Sunday, May 17, 2015

The Policy Driven Data Center with ACI: Architecture, Concepts, and Methodology (Networking Technology)

I really enjoyed this book. I had heard about ACI, which included watched a couple of youtube videos and read a couple of articles. After doing all this research, I felt like there were a lot of unanswered questions and this book was excellent in not only filling in the gaps in understanding for ACI, but datacenter networking in general. Thanks to this book, I feel much more knowledgeable in how datacenter networks were built in the past, how they are being built now, and how ACI will take advantage of these improvements. The authors expertly towed the line between exposure and over-exposure by introducing XML, JSON, and python without going into levels of depth that are just well beyond my comprehension. I also particularly enjoyed the last chapter on the switching architectures. I did not expect to learn so much and the authors should feel really good about creating a book that does such a good job advancing not only ACI, but datacenter concepts in general.

CCNP Routing and Switching v2.0 Official Cert Guide Library



This library is huge 2000+ pages all-in-one bundle to cover the new CCNP V2 exams. You are getting all the 3 books for your exam preparations. I think, at this point in time no other books are available to cover the exact CCNP V2 syllabus.
Topics are almost same as previous version of CCNP with few exceptions. I feel the authors have done a wonderful job of creating a material with different style and approach in explaining the technology and concepts that are well suited for today’s network infrastructure. I never felt boring while going through topics.

Some of the differences between old and new are Route: IPv6 - dual stack, IOS 15.0, EIGRP IPv6, OSPF IPv6, RIPng, VPN Concepts (DMVPN, EVN), IPv6 NAT etc. SWITCH: SDM configurations, VTP v1-V3, SPAN, RSPAN, Switch hardware etc, TSHOOT: Troubleshooting of IPv6 related topics. I feel that the approaches to explaining things are much better and the scenarios depicted in the book are all based on current deployment trend in the industry. BGP is covered to the level where one can deploy networks with internet connectivity to multiple ISPs. Under Remote Site connectivity topic, author has covered today’s WAN technology like MPLS and various VPN technologies. In Switch, MLS, DHCP, SNMP, 802.1x, IP SLA, SPAN/RSPAN, Stack wise, VSS, HSRP, VRRP, GLBP, VACL, L2 security etc are covered.
Book organization and Parts and chapter: Book organization and style are similar to other cisco press books. Some of the key features are: Starting Quiz, Key Topic flag that represents the topics importance in the exam, “Note” section for caveats, topic’s scope, and important points.
I see lots of diagrams in these books to explain each topic with absolute clarity.

CCIE Routing and Switching v5.0 Official Cert Guide Library

I noticed that the books focus mainly in the blueprint from the CCIE R&S. By reading this book you will not become a CCIE or even get close to be able to pass the test. this book is meant to be a guide to CCIE candidates. the book offers exactly what is expected and it accomplish that particular task with an A++.  My friend really enjoyed reading this and he is trying to work in this field. 

Apple Pro Training Series: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote

Logical, straightforward, easy to follow. Excellent teaching tool for either review or first time users.  This book was excellent and very easy for people who have never used the program before to understand what was going on.  I really enjoyed how the author taught the reader in this excellent book. 

Apple Pro Training Series: OS X Support Essentials 10.10: Supporting and Troubleshooting OS X Yosemite

Clear and understandable guide to the Yosemite 10.10 Apple Operating System. This is a guide requiring some technical competence as it is intended for training technical support personnel (and for preparing for a certification exam), but it is surprisingly "readable" with strong adherence to topics, providing relevant information without swamping the reader with confusing tangents (as is all too common in technical books). Even for those who just want a more detailed understanding of the OS without plans for certification, etc., it is a useful book that helps to provide behind-the-scenes context for much that users take for granted on an Apple computer. The book is never boring and contains many "tips" and shortcuts that are useful even for those who skip the most technical parts. Excellent book.

Hacking the Digital Print: Alternative image capture and printmaking processes with a special section on 3D printing


I have been waiting months for this book to come out, because I am a huge fan of Bonny Lhotka’s artwork and the art materials she has come up with, and how she is continually exploring new ideas and finding new inspirations. She is a renowned artist and this book is more like detailed techniques and ideas for people who are already involved in this process, or for those who are determined to delve into it. There are a number of inspiring examples of her artwork included in the book, but do not get this book if you are looking for some quick tips or fun ideas for a Saturday craft.
But for photographers who want to create unique images and go beyond a photo printed on photo paper and learn to create unique works of art on glass, wood, metal, etc, or artists who want to incorporate digital images, this is a great resource. There are thousands of books on photography, books on art, and books on craft ideas, but there are very few books that address this combination of art and photography.

Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology

This is the best Nutrition Therapy book that I have read.  I am so excited about how much I am going to learn so much information by time I finish this book.  The author of this book does an excellent job of teaching the student all sorts of things in this book.  I couldn't believe how much knowledge I was retaining from this book.  I am going to let the teacher and school I am attending know just how excellent this book is. 

Clodagh's Irish Kitchen: A Fresh Take on Traditional Flavors

This is the best Irish Cookbook out there.  The recipes are amazing and everything that I have made so far tastes so delicious.  My favorite recipe was the Guinness Cake it was so moist and delicious.  I have made so many things from this cookbook.  My family and friends love when I make things too. 

