in Design Interview Series I've been conducting. I've got a Civil Engineer in the wings and I'm not afraid to introduce her! And I hope to see you locals at upcoming meetings of GAUG.

Serial Commercial to Promote Book

Random House will air a series (trio) of commercials promoting Dean Koontz's upcoming Odd Thomas novel... Brother Odd (on shelves November 28th).

This isn't the typical advertising for books, I believe the fact that the commercials are promoting a book isn't revealed until the third and final installment.

Looks like one of his recent novels, The Husband, has sold movie rights to a studio, so I hope to be able to see that sometime in the not too distant future.

I've Finished my CAD Salary Survey!

~collapsing into chair~ Alright! The numbers are in! I've just turned over the initial CAD Salary Survey Results to the AUGIWorld Staff! The data is now in their capable hands. I won't go into details, but, I will tell you that you can expect something TOTALLY DIFFERENT from this year's AUGIWorld spread in the January/February 2007 issue. All the same great info as before... and then some.

Remember to check out the website afterwards to download all of the data/information that wouldn't fit in the magazine. (I'm sure you did this for 2005 right?) Any Autodesk product user can take part and benefit from the results... Architects, engineers, drafters, designers, interiors, planning, surveying, facilities management, semiconductors, manufacturing designers, piping and mechanical/electrical/plumbing/fire protections designers... there is something for all of you!
Whether you have a high school diploma, an associate's degree, a bachlor's degree, a master's or a doctorate, you can find out what others with your education and experience are really earning in your region!!!

I'm sure many of you have noticed Robert Green's CAD Manager Survey initial results on CADalyst. Since we all love to do our research and confirm our findings, I'm sure you're curious to know if the AUGI Survey reports the same average annual salary for CAD Managers as Robert's Survey...

Well well well, I guess you'll just have read your AUGIWorld magazine, now won't you? ;)

Seriously, all participation is appreciated, members turned out in record numbers to report this year. That's just fantastic. I hope once you see what AUGI has in store for you, you will spread the word and add to it next year.


Now, I won't be back to forum-hopping and blog-posting as normal just yet. I've got some more work to do before the Leadership Seminar, for Local Chapter leaders, at Autodesk University. I'm swamped at the office and trying to put out fires before I leave the Midwest for eight glorious days! I cannot wait for some of my Facilities Management practices and FM Desktop classes at AU, as well as the course on using Revit for FM. Wow, a really great lineup! Some more icing on the cake, Joseph Wurcher informs us that AU handouts will be distributed on DVD AT AU!

National Novel Writing Month

Alright, I want to do it... I'm not sure if I can, but, I've accepted the challenge:

To write a 50,000 word novella in 30 days. Starting November 1st.

Tomorrow there is a regional kickoff at a local Panera store. So, hey, at least it is an excuse to have a coffee and something yummy from their bakery. I have been reading some of the posts in their forums, especially from the St. Louis area, and there seem to be some really cool and interesting people in there.

It's cool reading comments from people with such a love of words and language! Lots of different backgrounds... students, accountants, engineers, biochemists, teachers, lawyers, ministers, historians, a mortician (wow), national guard, graphic designers and librarians... AND THAT'S JUST FROM ST. LOUIS! Wow what a dynamic group!

So, writing a genre novel will be a little different from my typical tech articles, but, I really hope I will have time after the AUGI CAD/Design Salary Survey to participate!

Hmm, I wonder if I can work Building Information Modeling and Facilities Management (BIM/FM) into a story-line somehow? ~pondering~

Crime and Punishment/Crime and Literature?

Check out this story in the NY times about this awesome juvenile detention center program. The program is called 'Literature 'n Living'. The teenaged prisoners were encouraged to read books written by people who had grown up like them. They wrote book reports, and their instructor sent them to author's and got some to come and speak with the kids. In return for finishing books and writing reports, they're given special meals, contact visits with their families and special attention from these famouse authors.

Great program.

Poem Review: An Anthology

Title: A Child's Eyes
From: Melanie Perry
Cost: free - so far ;)

Alright, the books I've read today are my own poetry journals from back in high school. Some of what I've written is utter carp, some is treacly, some is excrutiating to read. :( But, even I must admit that some of it is good. I stumbled across one which I actually had published at age 17. It was a proud moment, the first, and thankfully not the last, time I saw my name in print. I will save that one for another day, though, if I so decide to subject you to it. I should find a link to the publisher.

I chose one to share with you, and I think, simply because I enjoyed the thought and the theme. I am a parent of a small child now, and my sense of wonder and boundless possibilities has been renewed by that. I wrote the below when I was working 70 hours a week as a Supervisor at Hardee's and was about to begin my first semester of college. Share your reaction and opinions with me, if you please. Just please, do not repost this or pass it on without my permission.
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy.

I mourn for the loss
the endless day, the fearless night
those innocent games
the dreams of all the things I might

Remember when things moved in Black and White
when everything was either good or bad
When every new person was a potential friend
& I never realized all I had?

Back when really important decisions
were all up to someone else
back then my life wasn't ruled by a clock
and I could be better than what fate had dealt

Never hampered by reality's weight
my dreams were as real as day
as long as I thought it would happen
I knew I'd find a way

I sometimes long for the delusions
that hid the world's imperfections
I wish for an ignorant bliss
of all of this world's deceptions

When all the love I had was unconditional
and I could forget as well as forgive
back when my mom still knew everything
and it was not a miracle just to live

08-07-1998
~m.stone

Overall Rating: Not Terrible

Yeah. That's about all I can say.

