3 comments about A Christmas Tree Advent Calendar.

1. I was so eager to get this calendar for our two year old and begin the fun tradition of counting down the days to Christmas. Unfortunately, this calendar did not meet my expectations. First, it's three dimensional which I hadn't realized. It fits together with two notches and is not very sturdy when set up. I was expecting a wall calendar style which I could just put on the fridge. This tree shaped style is nice to look at but something that my toddler wants to play with all the time. It's really too flimsy to play with since it's just thin cardboard. Also, the thing is loaded with gold glitter which comes off on the hands whenever you touch it to open the windows. This is very annoying to me, a contact lense wearer, and it gets all over clothes and everything! Third, the pictures inside the windows are not very interesting (granted I've only seen two so far...) and the illustrations are all a bit fuzzy and muted in style. It's not the kid-pleaser I had hoped for.



2. This is really more than just an Advent calendar, it is a lovely addition to your Holiday decor too. I was thrilled to see this was not just your average old flat Advent, but one that can stand alone on a table or shelf. Very nice! And since it comes apart and folds down flat, it will be easy to store with my other Holiday decorations. I'm planning on using this one again next year!



3. everything was great. the calander arrived in plenty of time and the price was good.

5 comments about Ship Modeling Simplified: Tips and Techniques for Model Construction from Kits.

1. Better than the instructions that came with the ship model I was building. Straightened out a couple of misconceptions before they cost me a lot of headache. Wish I'd read it before I started.



2. Over the past year or so, I've been tempted to adopt wooden ship building as a new hobby. I've modeled for years in other media (plastic, paper) and am also a woodworker, so it seemed like a good fit. Also, my son has been really getting into the Napoleonic wars and life in naval ships, so that was an added inducement. My typical method when becoming interested in something is to read anything I can about the subject. Consequently, I noticed on the net many references to this book and how good it is. So, I bought it.
   
   After reading it, I understand much more about the whole process of building these model ships. The author is (was?) obviously very familiar with the process and had developed many techniques that worked for him. Would those same techniques work for someone else? Maybe...
   
   One of the main problems for a novice looking to get in to this hobby is that the terminology of the time was unique and not necessarily logical. Nor, are the terms carried through to our own day. So, you have to put up with a fair amount of bewildering words. For instance, did you know that the Vangs connected the Gaff in the same way as a Stay?
   
   My biggest two criticisms of the book is that the author used these terms repeatedly and that some of his techniques appear easy but are not. I suppose the use of the proper terms is a good thing, I just wish the approach would have been more descriptive - i.e. add more diagrams or a pictorial dictionary of the terms; this was started with the naming of the various sails and masts, but stopped there. As to the techniques mentioned, some of them were really set up to allow you to build one model after another - but I am not sure that I want to spend the time and money to build these fancy jigs when I might only build one model ship in my lifetime!
   
   Another, more minor nit, is the loose organization of the logic flow in the book. At the beginning of each part, the author gives an overview of the flow. Unfortunately, in the body of the text, he then bounces around and does not necessarily follow his own order. Also, the overall sequence I think is flawed. The last two parts have you attach all the rigging and then add the various boats and their connections. But, in those models that I've seen it seems like adding the stuff on the deck would be easier to do before the rigging is all attached so you do not have to maneuver around that mass of fine wires.
   
   Please do not take these criticisms as reasons not to buy the book. I thought I learned a lot from reading this brief book (only 115 pages). I am now looking at the actual model I purchased and can visualize a lot better what needs to be done and why it needs to be done in the order he recommends. So, I would concur that this is a good book - although not a great one.



3. I have never built a model ship before, but I got one at a garage sale. The instructions that came with it were skimpy at best. So when I saw this book I bought it. It has been a great help. My only regret is that I didn't read the book before I started building the model. There were a few things that I could have done better. The book is great for the beginner. Sometimes I get confused with the terms used, but between re-reading and the glossary, I figure it out. I highly recommend the book!



4. Great book for the first time model ship builder. Full for great tips and short cuts. It's worth the money just for the time you will save and the mistakes you would have made.



5. I just received this book and I am very pleased with the content. Don't worry about tons of fine print and esoteric talk, just a step by step easy to follow, discussion of the contruction of a single model with side steps when needed. You can expand the lessons learned to any size model or even strike out with sxratch building some parts. A OK/

2 comments about Saints Row 2 Signature Series Guide.

1. This is one of the worst game guides I have ever tried to use. For the collectibles, there is just a map with no description of where or how to find what you are looking for. On top of that, the maps aren't even complete. There are 32 secret areas but the guide only has 19 on the map. The map only shows 65 of the 80 stunt jumps. The barnstorming map shows 33 of the 35 events but has eight crosshairs scattered around the map for no reason. I think only the CD's map has the correct number of markers. When you start a new game and bring the map up on the screen, everything except for the area where you start is grayed out and lacks detail. This is the screen shot they used in the guide for all of these maps. The prison where you start the game is bright and has some detail but everything else is not.
   
