4 comments about 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces: At the Doctor's Office, on Car, Train, and Plane Trips, Home Sick in Bed . . ..

1. I have a basic problem with this book: it's too small! Although 101 activities sound like a lot, when you break them down into situations in which they are workable (at home, waiting in the doctor's office, in the car/train/airplane, sick in bed, etc.) a person might like more ideas. The activities presented in the book are simple. They are fun. And all of them I have tried work (many are old stand-bys that this grandma used with her own children-but many were new to me). I plan to use them soon on a long trip with my grandchildren. When could you use them next?!



2. It has lots of old ideas I'd forgotten from my own childhood and it has lots of new ideas. The writer understands the needs of children. They can behave a lot better if they have interesting little things to do like the ideas that are in this book.



3. I bought this book in preparation for an airplane trip with my family, including a 5 year old autistic daughter. As I am familiar with Kranowitz's book The Out of Sync Child, regarding sensory integration, I was disappointed that there was not more in the book that I could use with my daughter. Also, the ideas that could be used away from home are somewhat limited.
   
   I have found some fun activities in this book to do with my children at home, so it is not a worthless book. However, it didn't really fill the need I was looking for.



4. This book is packed with great info for parents with kids that have sensory intergration dysfunction syndrome.

2 comments about 50 Fast Digital Photo Projects.

1. Of all the digital photography books that are out there -- and there are plenty -- I was fortunate to have happened upon this one. Most of the 50 projects in this book are top-quality and described in a very easy-to-follow manner. Scrapbooks, personal stationery with a watermark, fine art prints, greeting cards, photo calendar, recipe cards, slide shows, a professional portfolio -- they're all here and illustrated with superb photos. The book also contains a lot of information about editing photos digitally, sharing over the internet, etc. This book will keep me busy and creative for some time to come. (Would make a great gift!)



2. I received the book promptly and it was in perfect condition. It has wonderful information about ordering prints on line and making fine art prints. It also covers projects like cards and calendars. Very useful.

1 comments about Condemned 2: Bloodshot: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

1. So far, this guide has been everything it's supposed to be. EXCEPT:
   
   Mission 6: City Museum. They neglected to mention the MAP. If you don't find The Map on the pillar/column, you'll only get the Silver Level badge. You need this map to get the Gold Shield for this level. Worse yet, it's a tough level, and having to repeat can be THE SUCK.
   
   The Map is on a Pillar/Column to the right of the stiarcase where the hanging security guard is. If you've gone up that staicase and over to the Information Desk/News TV, then you've missed The Map. You'll need to go back down the stairs. As you approach The Map, you'll be prompted to Investigate, So hit the proper button, and you'll begin the Investigation Sequence. (It Involves Rosa and the whole bit)
   
   You'll need to scan the Map, submit the proper Information: MEDIEVAL TOOLS 13A. This location will be added to your GPS and you'll get a PERFECT. So if you follow the guide as is, plus add this step, then all the commotion of this level will be a one time event.
   
   Remainder of the Guide has been very nice, providing insight into the Chain Attacks, Environmental Kills, all of which are confusing at first, then become a fun edition to the game. The guide just helps you reach the fun part a little quicker.
   
   You'll also get the lowdown on Multiplayer and the five "Fight CLubs" you'll unlock as you play the game. You'll get the breakdowns of which Mele weapons to use etc.
   
   So it's effective, just not thorough.

5 comments about Betting Thoroughbreds: A Professional's Guide for the Horseplayer: Second Revised Edition.

1. Any book or author that introduces a concept that becomes part of everyone's handicapping arsenal deserves recognition for their genius. Davidowitz was the first to really publish insights into track bias and it's power. Other than that concept, this book is full of good ideas across the board. The revised edition's treatment of pace is good stuff even for those who approach pace more technically like Brohammer. Davidowitz's work on charts and how to use them to find key races and trip overlays is more gold for serious players.
   Years after I first read this, I have realized how great this book is for horseplayers. Davidowitz has covered a difficult array of factors with provoking insight into each and has done a masterful job of explaining how to incoporate into the handicapping puzzle.



2. This is clearly one of the best books ever written on Thoroughbred Handicapping. It should become evident soon after the opening chapter how complex and laborious the life of a professional horse bettor must be to hold an edge over the betting public. Steve is a genuine winning handicapper himself, and reveals what it takes to win. The percentage of winning bettors at any given track on any given day has been estimated to be 5%. (2% remain the same consistent winners day after day). It takes an immense amount of never ending study to remain financially solvent as a bettor. Steve, as a responsible author points this out. This reviewer will also confirm this to be true. There is no book on the market that will make a winner out of a nonwinner without effort as in any other great endeavor. I give this book a 5 Star Rating for leaving no stone unturned in the handicapping picture.