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read - 9/23/30 - Banned Book Week

My husband (gee, ya think he knows I like to read ;) ) sent me a link today talking about Banned Books. The article recommended checking out Google Book Search.

This page lists books whose presence in libraries around the country has been challenged.

I'll mention some of my favorites that I've seen scanning through the list, and can't imagine being denied the opportunity to read them (most in high school, some in college):

Catcher in the Rye
1984
Lord of the Flies
Grapes of Wrath
Of Mice and Men
Brave New World
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Gone With the Wind
The Call of the Wild

Good stuff there... maybe I should check out the rest of the books on that list, which I haven't yet read.

Book Review: Intensity

Title: Intensity
From: Dean Koontz
Cost: $7.99 paperback, $20 hardcover, $40 audio cd

The story starts out with two friends, Chyna Shepard and Laura Templeton, driving to Laura's home on a college break. I don't know if it matters, but, they were psych majors.

After a great time with the family, they head to bed. Someone breaks into the home and... well, to not ruin the suprise, does some very bad things.

Chyna is trying to escape and jumps into his motorhome... where she finds a photo of a young girl.

She becomes determined to rescue her. Why does she stand up to protect this girl? Because of her troubled and scarring past.
When Koontz delves into the Chyna's past, which she grudgingly shares with her best friend, it is so compelling. Shocking, and yet, believable.

The story rockets along, giving on brief rests, but, you don't take them, because you just HAVE to turn the page and find out what happens next.

This is purely a mystery. Delving into the human psyche, and situations/characters possible in the everyday world.

Perhaps that's why I didn't care for it too much. Because I identified with too much of it? or because I could picture it happening just as he's laid it out, and it's awful to contemplate?


Overall Rating: Good

The reviews published in the front of the book are apt.

Koontz redefines suspense. Intensity is a coiled spring that winds ever tighter... A novel about catharsis, about the power to wreak change and to do good as well as evil. There are sound undercurrents in Koontz's work, and they run deep. - London Times

A pin-you-to-the-chair tale of suspense, with a protagonist who is possibly the best female character yet in the thriller genre. Classy... swiftly paced, and as largely and sharply detailed as an IMAX movie. - Austin Chronicle

I could go on, but, you can find those reviews anywhere... check it out, I think you'll enjoy the thrill.

If you've read this book, chime in and let me know what you thought about it.

Reading Challenge - Help Rebuild

I saw a post today about helping to rebuild libraries ruined by Hurricane Katrina last year. Find links on this page telling you how to help rebuild these libraries.

From 'Romance Novel Reviews' "School libraries in the Gulf region are seriously hurting, because they are a “lower priority among philanthropists than public libraries,” though school libraries are struggling to rebuild their collections as well. Further, school libraries are funded through individual school boards, which are also pressed with the absorption of new students from other communities, and the rebuilding of their own physical buildings.Since there’s no shortage of paperback donations winging their way to the Gulf region, Candy and I thought we’d focus on the children’s libraries and reading programs that need help, and specifically, the green paper donations that make a difference directly. Here’s a list of a few organizations that can help get children’s books back in the Gulf region"

All You Need is... to Show your Love! - Love Thursday

Another blogger (Karen) has posted a blog tag on her site.

The challenge? Make a blog post with a photo showing love...

My choice is the below photo.
My husband of 6 weeks, Mike, our son and niece playing together. My little guy and I spent a couple weeks over in England this spring with Mike and visiting his family before he moved over here with us. We had a fantastic time, and the two-too-adorable little ones had a great time playing with one another.

















(see, I bet you thought I was going to go the easy route and post pictures from my wedding, didn't you?)

Book Review: Lightning

Title: Lightning
From: Dean Koontz
Cost: $7.99 paperback, $4.99 audio cassette, ~$20 used hardcover

This book was originally published in 1988. And, about 5 years afterwards, this was one of the first Koontz novels I read (Icebound being the very first).

I adore this story. It is touching, and full of hope, and tragedy, and love, and unimagineable loss, and growth, and scarring and justice for... most.

The book opens on a dark and stormy night (although not in those exact words ;) ), where we see an inebriated doctor being held at gunpoint so that he won't oversee the delivery of a little girl named Laura Jean Shane.

When Laura was 8, she and her father were saved from an armed robber by a mysterious man.

Multiple times throughout her life, Laura was rescued from some sort of trauma by the same stranger.

She was always a loner, having lost her loving father before her teens (her mother having died during childbirth), making a couple close friends during her years at the orphanage. She found a wonderful guy during college and they married and had a child. All was happy for her again...

Then, after over a decade since their last encounter, the man appeared again.

I don't want to give anything away to those who haven't read the book.

You should have the chance to get to know and love Laura and her father Bob, the Amazing Ackerson twins, her husband Danny Packard and their son Chris and Thelma's husband, Jason.

And shudder with revulsion at Dr. Markwell, the burglar/assaulter, the Eel, the foster parents and the mysterious men with slight accents who show up with guns.

And... wonder about the mysterious man, Stefan Krieger.

Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he want to help Laura? How was he able to know when and where to come to her aid on so many occassions?

Will she, a novelist, be able to protect her loved ones?

Learn along with Laura; Learn to edure, Learn to fight, Learn to accept.

I'm not sure how to classify this novel... mystery? yes. intrigue? yes. love story? yes. tragedy? yes. inspirational? yes. science fiction? ...

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Dean Koontz crafts a convincing story with his words. This is just mysterious enough, and tragic enough, and hopefull enough to keep you turning pages long into the night.

If you've read this book, chime in and let me know what you thought about it.