Book Review: The Camel Club by David Baldacci

First Baldacci book, but will not be the last.

"Camel Club" was my first David Baldacci book, and it will not be the last. It feels fantastic to discovery an author whose writing style you enjoy and who has a lot of books you can read/listen to. After a back surgery I need to walk as exercise, and a good audio book makes me want to do my exercises. This book did a splendid job at that - it made me want to keep walking and finding out the rest of the story.

When I was in the middle of my second Baldacci book  I realize "Camel Club" was part of the series and it was a pleasant surprise when a second randomly picked book ("Divine Justice") turned out to have the same hero (Oliver Stone). I was delighted! However, I realized that it would be helpful to figure out the order in which to read the books as the story references to previous adventures. It does not prevent one from enjoying the book not knowing the details of references, but the writing makes you care about the hero and I think reading the series in order would enhance the enjoyment.

My plan is to read all David Baldacci books, so I put this list together with all the books and which series they belong to.

David Baldacci book by publication year   
Absolute Power (1996)   
Total Control (1996)   
Winner, the (1997)   
Saving Faith (1999)   
Simple Truth, the (1999)   
Wish You Well (2000)   
Last Man Standing (2002)   
Christmas Train, the (2002)   
Split Second (2003)    King&Maxwell series
Hour Game (2004)    King&Maxwell series
Camel Club, the (2005)    Camel Club series
Fries Alive! (2005)   
Collectors, the (2006)    Camel Club series
Mystery of Silas Finklebean, the (2006)   
Simple Genius (2007)    King&Maxwell series
Stone Cold (2008)    Camel Club series
Divine Justice (2008)    Camel Club series
Whole truth (2008)    Shaw&James series
First Family (2009)    King&Maxwell series
True Blue (2009)   
Hell's Corner (2010)    Camel Club series
Deliver us from eval (2010)    King&Maxwell series
The Sixth Man (2011 King&Maxwell series
One Summer (2011)
Zero Day (2011)

Baldacci books by series

Sean King and Michelle Maxwell   
1 : Split Second (2003) by David Baldacci   
2 : Hour Game (2004) by David Baldacci
3 : Simple Genius (2007) by David Baldacci
4 : First Family (2009) by David Baldacci
5 : The Sixth Man (2011) by David Baldacci

Camel Club
1 : Camel Club, the (2005) by David Baldacci
2 : Collectors, the (2006) by David Baldacci
3 : Stone Cold (2008) by David Baldacci
4 : Divine Justice (2008) by David Baldacci
5 : Hell's corner (2010) by David Baldacci

Shaw & James
1 : Whole Truth, the (2008)
2 : Deliver us from evil (2010)

Freddy and the French Fries
(Note: this is Children & Young Adult' Humorous Fiction)

Fries Alive! (2005) by David Baldacci
Mystery of Silas Finklebean, the (2006) by David Baldacci.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.



Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product Review: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Full-Definition Mascara, Blackest Black

Inexpensive, yet gives you everything you want

This inexpensive mascara gives me volume and lengthening, and I don't need multiple layers. No extra layers is key to not getting "raccoon" eyes and clumpy lashes.

I have a friend who works as a make-up artist. She taught me a few tricks I live by:

1. I start at the base and wiggle the wand as I brush towards the tip. This wiggle is the key to depositing color evenly.

2. After applying the mascara I immediately use the eyelash comb to separate eyelashes and remove any clumps. I want to make it look like the color and length are natural not sticky and lumpy. It is important to do it right away before mascara dries out. Once it dries the mascara is no longer pliable.

3. If you need to apply another layer (two layers is max) then do it quickly before the first layer dries out. Repeat the brushing with eye lash comb right away.

4. If you get raccoon eyes, put less mascara on the lower eye lashes.

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous does a great job!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: H&R Block At Home Deluxe + State 2011 Tax Preparation Software

Please overall!  Solution for download/install problem included.

