Best Selling Books by Patrick Regan

Nothing captures the magic of Christmas like the drooling face of a child and a cheap-ass little fake tree." --An Old-Fashioned Christmas In the tradition of Holidays on Ice and Bad Santa, Patrick Regan counters saccharine seasonal sentiment with a dose of holiday-noir. Remember Christmases of old? Simpler times, when four-year-old orphans were used for market research and Santa could call a pretty elf "Sweet Cheeks" and not get slapped with a sexual harassment suit? In An Old-Fashioned Christmas, author Patrick Regan collects images from the golden days of Christmas and pairs them with wryly sardonic captions to offer a reminder of what Christmas is really all about-namely, "hobos, orphans, boozed-up Santas, pill-popping housewives, and the shattered dreams of adorable children." Fans of Regan''s The Book of Bad Habits will take twisted delight in his skewering of the most cherished (and overstuffed) holiday of all. The 1940s, ''50s, and ''60s-vintage photos are odd enough on their own, but when Regan''s caustic captions start flying, no tradition is safe from mockery. Christmas just ain''t what it used to be, and judging from the subversive gems in this more naughty-than-nice book, we should all be extremely grateful for that.

Patrick draws on his own experience of suffering to ask: where is God in the pain?

In this new and revised edition, Patrick draws on his own experience of suffering to ask: where is God in the pain?

CompTIA A+ Practice Questions Exam Cram, Third Edition complements any A+ study plan with more than 1,000 practice test questions—all supported by complete explanations of every correct and incorrect answer. This book’s highly realistic questions cover every area of knowledge for both new A+ exams, A+ Essentials (220-701) and A+ Practical Application (220-702). Master Your Knowledge of the A+ Exam! . Features more than 1,000 questions, organized to reflect the newest objectives for the A+ exams, so you can easily assess your knowledge of every topic. . Each question includes a detailed answer explanation. . Provides complete coverage of all objectives for the current A+ exams. . Use our innovative Quick Check Answer Key to quickly find answers as you work your way through the questions.

''The Bible is way more honest than most churches about the actual levels of pain and confusion in life. That''s why we need this book. It''s going to provoke ten thousand honest conversations, helping to bring healing, hope and understanding to many who currently suffer in silence.'' - Pete Greig, Founder of 24-7 Prayer and leader of Emmaus Rd Church, Guildford IT''S OK NOT TO BE OK Honesty Over Silence seeks to open up conversations around topics that many find difficult, such as trusting God when life is painful, dealing with anxiety and depression, learning to look after ourselves, developing our character, and living with thankful hearts even in tough seasons. It examines our strength in letting go of our need to be in control, as well as looking at how we can stop comparing ourselves to others, and instead live authentically and honestly as we grow into the people God has created us to be. ''The power of this book is in its piercing honesty and vulnerability. It gives a voice to those issues that we as Christians sometimes want silenced: what happens when darkness falls? Where is God in mental illness? Can I ever be enough? Through Patrick''s stories of his own life and those of others, he powerfully reminds us that a life of faith is smattered with, but not shattered by, dark places. This is an amazing book which will bless, encourage and comfort many.'' -Tim and Rachel Hughes, Lead Pastors at Gas Street Church, Birmingham

Since 2007, use of the Roman Missal of 1962 has been broadly permitted within the church. This creates, in effect, two liturgical years running concurrently. In Advent to Pentecost, Abbot Patrick Regan compares the prayers and prefaces, readings and rubrics, calendar and chants of the 1962 Missal with those of the Missal as it was revised following the Second Vatican Council, now in its third edition. The result is a striking demonstration of the splendor and superiority of the reformed Missal over its predecessor, at least as far as the liturgical year is concerned. Regan''s chapters on Advent, Lent, and the Easter Season are particularly informative because these seasons are so different in the two missals. Perhaps less obvious are the differences between Holy Week and the Triduum. Regan not only describes external modifications in the services as restored by Pius XII in 1956 but explores deeper theological currents, especially in the relationship between the passion and resurrection of the Lord in the one paschal mystery, to show how advances in this area find expression in the current Triduum celebrations and throughout the fifty days of Easter. The originality of the book lies mainly here. The most urgent liturgical challenge today, the author contends, is to raise the ars celebrandi to the same level of excellence as the Missal itself.

