Book review: Posters of the Canadian Pacific

Not too long ago, I got a fantastic deal on a book whose topic is one that has long been a favourite of mine: Art Deco travel posters. And one of the great leaders in this field was the Canadian Pacific. Hence the book, Posters of the Canadian Pacific, a treasure trove of some of the most beautiful posters developed during this fascinating period.

I happened upon a french copy of the book, but that is of little consequence (as I speak and read french) as the art works are essentially the same in both languages. I have always really enjoyed the Art Deco movement and these images always invoke that feeling for me.

If you enjoy vintage travel images, this is the book to look at. I am sure you will find it enjoyable and its a great reference book for graphic designers trying to inject a little retro into their projects. A lot of inspiration in this volume, both for traveling and for art.

Book review: Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

Being a preparedness freak (very distinct from what most people term "survivalist"), I was ecstatic when my wife got me a copy of The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. In essence, the book is a collection of all of the Complete Worst-Case books and a CD that contains a web-version of the same books and some pretty nice wallpapers.

If you have anyone on your shopping list that loves to know what to do in the oddest  situations, this is the book for them:

• Need to know how to handle a stampede of rhinoceros?
• Need to know how to escape a sinking vehicle?
• Need to know how to jump with two people and one parachute?

The book boasts more than 500 pages and although some of the situations are a little unlikely, most of the advice provided is pretty well thought out. Well worth owning and a great conversation starter with guests.

Have fun and survive!

Book review: Egypt's Sunken Treasures

Browsing through books at discount prices, one often finds some rather interesting discoveries, including this fascinating book, Egypt's Sunken Treasures, which details the discoveries made by French underwater archeologist Franck Goddio, founder of the European Institute of Underwater Archeology.

With some pretty remarkable photographs of the excavation process, as well as the numerous finds which includes statues, stone tablets, jewelery and architectural elements, the book also dwells on the interactions between the cities of Alexandria, Heraklion and Canopus and ancient Greeks, and the influences they had on each other. A great book to add to you collection and especially worthwhile for anyone interested in ancient history.

The book is available in several languages and makes an excellent gift.

Book review: Just A Geek by Wil Wheaton

I've been a Star Trek fan since I was a young boy and that has not stopped since. I watched STNG with my father and saw every episode and although the writing sometimes left a little to desire, the show was still great. One of the main cast, young ensign Wesley Crusher, played at the time by a young Wil Wheaton, was not a favourite character, but I quickly recognized that writing had more to do with it than the actor's intrinsic skill.


Cut to several years later, and Wil Wheaton has discovered an additional talent, writing. I have just had the pleasure of listening to an audiobook version of one of his books, Just a Geek. Unlike most Hollywood actirs, Wheaton has a decidedly honest and interesting point of view on an industry that he decided to leave behind, a situation that caused him his fair share of heartache, as he poignantly describes in the book.

I highly encourage any Star Trek fan to read the book, for a candid and interesting peak into the lives of people who helped the story to come to life. I also highly encourage anyone to read this book, if only to learn that some actors are far more complex, interesting, genuine and honest people than what we may have come to believe.

Note: The audiobook version of this book is read by Wil Wheaton himself, which probably serves to make this version even better, as he adds details that are not in the written version of the book.

Book review: The Wedding Photographer's Planner

As my wife's photo studio, Photo Pulse, offers wedding photography, she continues to research the topic in order to remain on top in this very competitive field. Not very long ago, she came home with a great book by Kenny Kim, called The Wedding Photographer's Planner. I have had the opportunity to read this excellent book from cover to cover and can easily recommend it to any professional wedding photographer, as well as anyone interested in moving into this field.

The book is well broken down, the photography is both beautiful and original and the reference sections alone are worth the price of the book. Although some of the chapters concentrate on the proper use of equipment, rarely an issue for most professionals, the bulk of the book concentrates on the elements that are particular to wedding photos.

Kim offers some interesting ideas and suggestions and includes many tips derived from years of experience in the field. This information is worth its weight in gold, in my opinion and can only be a benefit to anyone involved in weddings.

A great addition to our (and perhaps your) photography reference library.

