Pest Takes a Chance

PADDY PEST: As a crime fighter, the indefatigable Paddy Pest bumbles around, but he gets things done. His adventures and misadventures require him to confront his own demons, dames, debt-collectors and villains of every description. In his spare time, Paddy likes to relax at the casino, the track, or at his favorite gentlemen's club.

THE ACHIEVERS: Some people will do anything to get where they want to be. Here, politicians, film stars, sport stars, and intrepid entrepreneurs are each obsessively vying for their place in the sun. They have one thing in common: they're all in the hot seat.

TRANSITION: Evolution is not just a philosophical phenomenon; a change of job, an ambitious determination, or an ounce of luck can all be motivation enough to change one's circumstances-though not always for the better. Meet a gaggle of ordinary folks who do extraordinary things, mostly for their own benefit.

Also available by Gerry Burke:

"From Beer to Paternity
One man's journey through life as we know it

Down-Under Shorts
Stories to read while they're fumigating your pants"