No comments about Zagatsurvey 2009 Washington, DC Baltimore Restaurants (Zagatsurvey: Washington Dc/Baltimore Restaurants).

5 comments about Arizona Atlas & Gazetteer.

1. I purchased the maps so I could see the elevation contours. I have a Tennessee maps and it gives the elevation changes by 100 foot. The map gives some elevation but not the contours.



2. These Delorme Atlas & Gazetters are wondeful. They show you many features not available through GPS, maps or other atlases. It is a great feature to have the BLM lands marked as well as the back roads. Good resources are also included in each states atlas. A good addition to anyone's travel tools.



3. We are snowbirds and we kept getting "misplaced" with the regular maps. This one is complete and accurate. Thanks



4. Arizona is a spectacular state. There is so much to explore, from the Grand Canyon to old mining town of Bisbee. North to south, east to west, this atlas will get you where you want to go. Even in you have a GPS, it helps to have a broader visual back-up. Get yourself an atlas and hit the road. Happy Trails!



5. While there wasn't the detail I'd hoped for I believe it'll be an asset while traveling.

5 comments about North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide.

1. I am an amatuer nature photographer so I am always on the look-out for books to know where to go to shoot. This book may be the best photography guide I have ever had. He tells you where the waterfalls are, and how to photograph them. Best of all he has the guts to rate the quality of each waterfall on a scale of 1 to 10. There are so many waterfalls that I can't visit them all. With this book I can go only to the highly rated ones and know they will be knock-outs. When I get there he will help me to know how to shoot it. This is a great book!



2. A good reference, but I found the directions confusing at times. You need to drive slowly and read carefully.



3. Excellent book for locating waterfalls. Very good directions. Is a good book for those just wanting to look for waterfalls, but not much for a regular hiker as most of the trails are either very short, or there is a need to bushwack.



4. This is an essential guide for anyone who loves waterfalls and lives/travels to North Carolina. The photo tips are very helpful. This is a great update to the original, as access points and property ownership change. The author has even changed his mind about some of his initial beauty ratings -- some up; some down -- so you know he's done his research as well as the footwork.
   I also recommend Kevin's book on Virginia/West Virginia waterfalls and North Carolina wildflowers.



5. I'm planning a photographic trip to NC to do waterfalls. This book has more falls than I can possibly photograph. Book is well organized. Gives helps with travel, times to photography, best locations. It's all in this book. Hikers will also find it beneficial.

5 comments about Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway: An Epoch Tale of a Scientist and an Artist on the Ultimate 5,000-Mile Paleo Road Trip.

1. One part Easy Rider, one part On the Road with Charles Kuralt, and one part "stuff to find by the side of the road." Mix up these three and add an interesting commentary of "how things got to be the way they are" and you'll have some idea of what "Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway" is like. I've read "The Bone Wars" (Cope vs Marsh) and, while I find the topic interesting, I had to drag myself through parts of it. I also have a number of "Roadside Geology" books that I'm generally disappointed with. In "Cruisin'," Dr. Johnson gives details about the first scientists on the scene, plus precise locations & basic geology, and manages to make it all humorous and entertaining. The Easy Rider camaraderie between Johnson and artist Troll is often quite amusing, and the sketches of personalities they meet along the road makes what could be a very dry subject full of personable details. The octogenarian racing to beat Johnson to a fossil, the 16 year old girl with an Allosaurus under her bed, the "King of Trilobites" who has little more than disdain for fossils ... all keep the narrative far from a textbook coverage of geology. No, I don't know the author well enough for him to buy me lunch or have a piece of the royalties. I just really enjoyed both the personalities and the fossil info in the book. If you're serious about collecting, get the separate map as well: not only is it covered in Trollish art, but it provides an accurate index of fossil locales throughout the Western states (in much more detail and over broader areas than the book ... and better than any other source I've seen).



2. Funny,thought-provoking story with historic information on paleontological sites and the people who search for fossils.



3. Caution! Paleo fever is catching. I already had a light dose of it before reading the book. Not many people carry around a small chunk of dinosaur rib in their purse just for the heck of it. (It makes a hilarious conversation piece at security check points. Most screeners don't want anything more to do with the purse after finding the bone.)
   
   Now, after reading the book, I have a full blown case, and am itching to get back on the road. This book strikes just the right balance between hard information and just plain fun.
   
   We went to Montana last summer and met several people who were at least as interesting as the bones - with strange tales of discovery and survival. Guess what! after reading the book, I now know that there is a whole world of fossils and people just waiting to be discovered.
   
   This book answers a lot of questions that I had - i.e. what on earth is a concretion? Before reading the book, I could recognize one, but couldn't define what it was. Now I know more about what they are and how they form.
   
   The book delivers a steady drip of valid scientific information that you almost don't realize that you are getting. (The author is a curator at the Denver Museum.)
   
