4 comments about The Winning Horseplayer: An Advanced Approach to Thoroughbred Handicapping and Betting.

1. Andrew Beyer revolutionized Thoroughbred handicapping in the 1970s with the introduction of the Beyer Speed Figure.
   
   Found in most racing forms, the speed figure gives the handicapper a guide to how the runner rates against others in the field that day no matter if they competed in races at different tracks and/or against a variety of levels of competition.
   
   In The Winning Horseplayer, Beyer takes his analysis to trip handicapping, which takes into account the type of journey a Thoroughbred has in a race, with a focus on being compromised due to any trouble in the start and turns, what path was taken around the track and if there was any stress due to the pace.
   
   What has been perhaps the most subjective handicapping tool is given a firm foundation by Beyer, which can be utilized by horseplayers who take the time to take trip notes from replays of previous races.
   
   In an updated version of the book that was originally published in 1994, there are numerous case studies and witty anecdotes, along with a new preface penned by Beyer.
   
   This is not a book for beginners to handicapping races. But for those with experience - and are looking for a possible betting edge or simply a great read on handicapping - this is the winning ticket.



2. This book was a reissue of an old book with nothing new worth buying it again.



3. As a part-time horse player this book is just not a good fit. To benefit from everything this book offers you would have to be a full-time handicapper. There are some great hints and tips that can be pulled out for any horse player, but to truly implement everything involved in this book you would have to be at the track every day. Maybe when I retire and I can be at the track every day I can pull out this book and use it to pick winners all day long, but until that point just 2 stars.
   A great book for the part-time player is Brad Free's book Handicapping 101.



4. This is a great book on handicapping or punting as we call it in Australia. Sure it has been around for many years now but much of the wisdom contained in its pages has universal application especially in relation to 'trip handicapping'.
   
   Beyer has an always engaging writing style and the book is replete with anecdotes many of them humorous to underscore his assertions. Applying just a few of his pearls will surely increase your odds of beating the game.
   
   For my money one of the best books of its type I have ever read.

5 comments about Magic and Showmanship: A Handbook for Conjurers.

1. I have been a professional magician for the better part of 32 years. When I first started into magic full time, this was one of the books that I read and re-read thoroughly. It gave me real insight into how to create a consistent character and how to THINK about magic when I was doing magic.

   I fully believe that most people who have purchased this book have never read it. If they had, there would be more really excellent magicians in the world. But you can tell the ones who have read it and who understand it, because their magic is consistent, convincing and natural.

   If you want to do good magic, buy this book and read it. It will tell you how to think, speak and act when you are performing. And it will give you some material that is not too difficult, but has very great impact upon an audience. And don't worry about performing that material in front of someone else who has purchased this book. He probably hasn't read it anyway! If he has, he won't tell the secrets!

   Bill Palmer, MIMC
   Merlin the Magician of the Texas Renaissance Festival




2. To many magicians don't know how to behave on stage properly. This work gives them the tools and ideas they need to be able to learn how to carry themselves on stage like a professional. Not just a professional magician, but a professional actor.
   
   Very important skills for any magician to have and this should be on their reading list.
   
   Tim "Santiago" Converse
   Enter a World of Elegant Magic
   Santiago's Magic



3. I honestly expected more from this book. It's not a bad book, but i found it a little bit boring.



4. Magic & Showmanship was recommended by Henry Hay (Author of "The Amateur Magician's Handbook",). You need Hay's book in your magic libray as well as M & S, by H. Nelms. Mr. Nelms teaches tricks, but they are only there to highlight the real secret of performing magic. He teaches you how to act and think like a magician. Of great benefit is his instruction on using a "silent script". He also provides excellent advice on costuming, stage craft, involving the audience and even posture to make your performance memorable. The book is challenging, but worth the effort. If you really care about performing, buy this book.



5. This book should be one of the books that are read and referred to in every magicians library.
   The showmanship chapters of this book are sure to increase the quality of any stage and personal performance.
   I highly recommend this book to those who seek a profession in this area.
   Lawrence O'Leary

5 comments about Transformation Game.

