Product "Ravensburger Puzzle Store"

This Ravensburger Puzzle Store is excellent if used with "care". I am a puzzle maniac, having assembled jigsaw puzzles from 100 to 9000 pieces (a 13200 pieces is in the queue). I have used different techniques and products to store/move unfinished puzzles, like Fold and Go, Portable Jigsaw Roll, Jumbo Wooden Puzzle Plateau etc. and for the value, this is the best I found.

When I mentioned it must be used with care, I was referring to the fact that if you transport the puzzle using the handle, pieces might slide, so I recommend always moving it in horizontal position. I found out that it is excellent if you want to assemble in a sofa, placing it in your lap. Unfortunately it can be used only for small puzzles. If there was one for 3000 pieces, I would go for it.

Bottom line is that this is a valuable product for puzzle lovers for works in the range of 500 to 1000 pieces (for up to 500 pieces you most likely will not need to store or move, as you might be able to finish the puzzle in less than four hours).

Amazon.com was kind enough to provide this product for me through their Vine Program for reviewing and I was not request to provide a positive review. Opinions expressed here are my own.
If you read this review, fell free to leave a comment!

Book "Hell Is Real (But I Hate To Admit It)" by Brian Jones

About the Book: Eternal Damnation, Really?
The first four years that Brian Jones was a pastor, he had a secret: he didn’t believe in hell. Today, he shares his story of discovering that hell exists—and why we’re afraid to believe in it.
Are you one of the many Christians who doesn’t believe in hell or is not convinced your non-Christians friends will end up there? Hell Is Real (But I Hate to Admit It) will change your mindset for good—and inspire you to do something about it. Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, Jones will lead you into a head-on collision with what he calls apocalyptic urgency. This all-consuming conviction that hell is real will not only strengthen your faith; it will also free you to share good news with others that will change their lives—now and forever.

About the Author: Brian Jones is the Senior Pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley, an innovative community of faith he and his wife helped start in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Today more than 2,000 people call CCV their spiritual home.
Brian is a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University (B.A.), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and has served in leadership positions in churches for over twenty years. His humorous and raw style has made him a popular speaker for conferences, seminars, churches, and retreats. Brian is passionate about the areas of evangelism and church planting, Christian growth and discipleship, family and relationships, Christianity and popular culture, and innovative approaches to spiritual leadership.
Brian’s latest book, Hell Is Real (But I Hate To Admit It), will be released August 1, 2011. Brian suggests that the real reason most of us don’t tell our friends about Jesus has nothing to with not knowing how. It’s because we don’t think we need to. His prayer is that this latest book changes that mindset.
Brian enjoys watching his daughters' soccer and LAX games, losing golf balls on tight fairways, blowing a morning fishing for trout, and watching God's favorite football team: THE Ohio State Buckeyes. For twenty-two years Brian has been married to “that cute little girl with the big brown eyes” he met in fifth grade church camp. Now he and his wife Lisa have three little girls of their own.

My Review: This book is a work of art, where the author is not shy on giving us all details about why hell is real, supported by innumerous biblical passages that he referred inside his text.

He tries to answer four basic questions, in a total of 12 chapters. His questions are: If Hell is Real... Why Don't I Believe It? Why Am I Afraid To Admit It? How Can I Get Serious About It? How Can I Help Others Avoid It?

So he tell us his story, how come he did not believe in hell until four years after becoming a pastor, when through reading and studying he concluded that hell is real and he started an apocalyptical urgent campaign to spread the word, without sugar-coating the message.

For me it shows clearly that if we care about a non-Christian friend, we should be willing to take the risk of losing a friendship than allowing this friend going to hell for not telling him the naked truth about the salvation plan of our God.

I recommend this book to the permanent library of any serious Christian reader who is concerned about salvation of non-Christian people.

This book was written by Mr. Brian Jones and it was published by David C.Cook in August, 2011 and B&B Media Group were kind enough to send me a copy for reviewing through their blogger book review program.

If you are reading this review, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.

Book "Boston" a Fodor's Travel Guide by Bethany Beckerlegge et al.