3. I've read pretty much everything that's been printed on playing the horses...this book ranks at the top of them all. In my opinion, the most valuable part of this book is the chapter dealing with ticket construction. Davidowitz looks at multiple scenarios and outlines sample tickets to go with each. For example, is there a race where you like one or two horses fairly strongly and want to play a trifecta? Davidowitz develops several different strategies for betting in that situation, as well as suggests that appropriate amount of bankroll to be used.
   
   If you combine the ideas and methods in this book with those in Crists "Exoctic Betting", you would have a very fine grasp on wagering strategies.
   
   One word of caution, this book is definitely for more advanced players. Those who are $2 bettors or play with a limited bankroll can learn a lot from this text, but many of the ideas and methods will be difficult to incorporate. However, I would still recommned this book to anyone who wants to expand his horseracing knowledge.



4. Useful information and definitely not for beginners. Great for handicappers trying to take the next step. It is probably ready for another revision as new aspects of horse racing have come into play over the last 5 years.



5. A well written book that has a lot of value to the handicapper. One of the best ever written imo.

5 comments about Hackmaster: Official Player's Handbook.

1. I want to get this thing a lot. Part of it is that it seems like fun, also that I'd enjoy seeing some of the stuff in here since it can be converted to 2nd edition etc. My group refuses to play though because I found the field guide and after I mentioned leperosychauns they said that they would not play.



2. In reading Knights of the Dinner Table, from whose hallowed pages this game is spawned, one thing becomes evident; while this game may use Advanced Dungeons & Dragons as a springboard, the water at the bottom is bitterly, bitterly cold.
   
   First, any GM worth their HackMaster GameMaster's Association certification isn't there to coddle you through a dungeon, helping you beat the big bad Swack-Iron Dragon. You don't have to imagine the enemies you're trying to beat; he (or she) is sitting right behind that GM's shield. So grab your dice and girdle your loins. It's war.
   
   Actually, in all seriousness, this game is one of the best RPGs I've played. A lot of it is more a fun poke at AD&D than anything else, but it is a hell of a lot of fun to play. Just don't get too attatched to your charachter; you may go through a few while playing.



3. I have the 1st, 2nd and 3e editions of D&D/AD&D and have been playing for many years. I enjoy all of the incarnations of this game as well as other RPGs. Certainly, I have to say I am very impressed with this book.
   
   It's not the exact same game as any of the other editions mentioned above. Although based on 1st and 2nd edition materials there is a lot of new content. You'll love the new approach to building characters and using Building Points. The skills/proficiencies/talents have received a total overhaul and really shine. Spells have been significantly altered, and while this took me by surprise, the game dynamics do seem really well balanced. There are many new PC races and more new classes than you can shake a stick at.
   
   HackMaster is really fun, and it is certainly better crafted than many games out there today. You'll really enjoy the ideas and writing in this book regardless of which side of the D&D or RPG fence you are on.
   
   This is a very well organized, indexed and thought out RPG. There is so much more new material and subtle changes in the game than most people are aware of. HackMaster is truly a unique game but with all the old style attention to detail and style. The support site and forums at KenzerCo (the publisher) are extremely active and have a large following.
   
   One last thing, I have heard/read several reviews who complain about a parody aspect to these books. People who make this claim have probably only briefly paged through the PHB before putting it back on the shelf. After you make it through the first few pages, you really don't notice any obvious parody. Rather, the book is well written with a healthy dose of humor. And if you can't laugh at yourself, what are you doing playing an RPG anyway?



4. This is for those who have played D&D in the past and want to re-live the glory days and/or just want to slay some Orcs. Great stuff from the Kenzer team.



5. Hackmaster wants to be one of 2 things, depending on how you look at it.
   
   A Parody of 1st edition AD&D. Or. A playable RPG that returns us golden age of gaming...
   
   In truth it is neither. It is not funny enough to be a joke, and is far to complex to be played as a game.
   
   It is like playing 1st ed. AD&D with house rules created by some insane basement dweller who has never moved out of his parents house.
   
   The irony is, 1st AD&D on it's own was, when compared to the current version of the game (D&D 3.5), a very simple (if nonsensical) rule set.
   
   The rules provided by HACKMASTER are so convoluted and complex, it's hard to imagine any one old enough to appreciate the nostelgia value, would have the time to learn them. Unless they do still live in their parents basement!
   
   
   It really is a shame. I really wanted to like the book as a parody, that would stir up fond memmories of lead figures, funny shaped dice, pepsi, pizza and many wasted hours of uber geekiness... which it is not. It's just 1st ed. made nearly useless with pointless rules glued on...
   
   As a game, it borders on unplayable..... There are far too many BETTER "Old School" options out there these days....And if you really are "Jonseing" that baddly for a trip in the way back machine , I am sure
   you could find PDF's of the original 1st ed books out there in cyber space...they'd be cheeper to boot!!"