The Two of Us celebrates togetherness with two adorable, and sometimes hilarious, baby chimpanzees named Kenzy and Willie. The candid photographs of these primate pals remind us of the unbreakable bonds we share with our nearest and dearest. With a wonderful and emotional story that runs throughout the book, Bob Elsdale''s moving full-color photography captures the realness of togetherness. Like peanut butter and jelly or cookies and milk, some things just go better together. We all need a yin to our yang, whether it''s hanging out with a soul mate, sharing secrets with a kindred spirit, or just plain monkeying around.

Patrick Regan grew up in a nice, quiet, middle-class Christian family. So he got something of a culture shock when he spent two weeks doing a mission in London at the age of 16. Having met people from violent backgrounds and living in cardboard boxes with no food, no money and no security, Patrick prayed a life-changing prayer: that he would see things the way God sees them. Soon Patrick was back in London working in schools in some of the most socially deprived areas, Patrick and his growing team slowly but surely earned the right to share the gospel. When the tide of violence began to rise, Patrick was there to provide the Christian presence so desperately needed. This book tells the story of a journey that took Patrick everywhere from the roughest estates in London to Jamaica''s Trenchtown and to poverty stricken villages in Ghana. Through it all he learnt that bringing the kingdom of God to a place can mean anything from helping a child to read to negotiating between gang leaders.

According to a recent Gallup Poll, 88% of Americans are dissatisfied with some aspect of their current vocations. * The perfect "and you thought your job was lousy" antidote to Monday-morning blues as well as a humorous pick-me-up for recent graduates searching for that ideal first job. Jammed copier machines, new assignments with unrealistic deadlines, duplication of efforts-if such occurrences constitute another day on the job, Patrick Regan offers solace and amusement by presenting humorous quips alongside real-world on-the-job photos of occupations like human cannonball, vermin control agent, and bulletproof vest tester. Instead of reaching for the want ads, find perspective through more than 30 portraits of less-than-ideal occupations, including: * Casket Maker: Forty years on the job, and not one lousy time has a customer commented on the craftsmanship and attention to detail. * Lost Baggage Handler: Congratulations. You will forever be remembered as the lady who ruined Christmas. *Deodorant Scent Tester: No way around it-this job is the pits.

Sporting Kansas City captain Matt Besler has achieved something extraordinary in the least extraordinary way. At every level of his athletic career, Besler has heard the same questions and initial dismissal of his talent. Even as he made his slow, steady progression into the consciousness of his coaches, opponents, and fans, then onto the national and world soccer stage, he heard it still. How does a normal guy like Matt Besler end up playing in the World Cup, one of the most exclusive competitions in international sports? If it’s true that he’s a rather typical Midwestern guy, it’s also true that Matt happens to be one of the best soccer players in the country. Professional soccer is a bastion for the flamboyant—the lifestyles, the hairstyles, the WAGs, the passionate fans—yet Matt has flourished as the anti-flamboyant. He is preternaturally calm. He is stalwart. He is relentlessly committed to his preparedness and his athletic success. Matt Besler may seem to be Mr. Average, but it is this very characteristic that has made him exceptional. No Other Home offers an honest, first-person perspective into exactly what it takes to reach the highest levels of the sporting world. Matt shares his stories—from growing up in a loving but fiercely competitive family, to climbing through the ranks of high school, club, and college athletics, to dealing with injuries and professional setbacks, and even to his own rather extraordinary experience of becoming a father. The poignant lessons he’s learned so far hold value for soccer fans and nonfans alike. This is a book to be shared among family members, young and old. And for parents looking for positive influences in professional athletics, they will find no better role model than Matt. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the nonprofit charity, the BESLER FAMILY FOUNDATION.

Mary Engelbreit: The Art and the Artist follows this amazing artist''s career from the moment she first set up shop (a "studio" in her mother''s linen closet), and on to her current status as the world''s premier illustrator of greeting cards, books, calendars, coffee mugs, and hundreds of other products. This book features the most extensive collection of Mary Engelbreit''s work ever published, and it represents nearly 40 years of Mary''s art. The new paperback version features a revised preface.