In the process of remaking our blog to a brand new domain, this archived post has been transferred to:

About the Book: Full-color guide • Make your trip to Boston unforgettable with maps, illustrated features, and color photos.
Customize your trip with simple planning tools • Top experiences & attractions • Lodging comparison charts • Easy-to-read color regional maps
Explore Boston, and beyond • Discerning Fodor’s Choice picks for hotels, restaurants, sights, and more • “Word of Mouth” tips from fellow Fodor’s travelers • Illustrated features on the Freedom Trail and Whale-Watching • Best bets for dining and lodging, ideas for making the most of your time, shopping blitz tours, family activities, and museums.
Opinions from destination experts • Fodor’s Boston-based writers reveal their favorite local haunts •Revised annually to provide the latest information

About the Author: Former Fodor's production editor, Bethany Beckerlegge enjoyed getting back to her roots for this project. A native of Massachusetts, this Connecticut-based writer and editor rediscovered her favorite Beantown haunts while updating Boston 2012. When not on assignment, Bethany and her husband Robb travel the coast of Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut with their son, Andy.
Other writers are Amanda Knorr, Susan MacCallum-Whitcomb and Lisa Oppenheimer

My Review: This is a very well prepared book, where the writers and the editor did a magnificent job putting together this wonderful guide, with full description of places, that should be able to fulfill all your needs for information on that to do, how to do, where to go, how much it will cost, etc... when you are in Boston.
This guide is fully illustrated with beautiful photos and maps (including an "On the Go Map" attached on the last page of the guide) and they go deep in details on every attraction that you can find in the city and its vicinity.
They start the guide with a section named Experience Boston, orienting you on when to go, giving you some important events that happen annually (Marathon, Harborfest etc...) and Top Attractions. Then they propose some great itineraries that you can do in four days, if you are lost and have no clue from where to start during your visit to Boston. Finally they describe some of Family Favorite Programs and programs you can do for free or almost free.
After this introductory chapter, they go into details on some of top attractions, dedicating full chapters to Beacon Hill, Boston Common, and the Old West End (chapter 2), then Government Center and the North End (chapter 3), Charlestown (chapter 4), Downtown Boston (chapter 5), Back Bay and the South End (chapter 6), The Fenway (chapter 7), Boston Outskirts (chapter 8), and Cambridge (chapter 9).
Following the sequence, they start discussing Where to Eat (chapter 10) where you have a vast list of places to eat with range of price and a quick description on what the place has to offer. then we have a Boston Dining and Lodging Atlas (chapter 11) with a similar approach with descriptions on where to stay. Next is a chapter on Nightlife and Arts (chapter 12) followed by Sports and Outdoors (chapter 13), and Shopping (chapter 14). The guide finishes with suggestions for Side Trips (chapter 15).
So, overall a superb job done by the writers and editor and all people involved on producing such masterpiece. It is a must book if you have any plans to visit Boston!

Amazon.com was kind enough to provide this book for me through their Vine Program for reviewing and I was not request to provide a positive review. Opinions expressed here are my own.
If you read this review, fell free to leave a comment!

Book "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn

In the process of remaking our blog to a brand new domain, the archived post has been transferred to:

About the Book: Is this the day I die? Li Quan asks himself this question daily, knowing that he might be killed for practicing his faith. American businessman Ben Fielding has no idea what his brilliant former college roommate is facing in China. He expects his old friend has fulfilled his dream of becoming a university professor. But when they are reunited in China after twenty years, both men are shocked at what they discover about each other. Thrown together in an hour of encroaching darkness, both must make choices that will determine not only the destinies of two men, but two families, two nations, and two worlds.

About the Author: Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of over 40 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci, and their Dalmatian, Moses. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of four grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.

My Review: This is a magnificent book, telling us a very touching story about two friends, Li Quan and Ben Fielding, that lived together as roommates while in college, and after that each one followed his path. When reunited twenty years later, they are chocked with what they see. At college Ben Fielding took Li Quan to his church meetings, but after college Ben forgot about God, relying more in his abilities to advance in his business career than in God's intervention. In the other hand, Li Quan did not deny his new re-discovered God, same God of his ancestors, and he give up all his worldly dreams of becoming a professor and writing books to follow the path of evangelising in China.
The author shows us all the "behind the scenes" persecution that happens in China for those who preach the gospel of Jesus. We follow all the sufferings of Li Quan and his family and the rewakening of Ben to his faith, while witnessing everything that Li Quan is enduring in his life in China, in the name of a God that he had forgotten and abandoned.
This is a brilliant book, very well written, easy reading and that keep us turning pages till the very end. It is a must have book in the permanent library of any serious christian reader. Thanks, Randy Alcorn, for such a masterpiece!
This book was written by Randy Alcorn and it was published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in 2011 and they were kind enough to send me a copy for reviewing through their blogger book review program.
If you are reading this review, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.