I've used H&R Block's tax software (formerly called TaxCut) every year since 1995. Several times when I saw a promotional deal I purchased both TaxCut and TurboTax to compare. I found that TurboTax did not do anything better than TaxCut while costing consistently more. In addition, I like the option of being able to file 5 free Federal e-files as I do taxes for other relatives who are less computer savvy. 

H&R Block software also wins if compared to the free on-line options. I don't like using the on-line tax programs for two reasons (1) I don't want my financial data to be on someone's web site (2) free offers include the Federal tax only.

This year I used a digital download for the first time rather than a boxed version. I liked the security of having a physical CD in case I need to re-install on another computer several years down the road. But you are supposed to be able to download the software again to a different computer and when the boxed version was not available I went digital. 


Solution to the technical issue

Downloading the software was easy, however during the install I got an error registering the software.  When I started the software it immediately gave me a prompt to enter a key-code which (the prompt said) I should have received in the email after purchasing the software.  The email I received from Amazon contained no such key-code.  I had to call Amazon support and they told me that this information can be found following these steps
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select Your Account at the top right of the page
3) Select Games and Software downloads which is towards the bottom of the long page you see when you log in
4) Then under H&R software entry you will see the key-code that you need to enter to unlock the software

Observations on usage

Once this was done the rest of the software functions well. In fact it looked more polished than in prior years. I always had minor display problems because I use large fonts and they never scaled quite right.  This year everything displayed perfectly.  I did a preliminary tax return and below are my observations.

1. H&R Block starts the interview process with an annoying up-sell pitch, recommending an upgrade from Deluxe to Premium even when it is not necessary. 

2. Copy and Paste from Interview screens is not possible. Sometimes I wish to do it for some issue as a reminder to myself. My solution is to do PrintScreen (holding ctl key, shift key, and PrintScreen key at the same time). This generates an image of the screen, which I paste into paint or photo editing software which I can print or save for later.

3. I don't use the default location for the tax returns, as I want to my backup program to back up only the data not the software itself. The software does not  initially remember this new location on startup, it tells me I have no returns.  I needed to pick the return manually from the File menu, as it does remember recently used files. The third time I started the software, it finally knew the location of the tax return file.

4. Some forms (such as foreign tax credit over the limit to be directly on 1040) require entering data manually.  This year the foreign tax credit form is some what automated, when you hit next button it takes you to the next place on the form you need to fill out (last your you were just presented the form to fill out on your own). This form is not that hard to do manually as this form does not change year to year.

5. I use large font option on my monitor display and in the past had display issues (some things were displayed on top of each other). This year all forms displayed properly with this option. This is the first time in all the years I've used H&R Block software that I have no complaint about the display and did not need to change my monitor settings just to do the tax preparation. Nice!

6. H&R Block charges $19.95 to e-file each state return. Of course, this charge can be avoided by printing the forms and mailing them in.

7. In prior years the package include DeductionPro software. This year, like last year, this software is only available as an online tool. I will not use software that requires me to put my financial data on their site, and DeductionPro wants to import the data to H&R web site, so I will not be using it. Disappointing.

Price

The price on this package changes day to day. I found a nice tools that shows history of Amazon prices and allows you to generate an email alert when the price reaches our desired price range.  If you enter "price history alert" in Google it will come up at the top, it has the word camel in the name.  I find this tool very helpful.  I purchased this package for $31, last year I saw the prices fluctuate between $25 and the list price of $44.99.


Bottom Line

I have been a H&R Block/TaxCut user for many years. The interview process is helpful in reminding you things you might have forgotten. On-line help is useful.  2011 H&R Block package appears more polished and has a number of improvements to a couple of small pet peeves I had in the past.  So I am quite pleased with it and recommend it!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product Review: Covergirl Natureluxe Silk Foundation, 1-Ounce

It works! Small size fits in a purse easily

I recommend this foundation.