"Dog Is My Copilot" tells the story of Pilots N Paws, a high-flying animal-rescue operation founded "accidentally" in 2008 when a private pilot offered to fly a mission of mercy to save an abused dog for a friend.

The Red Cat motto: "To the youth-obsessed culture that tries to oppress us and undermine our esteem, let''s bristle our fur and offer a hearty and spirited collective hisssss. You''re either under 25 or close to 105 if you haven''t heard of the Red Hat Society, that sisterhood of women of a certain age who share a joie de vivre and the determination to truly live every moment. You may not yet, however, know about the Red Cat Society, a select group of tabbies dedicated to similar feline friendship and cat-titude, is set to explode on the social scene. Celebrating this new camaraderie between felines, The Red Cat Society will acquaint you with their whimsical ways, offer fashion tips for well-dressed cats, and-most importantly-reveal the many ways that Red Catters pack more fun into every day. Living by a code of friskiness and feline friendship, the Red Catters are always ready to go out and play. Author Patrick Regan and artist Kevin Whitlark do an outstanding job of presenting the Red Cat way in this gift book that''s ideal for Red Catters, Red Hatters, or any female determined to get the most out of the world-be it for nine lives or just a single grand one. Kevin and Patrick confess to being neither cats nor women, though they have each owned several cats and boast a combined 10 sisters.

I think if you know what you believe, it makes it a lot easier to answer questions. I can''t answer your question." --George W. Bush, October 4, 2000 Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to party with George W. during his freewheeling frat days at Yale? Have you ever noticed the eerie similarities between Vice President Cheney and Austin Powers'' Dr. Evil? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to cast Donald Rumsfeld in the role of a chickenhawk-like superhero? Well, wonder no more! With the Punch Out the President! (and Pals) paper doll set, you can experience these playtime scenarios and many, many more! Punch Out the President! includes four honest-to-goodness (okay, perhaps that''s not the most appropriate phrase in this case) ten-inch-tall, perforated paper dolls including George W., Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and the ever-animated Attorney General John Ashcroft. (Be warned, readers of faint heart, the dolls-Cheney included-come clad only in their skivvies!) Along with the four horsemen of the ridiculous, the set includes 16 outfits (four for each doll) and loads of clever accessories. Dick Cheney as a long-haired, tree-hugging neo-hippie? Why not?! Rummy as Beat Poet in beret and black turtleneck sweater? Sure! Ashcroft as a dandy art critic? Of course. After all, these outfits are no more ridiculous than the Commander in Chief decked out in his infamous flight suit, right? The possibilities are enormous-and the outfits are hilarious. The emperor may have no clothes, but these guys have closets so full there''s hardly any room for the skeletons. And unlike most things in Washington, this play set really works! The outfits and accessories attach to the dolls with fold-down tabs just like the ones we played with as kids. Adding to all this fun is insightful (or more properly, incite-ful) commentary for each outfit, outrageous-but-true quotes, clever quizzes and games, and plenty of other surprises along the way. All-in-all, Punch Out the President is a true and fitting tribute to the D.C. boys club.

You know that wonderful feeling you get when you accomplish a task you''ve been avoiding, delaying, or tiptoeing around'' Wouldn''t it be great to have that feeling every day'' Now can show you how. This simple but inspiring book reminds us that there are countless little acts that we can accomplish every day-little lingering things that we can banish from our minds, making room for the more important stuff.For example: o Consolidate the ketchup bottles, now.o Send those thank-you notes, now. It''s never too late.o Get three competitive bids on your car insurance, now.o Put loose pictures in a photo album, now.o Fierce competition among retailers has made nearly everything returnable. If you don''t like the blouse/skirt/couch, return it now. (The swimsuit, you''re stuck with.)With glints of sly humor, clever illustrations, and surprising insight, Now reminds us that what we accomplish needn''t be earth shattering in scope or life altering in importance. The beauty of now is simple. Now removes nagging concerns from your consciousness. Now gives you little victories every day. Now liberates you and allows you to move on.Now, doesn''t that sound good''

If you have a friend or relative or even someone in your office that is feeling a little under the weather and needs some cheering up, let Mary Engelbreits new gift book, Take Good Care, do the cheering up for you. Being sick and stuck in bed is no fun for anyone, but this book, filled with light-hearted text and Marys classic images shown at a larger size, is sure to make anyone whos feeling a little green feel good in no time.