1. When I received the game, I was excited and immediately wanted to play it.
   
   However, my excitement was shortlived and turned to disappointment when I realised there were missing items hence I cannot play the game.
   
   I emailed to the email address given but thus far have not received any response.
   
   It'll be great if you could advise me on how I can have the missing items so that I can play the game.
   
   Thank you



2. Finally a board game, that is not based on owerpowering/winning over/undercutting others. The whole game is based on generating more connection between players, on all levels of depth. Spiritual (some could say New Age-y or Buddhist) in setup, the game leads each player through being born, and existence in the physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual realms until the player (the first one or each) blasts out through the final transformation. All this happens not before everyone needs to answer questions, act under certain circumstances, make decisions and express support towards others participating. The game includes hundreds of cards accompanying the movements on the board and describing what needs to be done at each step. I really liked how the game also helped to integrate the different world-view and the newly learned insights into my life by encouraging to write them down or follow them up after the game. Both good and bad events in life are handled with a nonjudgmental atmosphere encouraging equanimity in life and in our choices, overseen and supported by angels of different quality from the included angel card deck.



3. Excellent board game, very creative and really assertive. It helps you in your personal growth.



4. This is the most innovative game on the market for developing self understanding. I have been playing this game for years and now can laugh at the issues that come up whilst playing this wonderful game.
   A quick solution for extremely difficult situations if one really wants answers!



5. It's become a tradition with a friend of mine to meet on our birthdays each year. We read each others (tarot and other) cards and it gives us a chance reflect on the past year - our experiences, lessons learned, future plans. The cards often provide additional insight. I thought the Transformation Game might provide the same kind of feedback and give us both more a chance to participate; but the game was tedious, the directions unclear and some of the game feedback was not very positive. (One feedback was along the lines of "you haven't handled anger well, take 5 pain cards). I can see the intentions of the game and how it might work under some circumstances. But I think we'll stick with cards from now on. They are more specific, insightful and positive. Also cheaper.

No comments about Do You Know the Chicago Cubs?: Test your expertise with these fastball questions (and a few curves) about your favorite team's hurlers, sluggers, stats and most memorable moments (Do You Know?).

5 comments about Bellydance: A Guide to Middle Eastern Dance, Its Music, Its Culture and Costume.

1. Has photography as well as the history. A great book.



2. This was a beautiful-looking book, though smaller in size than I had anticipated (not coffee-table sized but a smallish square paperback). It's pretty cursory in its review of culture and costume. Lots of details on things like instruments and drum patterns (in fact, a bit too much detail). I was expecting more clear delineations between the different styles of dress per culture, so I was a bit disappointed in that area. And I have to echo what another reviewer said, that the print is a little hard to read because of the choices in font and background colors in places.



3. This book is full of great information on the origins of belly dance, dance styles, moves and costuming however....it's virtually impossible to read the wealth of material contained on it's pages thanks to the use of dark and pastel colored photographs and patterns as a background for the print!! (Print which also wildly varies in color and sometimes all but disappears in the background altogether.) It's a real shame that the editors didn't take that problem in consideration at the time of publication because they have made an otherwise wonderful little book very difficult to enjoy.



4. It's by no means a text on belly dancing. But GREAT photos and little tidbits here and there on facts. I did learn some new things (I had a great bellydance teacher and learned a lot from her, but even so I find that this book also taught me something new...so that says something). By the way, it's a small book. FYI.



5. 
   This book is an excellent resource. The notes about the music are great. The photos are beautiful. There are explanations of the origins of the dance, the culture, costuming, music, zills, and performing. Make sure you read this in a well-lit room, as the text is layered over the photos.

No comments about Questions of Modern Chess Theory: A Soviet Classic.

4 comments about Off-road Declarer Play: Unusual Ways to Play a Bridge Hand.