2 comments about Mathematics, Magic and Mystery (Cards, Coins, and Other Magic).

1. This book is very nice. It teaches you how to do magic with any houshold items. There are 2 chapters with cards too. NONE of the tricks described here use any sort of slight of hand. It is 100% mathematical tricks than ANYONE can do. And they are all nice cloe-up tricks which are the type of tricks which are most baffling. Martin Garder, the author of this book is a very talented writer. He wrote many books on mathematics and science. This is a great book and I recomend EVERYONE should get it even if they are not into magic that much.



2. The reason why we use the phrases "magic trick" and "card trick" is because we know that there is no such thing as magic. The magician is executing a very specific algorithm that leads from the starting point to the desired conclusion. In this book, Gardner explains some of the algorithms in areas such as card tricks, mental magic and other common feats of legerdemain.
   The titles of the chapters are:
   
   *) Tricks with cards part I
   *) Tricks with cards part II
   *) From Gergonne to Gargantua - more tricks with cards
   *) Magic with common objects - the objects are items such as dice and dominoes
   *) Topological tomfoolery - tricks with items such as ropes, handkerchiefs and vests
   *) Tricks with special equipment
   *) Geometrical vanishes part I
   *) Geometrical vanishes part II
   *) Magic with pure numbers - rapid computation or number guessing tricks
   
   Some people don't want to know how things are done because it spoils the fun for them. Since Gardner explains all of the tricks in complete detail, if you read this book then you will know how to do them yourself. Therefore, you should only pick it up if you can handle the knowledge of how these tricks are performed.

4 comments about From London to Elista: The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship Matches That Vladimir Kramnik Won Against Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko and Vesilin Topalov.

1. First I want to clarify and say that this book deserves its good reputation, and its high selling volume since it first came out is justified. One can enjoy penetrating into thinking process of the skilled chess professionals who had been interviewed from the Kramnik camp, as well as read excripts from the other GMs cited from different sources.
   Sheer amount of psychology involved into pre-game preparation is puzzling, and drive one to continuously read it. Concreatly, I was more interested into reading details of pre-game preparation process and post-mortem reactions, than of analysis of the games played. Fortunatelly, analysis material of the games is significantly lighter that that of the "San Luis 2005" book, but still it wouldnt mind if some more textual explanation had been added into it, especially at late opening phase mortals nowdays are hard to grasp.
   From historical perspective this is the book to have on your chess shelf to cover world championship matches starting from 2000 and leading to final unification match in 2006.
   Recommended.



2. If you are a typical chess amateur like me who loves to read chess books more for the anecdotes, and sort of wishes that the games and analysis would somehow automatically permeate through to my consciousness, then you will love this book.
   
   The stories and accounts are fascinating, Ilya Luvitov in particular asks some very sharp and direct questions and this brings out the best of Bareev. And snippets in between from thoughts of Kramnik and Lautier and the occassional quip from an Kasparov interview keep making the book more colorful.
   
   The games are full of diagrams and there is both sufficient text commentary that you dont need to setup a board and also there is enough analysis to keep one busy if one did get the pieces out !
   
   A book not to be missed, unique amongst all chess books in the way it captures the very heart of the human element of competitive endeavour.



3. After I have seen this book I must say that it is a "must" that anyone should have. It is shameful that somebody that wants to become the undisputed world champion, tries to win it by means that do not belong to the sport. To accuse someone and to have no proof at all of anything, it is only show of seomone who is not capable of getting anything via normal ways.
   Definitely Kramnik won "EVERY SINGLE POINT" on the chess board. I have seen the San Luis 2005 book, and I would say, that yes it might have some points in which Topalov could have worked on his own before computers were well developed. But, to try to win a WCC match by no sportive means. That's something else!. NO EXCUSE for that!!!
   I really like the book!



4. From London to Elista: The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship Matches That Vladimir Kramnik Won Against Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko and Vesilin Topalov I found the book to read easily and the material with analysis is very strong.

No comments about Chaotic: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

1 comments about Candle Making (Step-by-Step Crafts).

1. This book starts out with defining different materials,waxes, molds,coloring/scenting,and wicks. It tells you how to prepare the wick;how to level the bottom of the candle;and how to use containers found in all homes. It has sections on beeswax candles,making tapers at home,making your own molds,painting and applique candles, layering candles, making floating flowers by hand, imbedding, gel candles(small section),making stacked candles,hurricane(shell)candles,stencilling, wrapped candle ideas,stick candles for the yard,marbling candles,and frosted candles. This book includes templates, variations and tips in the sections and all pages are either full colored pictures or have multiple pictures. Many of the crafts are even explained with pictures to show the novice how to make candles. I have bought around 30 books on candles and I still like this very much. It shows you how to make candles from nothing but the wax and your hands. I can't say enough about this book...

No comments about Call Of Duty: World at War Signature Series Guide (Brady Games).