Spokeswoman for a generation, Jackie is saucy, sassy, and sure of herself. Now she shares her wisdom for the ageless in Who''s Counting? So what does Jackie know that the young whippersnappers could stand to learn? She knows that life is too short to spend worrying over every calorie, every wrinkle, and every penny. She knows that too much of a good thing can be a very good thing. Most importantly, she knows that she can get away with anything! In addition to her piquant observations and clever one-liners, Who''s Counting? features hilarious full-color photos of Jackie at her rambunctious best. See her hanging tough astride a tricked-out motorcycle, flirting with tuxedo-clad men a fraction of her age, and laughing it up with a friend (at something off-color and hardly ladylike, no doubt). There''s a new and growing generation of women who are making "the good life" last and last, and Jackie is an outspoken champion for them all.

No other relationship matches the closeness, trust, and forever friendship that sisters share. It is a connection that deserves to be both honored and cultivated, and that''s just what award-winning illustrator Mary Engelbreit does in Such Devoted Sisters: A Sister''s Treasury. Such Devoted Sisters celebrates sisterhood with a collection of Mary Engelbreit''s warm and colorful artwork interspersed with stories, poems, quotations, songs, and verses about sisters by authors such as Christina Rosetti, Charlotte Brontë, Laura Tracy, Louisa May Alcott, Irving Berlin, Margaret Mead, and Shel Silverstein. Mary also shares some of her own cherished memories of the sisters she grew up with and the new "sisters" she''s found in dear friends along the way. After all, sisterhood isn''t just about families-it''s about deep friendship as well. Such Devoted Sisters is the perfect keepsake for sisters of all kinds, and it includes an inside pocket to share a special photograph. This heartwarming collection follows in a tradition of best-selling Mary Engelbreit treasuries, including The Blessings of Friendship, Mother O'' Mine, Tiny Teeny Halloweeny Treasury and Believe: A Christmas Treasury. Such Devoted Sisters is a special and lasting tribute to one of life''s strongest bonds.

Arguably the most recognizable and influential comedy team of all time, The Three Stooges have been making the world laugh since 1930. For four decades, beginning in the ''30s, The Three Stooges were kings of the box office-first in a series of legendary comic shorts for Columbia and later in a string of successful feature films. In all, they made over 200 films! Half a century later, the act is still knocking them dead. Demand for The Three Stooges is so strong that their films can currently be seen every day of the week on cable TV-bringing the manic comic genius of Moe, Larry, and Curly to a whole new generation of delighted fans. These two new books pair vintage black and white photos from The Three Stooges''s incredible film archive with short and snappy text that celebrates fathers and birthdays. "Why, I Oughta . . ." is an encouraging little reminder that getting older doesn''t have to be so painful. ("Even if some of us aren''t as curly as we used to be"), and Pop, You''re "Poifect" pays tribute to dear old dad. Written to be given as a gift to dad, it offers an apology for the trials kids put parents through ("I know that there were nights when I kept you awake with worry, and days I probably made you pull out your hair in frustration-especially grade card days.") and words of thanks ("So thanks for all the times you''ve bailed me out-not literally, of course-not yet"). The words work in perfect tandem with the slapstick shots of The Three Stooges in action-and the net result is two books sure to delight Stooges fans new and old. So, will these books be a hit? "Soitenly!"

Angels have always been among us. They bring hope and comfort to those in despair. They watch over us and, with a gentle guiding touch, show us the way. Of Angels collects not only some of the world''s best-loved images of angels but also some of the most insightful, beautiful, and luminous writing on this lightest of subjects.

IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, Third Edition Patrick Regan The IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software version 4 course in the Cisco Networking Academy is designed to prepare you to take and pass the CompTIA A+ exams based on the 2006 objectives. You must pass both the A+ Essentials and one of the technician exams to earn the A+ certification. Chapters 1 through 10 cover the foundational knowledge that aligns with the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam (220-601). Chapters 11 through 16 explore more advanced concepts in greater depth to prepare you for the specialized CompTIA A+ technician exams (220-602 for IT Technician, 220-603 for Remote Support Technician, and 220-604 for Bench Technician). IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, Third Edition, is designed as a valuable teaching and learning tool, incorporating new features to improve your hands-on skills and reinforce the key topics of the course. Each chapter contains a Study Guide section and a Labs section. The Study Guide section is designed to provide additional exercises and questions to reinforce your understanding of the course topics, preparing you for the course assessments and focusing on preparing for the associated certification exams. The Labs section features the complete collection of the lab exercises and worksheets specifically designed by Cisco to give students hands-on experience in a particular concept or technology. Chapters 1–10 cover the following skills and competencies: Core competencies in the latest hardware and software technologies Information security skills Safety and environmental issues Soft skills for career development Chapters 11–16 cover the following skills and competencies: Advanced troubleshooting skills Preparation for all three CompTIA job environment certification exams Advanced installation of computers, peripheral devices, networks, and security components Use this book with: IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide, Third Edition ISBN-10: 1-58713-199-4 ISBN-13: 978-158713-199-8 Patrick Regan has been a PC technician, network administrator/engineer, design architect, and security analyst for 16 years. He holds many certifications, including the Microsoft MCSE, MCSA, and MCT; CompTIA''s A+, Network+, Server+, Linux+, Security+, and CTT+; Cisco CCNA ; and Novell''s CNE and CWNP Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA). This book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Series from Cisco Press . Books in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.

Before I was even born, you loved me." --Mom, I''m a Lucky Duck From the photographer of elegantly ageless elephants in Gray Matter and the porcine with panache from Pretty in Pink comes a chick hatchling tale to honor moms. Celebrating mom''s roles as nurturer, teacher, and cheerleader, Elsdale''s photographic spreads of feathery fledgling chicks are perfectly paired with Regan''s heartfelt verse: * "Whenever I lost my way and my feathers were ruffled, you were there to smooth them." * "With every loving act and patient lesson, you prepared me for my life ahead." * I know I''ve still got a lot to learn about life, but I do know one thing for sure . . . I''m a lucky duck to have a mom like you."

Kelly''s spirit-infused watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the warmth, generosity, and fun that exists between people who care about each other.

My grandmother showed me that wisdom comes with age, but that a joyful heart is forever young. --My Grandmother Showed Me the Stars * No one captures the essence of cherished family bonds like renowned artist Becky Kelly. In My Grandmother Showed Me the Stars, award-winning watercolor artist Becky Kelly celebrates the special bond between grandmothers and grandchildren. Her ethereal illustrations combine with heartfelt words of appreciation for Grandmother''s humor, kindness, and wisdom. Our parents may give us the sun and the moon, but it''s our grandmothers who show us the stars--and no star shines brighter than a grandmother. My Grandmother Showed Me the Stars is a beautiful, all-occasion gift for grandmothers everywhere.

Life is filled with twists and turns that can leave us confused about which way to go. This little book from Mary Engelbreit reminds us that the answers to life''s difficult questions can usually be found within ourselves.

Life''s greatest pleasures are often found in its simplest moments. Becky Kelly has a unique talen for recognizing these moments and turning them into heartwarming watercolor illustrations. This little book is a charming reminder to live life fully. Author''s web site: www.beckykelly.com/