1. OFF-ROAD DECLARER PLAY: UNUSUAL WAYS TO PLAY A BRIDGE HAND is for intermediate to advanced bridge players seeking less well-known stratagems to enhance the bridge move, from creating entries and surviving bad trump breaks to getting the defenders to help. Bridge players receive a fine, uncommon set of tips which is perfect for moving ahead in the skills levels of the game - and perfect for any library catering to advanced bridge playing patrons.



2. Nice variations of common problems.
   For instance - sometimes you are short of entries to a hand. Consider a fineese you don't have to take. You may go down an extra trick, or make your game contract.
   
   The contract looks cold - anything you can do to handle a ba dsplit, maybe a 4-1 trump break? Try ducking a trump trick. You give up on the over trick, but make your contract.
   
   Want to pull off a squeeze. Is there a safe way to rectify the count?
   
   Maybe you need to end play the strong hand. A few ideas.
   
   Northing you haven't seen before if you read A LOT of bridge books, but still well presented.
   
   Nice job!



3. This book is an excellent learning tool for the advanced intermediate player and a good refresher for gold life masters. The subject matter is interesting, the style is clear and straightforward, and the test problems at the end of each chapter are helpful.



4. This book goes through a lot of hands and lets you see ways to make some impossible looking contracts. Its a different way to view the hands you play.
   
   Great read for any level of bridge player.

No comments about French General: Home Sewn: 30 Projects for Every Room in the House.

5 comments about Thirty Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D Retrospective).

1. I read a lot of negative reviews of the book before I purchased it and I was almost scared off.
   
   The book was exactly what is was supposed to be: a trip down memory lane for a long time player of dnd.
   
   Coffee table books, such as this one, are not meant for a rabid cover to cover reading.
   
   I loved seeing the pictures of/from old adventures, the history of dnd, and seeing famous people who play(ed).
   
   Admittingly, it was a bit costly, but I defrayed that cost by buying from Amazon, so I still think it was worth the money.



2. This book is not necessarily a chronological history of D&D. Seems more like a digest of the different D&D worlds with the early history and recent Wizards of the Coast acquisition tacked on the beginning and end respectively. The bulk of the book summarizes the different worlds of D&D Forgotten Realms, Dark Sun, and Dragonlance. They even have the not so popular worlds like Spelljammer, Mystara (never heard of it before), and the horrific 2nd Edition. All this is good with nice, big illustrations and good testimony from the creators themselves, however, because i have an idea of the true history of D&D it seemed a bit too commercialized almost like plugging their products. I really wanted the "true" history of the D&D franchise including the power struggles within and the controversy created by the public. they touch up a little bit on it but not everything. Then again what do you expect from a book published by Wizards. Regardless, it's a good book for the D&D fan. Good presentation and great illustrations. I recommend it regardless but just know what to expect.



3. As a once avid, now lapsed gamer, I picked up 30 Years of Adventure with great excitement. Scanning its pages, seeing the covers from the oldest Dungeons & Dragons books, I was instantly reminded of my priceless first days of gaming.
   
   The book has two interwoven sections: autobiographical sketches by either people from inside the RPG industry or else in the entertainment industry about their first exposure to the game, and segments about the history of Dungeons and Dragons and its supplements. The history is like the DnD Special Edition DVD...fascinating background for anyone who has only ever seen TSR's finished products, but wants to know more about the process. The self-sketches are for the most part well-written walks down nostalgia lane. I found it extraordinarily inspiring to read about how DnD was such an important early creative experience for so many professional artists.
   
   While on the one hand I would have preferred a bit more substance (graphics cover much more of each page than text), I cannot deny the beauty of the layout, or that its highly graphic appeal are part of why I bought the book in the first place.
   
   Reading 30 Years of Adventure reminded me of a time when I wasn't afraid of humiliating myself by creating something less than a masterpiece. It reminded me of the many years of looking forward to Gen Con, the mecca for all true dorks, where we would gather to meet little gods; men and women who had written the books that helped us create universes.
   
   Alright, enough sappiness. Time to find my dice.



4. I was excited about this book, then i read it at the bookstore. Trust me, you don't want this. It really looks like it was thrown together with no real reverence for the game, the art, the authors, Gygax, etc.