Here are some of the reasons why:
1. It provides good coverage without being heavy

2. I found that it stays on and I do not need to reapply it

3. Small size fits nicely in a purse

4. Has nice cucumber-like smell (although I would have preferred unscented)

A note on price. I noticed that the price on the on this product fluctuates and sometimes runs too high. There is a nice online tool that I use to help catch a good price on Amazon, this tool is called "Online Price Alert". This tool will send you an email when the Amazon item price reaches the target price range that you specify. If you search on "online price alert" in Google it will be come up at the top. I find this tool to be very helpful.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


 Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product Review: Black and Decker PVF110 filter for PHV1810 Black & Decker vacuum

Be careful not to mix-up filters for 1800 and 1810 models of this vacuum cleaner

PVF110 is a filter for the new PHV1810 model of Black & Decker Pivot Vac 18V Cordless Pivoting Hand Vac. These filters are different in size and shape from the previous popular model PHV1800 (which took PVF100).

A friend of mine has PHV 1800 and I was hoping to buy the same model so we can share the filters my friend bought in bulk. However by the time I got around to buying the vacuum, 1800 was not available, and 1800 filters do not fit 1810 model. Not surprisingly, as B&D wants to sell more filters for the new model.

Be careful when you buy replacement filters, as there are still lots of filters for PHV 1800 on the market.


The PVF110 filters work well.  They are quite easy to clean without getting dust all over yourself.  They are also easy to remove and replace.  I get some extra live out of them by washing and re-using when they get dirty.  I usually remove one, wash it, and while it dries install another filter and rotate as needed.  However, I have not had to do this often,  these filters need cleaning less frequently than my Eureka Upright.

Black & Decker Pivot Hand Vac is an excellent vac (see my review of this vacuum), and having easy to work with filters add to my satisfaction with this product.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


 Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product Review: Black and Decker Pivot Vac 18V Cordless PHV1810

I purchased PHV 1810 over a year ago, and I am very pleased with it.   It has really good suction and is fairly easy to clean without getting dust all over yourself.  It definitely works better than any other cordless vacuum  I have had in the past.  It easily picks up not only dust but small objects (like small stones on the car mat) as well.

A friend of mine has PHV 1800 and I was hoping to buy the same model so we can share the filters my friend bought in bulk. However by the time I got around to buying the vacuum, 1800 was not available, and 1800 filters do not fit 1810 model. Not surprisingly, as B&D wants to sell more filters for the new model. (Be careful when you buy replacement filters, as there are still lots of filters for PHV 1800 on the market)

A typical death for these units comes when the battery dies, and since the manual contains instructions for battery removal I spent some time investigating if it is possible to replace the battery to prolong the life of the unit. I found out from Black and Decker that the battery is not replaceable. The removal instructions are given only for proper disposal of the battery when the unit is no longer working.

I have been using the vacuum regularly for more than a year later (at least once a week, sometimes more), and I am still very pleased with the vacuum. The suction is still excellent, I am still using the original filter, and in my use I have not noticed the battery deterioration yet. For the amount of time I use it is still as good as when I bought it. A typical job for me, for example, is vacuuming a car which takes 8-10 minutes or vacuuming small area rugs which takes 5-6 minutes.

I ever need to replace this vacuum I will not hesitate to buy another one just like it.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product Review: Beka Rigid Heddle Loom

About a year ago I became interested in weaving and purchased Beka Rigid Heddle Loom to see if I would enjoy weaving. I have completed several projects on this loom and I really do enjoy it. I was able to create several scarves and sashes which are 4 feet long.

This review contains what I learned about this loom and additional items I needed to purchase/make to help me use and enjoy it.