An inspiring memoir about a father and son entering World''s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji despite one of them battling Alzheimer’s. “Travis and Mace have touched a generation of families around the world with their courage, resilience and kindness.” --Bear Grylls, star of Man vs. Wild and host of World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji “Watching Mark and Travis Macy compete together for Eco-Challenge Fiji was a true inspiration. Travis’s selfless act of taking his father on what may be his last race is a story that anyone can relate to and what we need more of these days.” --Mark Burnett, chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group; creator and producer of Survivor, The Apprentice, and World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji In October 2018, Mark “Mace” Macy, sixty-four years old, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Mace had spent thirty years competing in Colorado and around the world in ultra-endurance competitions and is one of the few people who have finished all eight Eco-Challenge events. Once diagnosed, Mace feared losing endurance, strength, and independence. Mace''s son Travis, also a professional endurance athlete, also struggled to see his father battling the disease. In 2019 they decided to participate in World''s Toughest Race—a seven-day, grueling 400-mile marathon of trekking, climbing, biking, and paddling through the jungle—for one final race together. Weaving excerpts from Mace''s passionate personal journals alongside a first-person narrative by Travis, A Mile at a Time tells the story of this incredible journey and what both father and son learned along the way. A powerful story about living—and thriving—with a disease that impacts nearly six million Americans. This timely, and deeply moving father-son adventure sheds light on the hard truths of this disease while giving readers hope of all that still can be achieved.

No matter how many times the depths of love have been plumbed, there is still always more to be said. This humble Little Book presents a survey of some of the most memorable words ever written on love-from ancient times to modern. The sophisticated art of Mary Claire Smith illustrates this fresh new volume.

Who else but members of The Red Cat Society-a group of fun-loving tabbies inspired by The Red Hat Society-knows more about motherhood? And who else could be more qualified (and more likely!) to tell it like it is? Every Mother Is a Queen Mother is The Red Cat Society''s latest book, and it''s guaranteed to have you howling at the disputable delights of motherhood. With lively humor and irresistible illustrations, Every Mother Is a Queen Mother celebrates the true heroines of modern society-women who have not only experienced motherhood but survived long enough to become "experienced mothers" (or as the book calls them, "mothers-of-a-certain-age"). Filled with clever quips and quotes, tongue-in-cheek beauty tips, and comical musings on child rearing, aging, and empty nests, this book is sure to strike a chord with every woman who has experienced the slings and arrows, sacrifices, skinned knees, and simple joys of motherhood. Whether cat lover or Red Hatter or both, every "well-red" mother will find something to laugh about in Every Mother Is a Queen Mother.

100 years that crafted an iconic American company A century ago, the Halls were a poverty-stricken family trying to make their way in a small Nebraska town. Today, they are a golden example of a family that has created a groundbreaking company. Hallmark: A Century of Caring is the inspirational story of an American dream brought to life through hard work, strong values, and a genuine care for both employees and customers. Beginning with a heartfelt introduction from famed poet Maya Angelou, the reader is taken on a journey that follows the Hall family from Norfolk, Nebraska, to Kansas City, Missouri, the eventual home of Hallmark. Through boom times, war times, and the Great Depression, the company grew and flourished, always with the belief that its products and services must enrich people''s lives. One hundred years after Joyce Hall first stepped off of the train in Kansas City, Hallmark is poised and ready for the future. This book is an enduring salute to the company and a historic journal of a truly iconic American company.

Servants of Christ are in the transformation business. This kind of transformation will only happen if we refuse to be seduced by false idols like success, money, fame and security - to be the church we were called to be. We need to take ownership of the problems around us and work with people who are suffering in order to find solutions and offer lasting change. Patrick travels the globe to find examples. In Bolivia he reports how Christian backing for education projects is allowing families to find a way out of poverty. In London XLP is mentoring young people to turn aside from violence. In Los Angeles a new future is being offered to gang girls. In high security prisons in the UK and US the Spirit is turning lives around. In Belfast''s Shankill Road area a group of elderly ladies is cooking meals for men who sit all day in local pubs ... the list is extensive, and inspiring. The common element is that in all circumstances Christ is offering hope. ''As Christians there is no ceiling to the hope we can bring, even when things look bleak,'' Patrick says. ''Extreme poverty has been halved in the last 30 years. This book encourages and challenges the church to think and act creatively to eradicate all types of poverty and suffering.''

Sometimes saying the words "thank you" to someone who has said or done something nice for you just doesn''t seem to be enough. Inside these pages you''ll find Mary''s colorful artwork joined with verse that says "thanks for everything you''ve done."