Book review: Geek Dad by Ken Denmead

Today is my second Father's Day and an awesome day it has been. I called my own father in the morning to wish him a happy Father's Day and I was then surprised by my wife and son (well, I admit it, mostly my wife) with a great gift, a book I had looked at on my last trip to Chapter's, Geek Dad.

Geek Dad was the brainchild of Wired editor Chris Anderson and was originally a blog, still in operation today. Click here to view the Geek Dad blog. Eventually, Ken Denmead joined as a contributor and was eventually chosen to take over as editor in chief of the blog, which has become since then, an integral part of Wired.com.

It was during this time that Ken decided to write a book on a rather specific topic related to geeky fathers. The result was Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids. The book encompasses almost 30 projects that fathers and kids will enjoy together while tapping into the infinite possibilities of their imagination.

I've had a chance to read through the book completely and can tell you that I am looking forward to incorporating some of these activities with my boy. He's perhaps a little young at the moment, but now that I've been exposed to some of these projects, I can help to "prepare" the terrain, so to speak.

Some of my favourites so far have included:

- Parenting using Role Playing Games

- See the world from the sky

- And for older kids, a Wi-Fi signal booster for getting connectivity while "in the field"

There are some truly entertaining projects in this book, many of which will lead to hours of thought provoking conversations with your children. If you know a geek father, this is the book to get them. I can tell you with absolute certainty that they'll thank you for it. And so will the kids!

Book review: Mechanika by Doug Chiang

Every time I'm around Chapter's, I can't help but step in and take a look around. And I'm not the only one with this problem, my wife seems to be afflicted by the same issue. I had been looking at an art instruction book the last couple times I was there, and finally, I caved and decided to buy it, if only to support the artist that wrote it.

The book is called Mechanika: Creating the Art of Science Fiction, by Doug Chiang. For those who may not know who the author is, let me tell you that he has won an Academy Award for his work, which has included Star Wars 1 and 2, Beowulf, Polar Express and many others, as well as authoring several books, including the one reviewed.

One of the reasons I had looked at this book in the first place was the fantastic marker techniques used and clearly explained by the author. There are very few books detailing the use of markers in drawing, and even fewer detailing them so well. Furthermore, the author's easy going manner, great skill ad clear explanations and reasoning make this book an excellent reference for any type of artist.

If you enjoy drawing and the subject matter, science fiction, appeals to you, take a look at this great book and get inspired to draw the world in your mind.

Book review: Pocket Ref

For fans of Mythbusters, the little black book aptly called Pocket Ref is perhaps the most used tool on the show.

Pocket Ref is a book published by Sequoia Publishing, and is now in its third edition, which is a testament to its continued usefulness. It contains reference information of all types, as well as tables, charts and guides on such varied subjects as automotive repair, carpentry, construction, chemistry, physics, computers, physical, chemical, and mathematical constants, electronics, money and measurement conversions, first aid, glues, solvents, paints, and finishes, hardware, mining, milling, and aggregate, plumbing, zip codes, rope, cable, and knots, steel and metals, surveying and mapping, geology and mineralogy and much more.

Some of the information I've found in it so far has been simply mind-blowing! As the publisher indicates, they have made every attempt to avoid any errors, and I can appreciate how difficult it would be to complete this task with any degree of success. The book has been in print since 1989, and as mentioned above, is currently in its third edition (and according to my copy, the 24th printing!). The latest edition was released in 2002, and I would imagine that any errors that were discovered have been reported and corrected since then in subsequent printing runs. I have found a few omissions (specifically area codes for the Montreal and Toronto area, but the base ones listed are correct), and a decidedly USA-centric base of knowledge, as exposed by details such as the fact that most measurements are imperial unless specified, or that listed military ranks are in fact US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. But in no way does this reduce the value of this book.

As the name implies, Pocket Ref is a pocket-sized book and can truly be carried with you all the time, and its priced low enough to make it an excellent gift for any person on your list. It is also possible to order copies with custom covers, making this an excellent business gift for prospective customers. Trust me, they will remember you forever if you give them one of these with your business contact information printed on the cover. This book is easily one of the three books I would choose to take with me to a deserted island, and might even make my number one pick, if I was thinking rationally!! Get your own copy now, you will definitely not regret it.