   Other parts of the guide are equally deficient. The weapons section just has a picture and a name but not stats or information about the weapon or how to get it. The Hitman sections often give no more information about the target than what shows in the game.
   
   I could go on and on but you get the idea. This is a total amateur job and not worth the money. There will be much better maps and guides available online for free before long, if they aren't available already. Wait for them.



2. I was more than pleased with previous Brady Games books for Grand Theft Auto IV, and GTA: San Andreas. Past experience set high expectations, so I purchased this guide site unseen.
   
   It's so disappointing I almost feel cheated. Most of the book is little more than a recitation of the instruction manual and readily available in-game information with a few common sense tips that you can easily figure out by yourself.
   
   In previous Brady books, collectible locations were usually described with overview maps, a sentence or two description on how to find them, and pictures to make collecting an easy, albeit often tedious, task. The Saints Row 2 book only provides a map, making elevation and exact location of collectibles much harder to pin-point.
   
   Instructions on completing hit lists and car jacking give you no more information that what the game itself already gives you when you get the car and hit lists. No new advice, and no detailed location instructions.
   
   The sections on vehicles and weapons is a major waste of space. All you get are pictures. No details and no statistics.
   
   Brady had no business releasing this book. It is far, far below their usual standards.

5 comments about Color Sudoku.

1. I loved this book! If you like color, this one is for you! I haven't found anything else like this one. Can't wait until another is available!



2. I have been getting a bit bored of sudoku, so when my cousin got me this book for Christmas, I couldn't wait to get started!
   The new rules and twists that are in this book are a lot of fun! The different difficulty levels and different rules keep it interesting.
   I highly recommend this book to any fan of sudoku!



3. If you have become bored with regular Sudoku, then try this book. One must use a different type of thinking in order to solve the puzzles. Even some of the "easy" ones will drive you to throw your pencil against the wall. Carry an eraser with you constantly. Great puzzle book.



4. The colored squares make it difficult for the user to enter and read candidate numbers



5. I am a huge sudoku player and absolutely loved this book. It had a wonderful variety of puzzles that ranged from easy to extremely challenging. I would absolutely reccomend this book to anyone that loves the game and is looking for a challenge.

5 comments about Magic for Dummies.

1. (...)
   
   If you're looking for some new magic tricks and a good laugh (Eccl. 3:4), read "Magic for Dummies" by David Pogue. Don't let the title fool you, even experienced magicians can benefit from this book.
   
   The book contains many impromptu effects--things you can do anywhere with familiar objects. For example, you're in a restaurant with your friends and the conversation lulls. You take a packet of sugar off the center of the table and pour it into your clenched fist. Give it a little squeeze and "voila!" there's no sugar to be found.
   
   You could adapt many of the tricks to a Biblical theme. For example, "The Phantom Photo" is an illusion where you assemble an empty picture frame, an audience member selects a famous movie star, and their photo appears in the frame. This same illusion and a little imagination could turn it into a lesson about the major Bible prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
   
   Each chapter has something valuable. The effects are quite strong and unique. Many of the tricks were submitted by over 35 of the top magicians in the world. In addition to the secret, David adds tips and valuable suggested patter to the effects. The book contains several cartoons by Rich Tennant (The 5th Wave). One was especially appropriate for the Christian Conjuror and is included with this review.
   
   I found the answers provided to common questions like "How did you do that?" and things you can say when you flub a trick very helpful. Although I wish I never needed to use those lines, reality proves me wrong. It's good to be prepared. To help you become a well-rounded magician, David has also included a couple of chapters on the history of magic, describing some of the most famous magicians and incredible moments in magic.
   
   One appendix provides many places you can contact to continue with your interest in magic. There are many up-to-date internet addresses for information included as well. Unfortunately, the "Fellowship of Christian Magicians" is not listed. I've suggested this to the author for a future edition.
   
   Even if you bought the book and decided not to read it, you could always use the book as a prop in your next show. For comedy effect when a trick goes bad, pull the book out of your bag and pretend to check out the secret. It's always humbling to let your audience know that you consider yourself a "dummy" sometimes.
   
   All in all, "Magic for Dummies" is an excellent instructional book on magic for the beginner or professional. It's filled to the brim with practical illusions that you can do. David's sense of humor really makes the book fun to read. I give it a thumbs up!



2. This book provides the secrets behing some good fun and very easy to perform magic. The tricks are well described and if you are new to magic this is a great introduction.