This loom does not limit you too much in the length of the textile 

 you produce, just the width. I made 4 feet long scarves and could have made them a few feet longer if I wanted. The threads that will be used in the textile are wrapped around the board at the top of the loom (called warp beam) and the finished textile tangles from the front of the loom. This loom does not have a cloth beam on which the fabric can wrapped. As you make fabric you upwrap the threads from the warp beam and pull it down between the boards at the bottom tightening the hand screws to put the threads in tension for weaving. You can see this illustrated in the photos I am attaching to this review

Additional items needed:

This loom does not come with a few items that you will need for weaving. I read a few books and watched a few videos to understand what tools are needed and made most of them myself.

(1) You will need a warping board. This is a tool that allows you to measure out threads to put on the loom. I created one by purchasing a 1 foot board and 1/2 inch dowel from a local home improvement store. I asked the clerk to cut 1/2 inch dowel in two 9 inch pegs. I drilled two 1/2 inch holes in the board and put dowels into it gluing them for extra security. My dowels are 4 inches apart. If I were to do it again, I would put them 5 inches apart. I put a piece of felt on the bottom of the board. I also bought two C clamps to attach the board with pegs to my work table to create one end of a steady warp board. The leftover length of the 1/2 dowel is the second end of the warp board. I tie it to the chair and this allows me to place the second end as far as I need from the pegs on the board to measure out the length of the threads I need for the project. So for example, if I am planning to make a 4 foot scarf, I would put the dowel attached to the chair 5 feet away from the 9 inch pegs to give myself a foot for thread salvage. You can buy a warping board for about $120 dollar at a loom store. My solution cost under $10 dollars.

(2) You will also need a pick-up stick, which will allow you to pick up threads if you want to make a design. I got a stick which is used for mixing paints, and used sanding paper to create a pointy end. This took only a few minutes and made a tool which otherwise would cost a lot more. See photo of the tools I created.


(3) Dressing the loom can be challenging, if you don't keep all the threads straight it may take much longer then necessary. The most important thing is to come up with a way to hold your heddle while you are dressing the loom. I am attaching a photo of the system of clamps I came up with after several months of using the loom. I sped up the dressing of the loom tremendously with a few simple clamps and brackets I found in a local home improvement store. I wish I came up with this system earlier - I hope sharing this idea will save you time and frustration.

A paint mix stick is attached to the loom by a small clamp. This gives clearance on both sides of the heddle so you can approach it from both sides for dressing. The paint stick is attached to a metal bracket with another small clamp. And the metal bracket is attached to the table with a big clamp. The whole system takes about 1 minute to set up, and saves at least 30 minutes of fussing with threads.

(4) If you want to change colors in your design you will need another stick shuttle (the loom comes with one). Having more than one shuttle allows you to keep weaving without having to unwind the thread from the shuttle that comes with this loom which is time consuming and cat get your threads tangled. You can make your shuttle stick from the paint mixing stick by making notches at both end of the stick and then using sand paper to smooth out the notches.

What I like about this loom:

1. It let me try weaving without paying lot of money for a big loom

2. It is built solidly and works well

3. It is easy to use, it did not take me long to figure out how to weave

4. I liked that the loom came threaded, so it allowed you to start with weaving rather than "dressing" the loom (which is more tedious and complex than the weaving).

What I did not like about this loom:

1. The instructions that come with the loom are not sufficient to get you started if you are a novice
I had to read several books and videos to get me started. This not a big deal, just letting you know that you would need extra information to avoid being frustrated.
Since I started to weave the most helpful book for mastering weaving has been by Deborah Chandler "Learning to Weave."

2. The screws that create tension at the bottom of the loom tend to catch threads

3. When the piece is long and it tangles from the front of the loom you need to be careful not to step on it or run it over with you chair

4. Because you use one heddle at a time you are can't do fancy designs. But given that this is beginner loom this is to be expected.

Overall, I am very pleased with the loom and my new hobby!


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

A good video on dressing a rigid heddle loom is this one. It is not specific to Beka rigid heddle loom, but many concepts are applicable to any rigid heddle loom.