One of the tutorials says this:
Select one of the larger needle sets, then select the Shadow Tool and apply a Wall Shadow. Drag the shadow until it is almost below the needles. Change the Shadow Transparency setting to 60-70%.

Now select the other needle sets and apply a Wall Shadow to each except where the shadow goes off the end of the cactus.

NOTE: The Shadow Tool applies the last applied shadow settings to any new shadows.

I have found that the Shadow Tool does NOT keep the settings and has to be reset with every new object you select. Am I doing something wrong?