Contest#3 - Book "Indelible" by Kristen Heitzmann

Contest open worldwide.

About the Book: In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfitter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve - and attracts a grim admirer.
Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.
When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

Read my review on this book.

Thanks to Kristen Heitzmann and Blog for Books team, I have one (1) copy of this fabulous book to give away. Here is what you need to do to win a copy:

Giveaway Rules:

1- ) No purchase is necessary … :) ... (just kidding)… :) ...

2- ) Mandatory: Leave a comment with a valid e-mail address to enter into a drawing. Each comment is one entry and you can leave just one comment per day with your e-mail address.

3- ) You can enter an additional comment (another chance of winning!) if you are/become a follower of my blog (must be public profile). This is just one comment/entry during the whole life of this contest. It is not “one comment per day” opportunity, like item # 2.

4- ) If you have your own review blog, leave a link to your blog in a separate comment, to count as another entry. I will start following your blog. Same criteria as rule #3 apply here (Just one additional entry during the whole life of this contest).

5- ) You can enter an additional comment (another chance of winning!) if you are/become my follower on twitter (@rmattos). Same criteria as rule #3 apply here (Just one additional entry during the whole life of this contest).

All valid comments will be sorted by the order they were entered and they will be given a sequential number. The winner will be selected using the site www.random.org and they will be immediately notified by e-mail, so, no e-mail, no entry. Result also will be posted here in the day following the end of contest.

Contest ends September 02nd, 2011 - 11:59 P.M., NJ time (E.S.T.)
Book will be sent by USPS Media Mail.

Balance of July

During July, I read/watched and reviewed the following:

Books:
- "Indelible" by Kristen Heitzmann. Read my review.
- "Essential India" a Fodor's Travel Guide by Vidya Balachander et al. Read my review.
- "Billy Graham in Quotes" by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney. Read my review.
- "The Complete African Safari Planner" a Fodor's Travel Guide by Claire Baranowski et al. Read my review.

Book "The Complete African Safari Planner" a Fodor's Travel Guide by Claire Baranowski et al.

About the Book: Everything You Need to Plan the Adventure of a Lifetime.
Fodor’s full-color travel guide can help make your trip to Africa unforgettable with 8 pages of detailed maps, magazine-style illustrated features, 125 stunning photos, and all the practical information you need.
Customize your trip with simple planning tools.
Options that fit your travel preferences such as field-tested itineraries and ideas for making the most of your time and easy-to-read color regional maps.
Explore South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, and beyond.
Discerning Fodor’s Choice picks for hotels, restaurants, sights, and more.
“Word of Mouth” tips from fellow Fodor’s travelers.
Illustrated features on The Cradle of Mankind, Safari Tipping, and Kenya's Tribes.
Recommendations for everything from helicopter rides over Victorias Falls to the Big 5 on Safari and Zulu essentials to bridge the language barrier.
Expert opinions, gorgeous photos and graphics.
Fodor’s African-based writers reveal their favorite local haunts.
Quick and easy to browse with sidebars and key points in full color.
Frequently updated to provide the most up-to-date information.

About the Authors: Claire Baranowsky is a freelance travel editor and writer. After 10 years in Zimbabwe, 10 years in South Africa, and 10 years in London, she has washed ashore in Cape Town and waits to see what adventure greets her next. Some of her favorite travel destinations are the beaches of Tobago, the city of Barcelona, and backpacking in Laos.
Other writers are Sanja Cloete-Jones, Lee Middleton, Sean Pattrick, and Kate Turkington.