3. the recipient enjoyed this gift. however, some of the illustrations are hard to follow. aside from that, it is a good first magic book.. or even for seasoned magicians to brush up on some old tricks



4. It was helpful. I am writing a script that requires a small amout of simple magic. I needed the book for helpful hints.



5. This book has some amazing stuff! Although I am an introvert, and certainly not one to be in the spotlight, I have really amazed some friends and relatives with some of the tricks (illusions) I have learned from this book. And it's been fabulous fun!!
   
   Each time I learned a trick from this book, I thought, "Will someone really believe this trick, it's so simple?" But guess what?? Their jaws dropped open, and they asked, "How DID you do that??" (NEVER tell!!)
   
   This book goes beyond just doing a trick, it goes into the psychology and illusion involved, which seems to make a great difference. Have a ball!

No comments about Snowman 3-D Advent Calendar.

5 comments about Wonderplay.

1. I have to agree with some other reviews, that it wasn't all that creative. I was hoping for more inventive ways to have fun with my toddler, but was sadly disappointed. Thankfully I also got the Toddler Busy Book, which was WAY more helpful and I use that ALL the time.



2. Gave as a gift and have no idea what they thought of it. Seemed like it had some good ideas.



3. This book is a treasure of ideas for new parents or childcare providers. If you don't remember the words to all those nursery rhymes, forgotten everything that can be done with a pasta box, or need fresh games to liven up a stale routine, then this book is for you.



4. From most of the reviews, I thought that I would be able to get some fun ideas to try out with my son. But all it has is LAME games and songs we already know. WASTE OF MONEY!



5. Although I've pulled a handful or original ideas from this book, overall it's nothing I didn't know already. It literally lists the words to the songs "Mary Had A Little Land" and "Old McDonald Had A Farm". I have pulled some fun art projects out of this book, but I wouldn't recommend spending money on it.

2 comments about Great Group Games: 175 Boredom-Busting, Zero-Prep Team Builders for All Ages.

1. As a pastor for Youth and Children, I am always looking for new and creative games. This book is a wonderful resource for "just-for-fun" games as well as for trust-building games. The de-briefing that is included after every game has insightful questions for all ages. I have used many of these games with both elementary age children as well as youth with great success. It has many of the classics as well as great new games and I recommend it to those needing to add some games to their repetoire.



2. This book put many of the classic games and some great new games in a format that was easy to follow! Working with teens, you have to provide gradual levels of trust to build relationships and this book starts simple and works through to more complex. I am constantly refering to it when doing teen leadership as well as fun corporate level ice breakers.

5 comments about Seabiscuit: An American Legend.

1. I can't recall the number of non-fiction books that I've read. Little matter, this is the most incredible true story that I've read!!
   Laura Hillenbrand has captured a time in American History. She is a true storyteller who has done impeccable research. It must have been the time she spent in Gambier, Ohio at Kenyon College that inspired her to such great in depth writing.
   For those of you who have not read this book or have not seen the excellent movie, you're in for an incredible treat. Trust Me!!
   If I were writing fiction, this true story would not have been told. Charles Howard, Red Pollard and Tom Smith are indeed the Holy Trinity. Remember these names, after reading this book, you will never forget them.
   One little horse, so much history!!! Incredible!!!!



2. I'm usually concerned about purchasing items on line, especially books. I can honestly say that this experience was worth it. I would recommend this seller to anyone interested in purchasing good quality books at extremely reasonable prices.
   
   Buy with confidence, I did!



3. This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.



4. I saw both flims the original with Shirley Temple/Lon McAllister also the newer version both were great
   So the the book was a must have also to learn what had happen to rest of the story(the horse/the people)



5. When I finished reading this book five years ago, I thought "Wow, that is the greatest sports book I have read." Well, I still think that way and I've read some great sports literature since.
   
   It's the combination of fascinating mini-biographies of Seabiscuit's owner, trainer and jockey that make this book so entertaining. These were fascinating people and if you were a horse racing fan, the era was just about perfect. People went nuts over horse racing, baseball and boxing. It's not like today where football, basketball and hockey share the limelight, sports-wise.
   
   Author Laura Hillebrand's account of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith and jockey "Red" Pollard are just incredible. These man have amazing stories and what they and Seabiscuit attained in racing, are almost unbelivable.....yet everything in this easy-to-read book is true. From the early pages on, the book hooks you in to the point where you care deeply about all the main characters.
   
   I'll always remember getting to the chapter which told about the famous match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Hillenbrand had done such a great job of building up to that, I almost didn't want to read on for fear I would be greatly disappointed. That's how involving her book was for me, and for many others.
   
   I guess the highest praise I can give this book is so good that it got me back reading, after a long absence.

No comments about Call of Cthulhu Card Game Core Set.