Friday, May 15, 2015

The The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

If you're looking for a motivational book when it comes to your finances, this is the one! It's fun and informative and actually has follow up books if you wish to read more. However, this book in particular is the most informative in my opinion. You learn about Dave Ramseys methods to saving money and you can read other peoples stories. It definitely gets you pumped up, but you have to be willing to work for it if you actually want the life change. As for the book, it does its job. I would and have recommended

Financial Peace University Membership Kit

This is the best tool you could ever ask for when trying to get out of debt.  Dave Ramsey is a genius and he deserves all the praise he gets for all the great ideas he has.  He has so much wisdom and knowledge that it is unreal how much information he knows and shares with everyone.  I love his books and will always read them.

Church of Marvels: A Novel

What made this book amazing for me were definitely the descriptions and the characters. The writing is beautiful but at the same time dark and gritty and the way the author painted the images, I could clearly see them in my head. The setting in New York near the end of 19th century was fantastic, with amazing details that made me feel as if I really went back in time and solved riddles with the characters. And speaking of them, Leslie Parry created a truly wide range of diverse characters, each of them unique and interesting. Even though I couldn’t sympathize
with all of them, still none of the characters were boring, whether main or secondary, and all of them played a part in the story. The plot had a lot of twists and turns but the best thing was that even when you manage to guess or predict a few of them, they still turn out a bit different and you’re still surprised. Sometimes I had a feeling that the story got a bit too dark for my taste, but I guess that’s what made the whole atmosphere.

The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two

This book is so good! I loved the unique story about Michael Knoxx who is world famous for sharing his life threatening testimony and extremely shy Penny Troyer who wants to live a life outside of her protective parents' home. The Pinecraft town in lovely Florida is vivid enough in detail that I wanted to go there, now! I found myself glued to this budding romance and did not put it down unless I absolutely had to! Shelley Shepard Gray has an amazing story telling gift and this book is wonderful. Now to wait for the next one, book #3...

Corum - The Knight of Swords: The Eternal Champion

This book is a excellent read and the author does a great job of keeping you interested in the book all the way to the end.  The way the stories intertwine make this book one of the better books I have read this year.  I would tell my friends and family about this book.

American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and Our National Identity

I can't recommend this book highly enough. I knew most of what Appy writes about, and lived some of it, but he brings it all back and with a clarity and coherence that connected everything and that re-awakened my frustration and outrage, not only about the terrible damage that has been the result of our wars and the policies that created them, but also at the obscene revision of history that enables us to continue on the same path. After years of witnessing all the successful efforts that have shoved the reality of the Vietnam war and its true victims into comfortable, enabling myths, I often find myself retreating into a protective and cynical numbness. American Reckoning cracked that shell, and for that I thank Appy.

Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe

 I'm very impressed with it.  There are at least four patterns that I'd like to sew.  I have been sewing a long time and it's refreshing to see some patterns with interesting details, e.g., the tucks in the tiered dress, embroidered running stitches, shirred sleeves, etc.  A lot of the patterns have a tailored and refined look that I like. The fabrics used are also interesting, dobby, jacquard, corduroy. The patterns I've  seen in other Japanese sewing books have seemed more basic and frankly similar to what the Big 4 and some indie patterns offer, i.e., lots of girlish tops and dresses with gathers and ruffles. There are so many books out there for beginning sewers and this isn't one of them (thankfully for us more experienced sewers who would like to sew something more challenging).   The pattern instructions look detailed enough for me. I find schematics easier to use than written instructions.  This is my first Japanese sewing book and I can't wait to dive in!

Saturday, May 2, 2015

The Other College Guide

This book is excellent and is very useful when it comes to find a college to attend.  This book was one of the best college books I have ever read.  The author does an excellent job of telling the reader how to apply for colleges and the ranking colleges. 

The Age of Sustainable Development

Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs is famous professor of economics at Columbia University with many credentials, including adviser at the United Nations. Sachs emphasizes the relationship between the three legs of sustainability: economy, ecology, and society. Forget your politics for the moment; Sachs will give you the whole picture hoping people make smart decisions, well balanced decisions, thought based rather than emotion based.

Population, carbon, economic growth, and warming all are inter-related in complex and sometimes surprising ways. Sachs shows how we all might be able e to make a positive difference.

Well written, graceful, excellent research, clear charts and graphs -- and an absolute pleasure.

Eternal Ephemera: Adaptation and the Origin of Species from the Nineteenth Century Through Punctuated Equilibria and Beyond

                                                      
I enjoyed this book.   It's not just about evolution, it’s about how the theory of evolution was developed and the battle between continual modification and punctuated equilibria. The book also discusses the interplay between evolutionary biologists, paleontologists and molecular biologists. Author Niles Eldredge included his personal journey in the book as well, particularly when he figuratively and literally followed in Darwin’s footsteps. I recommend this book for anyone interested in evolution. It makes an interesting counterpoint to Richard Dawkins's The Selfish Gene. Eternal Ephemera is more technical, but covers more ground, than Darwin’s Ghosts by Rebecca Stott, although I will say that Stott’s book was more fun to read.