My Review: Fodor's Travel Guides never disappoint and this one in particular is no exception. The writers and the editor did a superb job putting together this wonderful guide, with full description of places, that should be able to fulfill all your needs for information on what to do, how to do, where to go, etc... when you are planning an African Safari.
I have never been in that region and looking at this guide made me want to go and visit many places. This guide is fully illustrated with beautiful photos and maps and they go deep in details on every attraction that you can find.

They start the guide with general guidance on when to go, where to go, what is your budget etc. After this quick introduction, they talk about Fauna and Flora, the big five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) and the exhilaration of meeting one of those animals face to face. Then they split the descriptions focusing on countries, dedicating the first one, chapter 3, to Kenya, followed by Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Then they dedicated one full chapter to Victoria Falls National Part (Zimbabwe and Zambia), and one chapter to The Seychelles. They conclude the book with another chapter on advices about passports, visas, safety and precautions, insurance, vaccinations, what to pack, etc

This is an outstanding result for a combined effort from five different writers and it was published by Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House Inc. in June 2011. I recommend this book for those who are serious about planing their African Safari vacation.
Amazon.com was kind enough to provide this book for me through their Vine Program for reviewing and I was not request to provide a positive review. Opinions expressed here are my own.

If you read this review, fell free to leave a comment!

Book "Billy Graham in Quotes" by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney

In the process of transferring our  blog to a brand new domain, this archivedpost has been adapted to BooksCrier.com

About the Book: A note from Franklin Graham: "My father, Billy Graham, is known for speaking out about the one and only thing that matters in this world: the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He remembers the call of God seven decades ago to preach the Word of God to all those who would listen about salvation that comes only through Christ. He took this high calling with seriousness and boldness in obedience to God and once said, 'I will travel anywhere in the world to preach if there are no strings on what I am to say.'
"My father has always prayed that his words would reflect God’s standard of truth as the basis to claim, 'I have given them Your word' (John 17:14). In this book, I believe you will see that he has faithfully spoken God’s Word that quenches the thirst of those seeking to draw from the wellsprings of Life. It is highly meaningful to see these statements now collected in one volume."
Drawn from an unparelleled collection of both personal and published works, Billy Graham provides input on more than one hundred topics, such as suffering, joy, money, addictions, peace, and many more.

About the Author: William Franklin Graham, III, born July 14, 1952, is the fourth of five children born to evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth Bell Graham. Raised in a log home in the Appalachian Mountains outside Asheville, North Carolina, Franklin now lives in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina.
He was born into a heritage rich in Christian ministry. By the time of Franklin's birth, Billy Graham was already known around the world as a spiritual leader, but he wasn't the only spiritual giant in the family. Franklin's maternal grandfather, Lemuel Nelson Bell, was a medical missionary to China for more than 20 years, a respected moderator of his denomination, the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and a co-founder and executive editor of Christianity Today.
At age 22, after a period of rebellion and traveling the world, Franklin committed his life to Jesus Christ while alone in a hotel room in Jerusalem. Soon after that, Dr. Bob Pierce, founder of Samaritan's Purse (and World Vision), invited Franklin to join him on a six-week mission to Asia. It was during that time that Franklin felt a calling to work with hurting people in areas of the world affected by war, famine, disease, and natural disasters.

Donna Lee Toney, a colleague of Franklin Graham for thirty years, has been involved in the ministries of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and in literary collaboration since 1982, most recently on the re-release of Storm Warning with Billy Graham.

My Review: This is a very nice compilation of some of the most significant quotes from Billy Graham, one of the most known evangelist of modern time. His quotes are arranged in topics for easy reference, from Abortion to Young People, covering all major areas of interest, including Children, Heaven, Hell, Marriage, Money, Salvation, and many more. As is his style, Billy Graham always goes directly to the point, not hiding any truth, talking about the Gospel of the Lord as a true believer.
Some of his quotes touched me deeply, as for example one on the Commitment section, that says "commitment means burning all bridges behind you". Also, in the Family section, "Your own family circle knows whether Christ lives in you and through you". There are hundred of similar quotes and the organization of the topics was done in a superb way.
This book should be part of a permanent library of any serious Christian reader.

This book was written by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney and published by Thomas Nelson in 2011 and they were kind enough to send me a copy for reviewing through their Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers Program.

If you are reading this review, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.

Book "Essential India" a Fodor's Travel Guide by Vidya Balachander et al.