5. "Thirty Years of Adventure" is a coffee table book to celebrate three decades of Dungeons&Dragons. There are celebrity endorsements from the likes of Vin Diesel (author of the foreward) and Wil Wheaton (the annoying wunderkind on Star Trek:Next Generation) There are some great pictures; it's a visual delight. There are some interesting anecdotes about D&D history.
   
   However,the negative aspects outweigh the positive ones. The layout is a challenge to follow (it's easier being a seventh level elf mage) It's like a bad trip. The game isn't given its cultural context either. There's no mention of the infamous anti-D&D Jack Chick tract,nor the "Mazes and Monsters" made-for-TV cheesefest starring Tom Hanks. D&D's initial controversy is mentioned in passing maybe. It would've been interesting to document its growth from "OH NOES, occult game" and Reagan-era hysteria,to something mainstream and acceptable. No mention of the cheesy "Dungeons and Dragons" movie starring Jeremy Irons and Thora Birch either. This book ends up being a plodding bore,you feel like you're stuck in the dungeons,not fighting the dragons. This "homage" ends up being a turgid,naff bore.

5 comments about Scarne on Card Tricks.

1. John Scarne is today perhaps best remembered as a leading authority on gambling scams and card cheats. However, in his prime, he was one of the best magicians in America. In the late 40s, as stated in the Introduction, Scarne decided to gather for magicians a set of card tricks involving no sleight-of-hand. The result is "Scarne on Card Tricks". The 155 effects in the book range from quick tricks and puzzlers to more elaborate card demonstrations. All of the effects are attributed to either the originator of the effect or to a magician who used the effect frequently. The book clearly bears Scarne's unique genius not only in the selection and variety of effects, but in Scarne's improvements of the original effects. There is no doubt that anyone can put together a most entertaining routine with the material in this book. Two words of caution. First, the copyright of the book is 1950 and so some of the patter is clearly dated and needs to be revised for contemporary audiences. (Patter is the words or story that accompany the effect.) Second, because the effects are easy to do when practiced, there is a tendency to perform the effects before fully thought out. For every hour learning the basic effect itself, two hours should be spent on how to present it in an entertaining and interesting manner. The book itself, however, remains one of the very best in card magic. Scarne's work clearly stands the test of time. Frankly, the book is a steal at the published price. I bought two copies because I knew I'd wear one book out. I did. The book is that useful.



2. This is the definitive collection of non sleight-of-hand (you don't have to be quick with your hands) card tricks. I bought my first paperback copy in 1974 when I was still a schoolboy. Some of the tricks are easy but astounding, such that I've memorised two of them and have amazed my friends over the years until now. Since then, there hasn't been any other card trick manual that can beat this one, to the best of my knowledge.



3. Many magicians own the Classic book "Scarne on Card Tricks." But it is said if you want to keep a trick a secret, put it in print! Most of what's in Scarne on Card Tricks is no doubt a complete mystery to most laymen--and many magicians! Its a great book for the card beginner.

   On the other hand, there's a lot of boring and tedious count-down stuff in there as well.

   The book is BIG--over 300 pages of carefully detailed effects. It can be a little overwhelming to someone the first time he picks it up. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff?

   Best, in my view, are the tricks that can be done TOTALLY impromptu, with very little or no stacking, when a deck is shoved into your hands and somebody says "Do a trick!".

   Here are some of the effects that I have judged to be best, based on the above criteria:

   The Upside down Deck by Francis Carlyle
   Hit the Deck
   Scarne's Follow the Leader
   Cardini's Color Discernment
   Card on the Ceiling
   Card through the Handkerchief

   Of course, You Do as I Do is also a classic, though it is fairly well known among magicians.

   In short, a little work digging out the best tricks will make you a true card magician in most people's eyes, with enough practice and performing experience.




4. The book arrived fast & in great shape. My nephew loves it! He loves it so much that he had to have the Scarne book on magic.



5. I can only rate the service of the delivery and the accuracy of the description of the book. I haven't had a chance to read it yet.