I would like to thank the many people at Apress who made this book happen—especially Debra Kelly, Ewan Buckingham, Dominic Shakeshaft, and Fabio Claudio Ferracchiati. Without all of your hard work, this book would never have come about. Thank you all!

Thanks also to my loving wife, Debi, for her patience while I wrote this book. Too often I left her alone to take care of our son and to keep our house maintained. Thank you for being such a wonderful wife. I would also like to thank my son, Max, for understanding when Daddy couldn't play because he had to write.

I would also like to thank our great neighbors, who have provided me with great friendship and support. We have been blessed with an awesome street filled with wonderful people. In particular, I'd like to thank Mike and Connie Vandermark for providing the volleyball court we all enjoy so much, George and Jennifer Muller for hosting Sci-Fi Friday every week, and Jim and Stephanie Suriano for not only being great neighbors but also incredible friends to my family.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to my online gaming friends, Kristen Ludec, Sam Wrich, and Sam Transue. Though we only know each other online, I value your friendship and I thank you for your companionship and support over the last few years.