In the process of remaking our blog to a brand new domain, the archived post has been transferred to:

About the Book: Full-color guide • Make your trip to India unforgettable with illustrated features, maps, and color photos.
Customize your trip with simple planning tools • Convenient overview of each region and its highlights • Ideas for making the most of your time — Practical advice for getting around • Easy-to-read color city, neighborhood, and regional maps.
Explore Delhi, Mumbai, the Taj Mahal, and beyond • Discerning Fodor’s Choice picks for hotels, restaurants, sights, and more • “Word of Mouth” tips from fellow Fodor’s travelers • Illustrated features on the Taj Mahal, discovering Varanasi, and Getting Around India • Best side trip excursions, best holy sites to visit, and best markets for shopping and bargaining.
Opinions from destination experts • Fodor’s India-based writers reveal their favorite local haunts — Frequently updated to provide the latest information.

About the Authors: Vidya Balachander has lived in many cities throughout India, including Chennai and Bangalore, but Mumbai is the place that she always seems to come back to. Her first job was working in Mumbai for the television channel CNBC-TV 18 and since then, she has also worked as a reporter for Time Out and the Hindustan Times.Vidya wrote several of the features in the "Experience" chapter for this edition of Fodor's Essential India.
Other writers are Margot Bigg, Tanvi Chheda, Neil Munshi, Ambika Muttoo, John Rambow, Mrinalini Reddy and Sonal Shah.

My Review: Fodor's Travel Guides never disappoint and this one in particular is no exception. The writers and the editor did a superb job putting together this wonderful guide, with full description of places, that should be able to fulfill all your needs for information on what to do, how to do, where to go, etc... when you are in India.
I have never been in that region and looking at this guide made me want to go and visit many places. This guide is fully illustrated with beautiful photos and maps and they go deep in details on every attraction that you can find in that country.

They propose the golden triangle itinerary for a 11-day trip that cover the most important places in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra (The Taj Mahal) and Fatehpur Sikri, besides giving you a high level picture of the history of each place. Suggested attractions to visit have a reference price and hours of operation. Other add-ons proposed are Mumbai and Goa from Delhi, and Varanasi and Khajurao, also from Delhi..

Finally the "Where to Eat", "Where to Stay", "Shopping", and "Nightlife" sections of the guide are a tremendous help when you are planning your trip.
This is an outstanding result for a combined effort from eight different writers and it was published by Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House Inc. in June 2011. I recommend this book for those who are serious about planing their trips and also for those who want to remember details on previous travels, while wishing they can return to India some day in the future.

Amazon.com was kind enough to provide this book for me through their Vine Program for reviewing and I was not request to provide a positive review. Opinions expressed here are my own.
If you read this review, fell free to leave a comment!

Book "Indelible" by Kristen Heitzmann

In the process of transferring our  blog to a brand new domain, this archivedpost has been adapted to BooksCrier.com

About the Book: In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfitter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve - and attracts a grim admirer.
Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.
When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

About the Author: Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of seventeen novels, including The Edge of Recall and the Christy Award winner Secrets. An artist and music minister, Kristen lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Jim, and their family.

My Review: This is a magnificent book, very well written and easy reading page-turner novel with a delightful plot. The author managed to create a set of characters that touch us deeply  in all aspects.
Trevor MacDaniel is our hero, a former Olympian who now works as a rock climber instructor and also take customers rafting. In the meantime he does search and rescue missions, when necessary. Natalie Reeve is our heroine, an art gallery owner and sculptor with an unusual talent. Trevor saves Natalie's nephew from the jaws of a mountain lion and their lives get linked in a succession of events that keep us reading the book overnight. Their strong faith is explicitly presented in the story and during the whole plot they have plenty of opportunities to exercise their faith. The movement from the dark characters to the light ones is very well done during the story and also the mix of thriller and romance is very well balanced. Overall a supperb work from this talented author. This is the first book I read from this author and definitely will not be the last.
This book was written by Kristen Heitzmann and was published in May 2011 by WaterBrook Multnomah Books and they were kind enough to provide me a copy for reviewing through their Blogging for Books Program. Thanks, Mrs. Kristen Heitzmann, for such an inspirational book!


If you are reading this review, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.