   The book will also tell you how to recognize and find dinosaur tracks at 65 miles an hour. - I won't give away the secret,but, I'll give you a hint: it involves birthday cake and ants.
   
   Be warned! If you read this book, you will be left screaming for a ROAD TRIP in the great old American tradition.



4. The book was listed in Science News, which is a weekly publication with current news in the world of Science. My spouse, who is a Registered Professional Geologist, asked me to purchase it for her. At first glance she thought it was a children's book, however; in reading further realized the book was intended for adults. Her rating is that the publication was very good, both well written and illustrated. This rating means a lot because it is from someone who must have at least a zillion books on Geology and also has a Masters Degree in the subject.



5. Kirk Johnson of the Denver Museum of Natural History and his traveling companion, artist Ray Troll, take us on a goofy whirlwind tour of fossil sites in the West that is funny and also informative. Kirk Johnson explains a lot of geological concepts along the way, while weaving in great anecdotes and entertaining sketches of the whacky characters who live and work at many of the sites they visit. Ray Troll's art, as always, is great and often quite surreal, and there's lots of it on every page. Highly recommended!

5 comments about The Walt Disney World Trivia Book, Volume 2: More Secrets, History & Fun Facts Behind the Magic.

1. Fantastic book! What you may have thought you knew...but didn't! An interesting book of facts that help you understand the making of Walt Disney World. A must have book for Disney mania! Volume 1 is just as interesting!



2. I purchased Lou's book after I had found his website when I was planning my latest trip to Walt Disney World. After looking at his site and even signing up for the forum, I knew I had to purchase this book I'd been reading about! And I am so glad I did. The trivia is fun if you're reading alone or if you take turns reading with a partner and it's multiple choice too. Even more, the answers are found following each section with a short statement to provide further information about the correct answer. What I really love about this book is that the layout makes it a simplistic read that doesn't get boring. Even though it isn't a guide book, anyone (or any family) planning to take a trip to WDW can benefit from the exciting learning experience the book has to offer. It is a must read for first timers and fanatics!



3. The Walt Disney World Trivia Book is like the friend I've always wanted who flies me down to Disney (for free!)and proceeds to take me through every park, attraction, and resort, telling me things I never knew about my favorite place. With a loyalty only a true Disney connoisseur can possess ("ever hear of some guy named 'Bugs Bunny'? Hmph. Me neither."), Lou presents his information the way I like it-it's personal, frank, and fun. Kind of like Lou himself...drop him an e-mail, and you actually get an answer! If there is one Disney informant to swear by, it's Lou Mongello. Some of his facts I knew, some made me laugh, and some made me realize that perhaps I'm not the Disney expert I make myself out to be. All I know is that those around me will have to endure new rounds of Disney fact-spouting. I almost feel bad for them. They had assumed they were safe after our (sniff!) last Disney trip in 2005. Although I shouldn't really mourn the trip's passing; with the WDW Trivia Book, I'm there all over again.



4. My son and I love this book and we've only read the first section. We can't believe how much we're learning and how much we didn't know. We're enjoying finding out all the "little" things we never knew about Disney World.



5. Just received the Walt Disney Trivia Books, Volumes 1 & 2. I've read through both and cannot wait until my next WDW vacation. Thank you, Lou, for writing the best Disney trivia books ever. Just one question, when will there be a third?

5 comments about Utah Atlas & Gazetteer.

1. I think the title says it all. It is very useful. I got it really fast and it is flawless.



2. Great maps as always from DeLorme.. I have 6 different states, great for fly fishing, fishing and hiking.. You can use the GPS cordinates to get to specific locations. A must have for the fisherman, hiker and camper.



3. Quick delivery, good price, excellent travel guide for the state of Utah where you want to see terrain, not just highways.



4. These DeLorme maps are great. I plan on visiting the state of Utah next spring and do some hiking while I am there and these look great. The details of the roads and all campsites are awesome. I plan to purchase more of these of other states. They even have details about fishing being available.



5. As already stated by the other reviewers, the DeLorme atlas & gazetteer is fantastic. I love the many points-of-interest features which other map products lack.
   
   But if you're going to buy one, don't get this 2005 edition, go find the 2008 edition (such as on DeLorme's website). In addition to the road updates, the new one has GPS coordinates and more topographical info. I'm a little disappointed that Amazon doesn't have it available yet, when it's been out since early this year.

2 comments about Frommer's San Francisco 2008 (Frommer's Complete).

1. I found this book more useful than any other guide book for San Francisco. I was very much enjoyed what they recommend in the book especially road trip. They give real detail and recommendation for restaurant and shopping which I found very accurate.



2. The authors have golden tastebuds. I completely agree with their ratings of many restaurants. I also thought their ratings of various attractions were accurate.

5 comments about The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2008 (Unofficial Guides).

1. We took 4 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 21; a 72 year old and I am 51; the advice was spot-on; our only disappointment was no fireworks because the weather was too windy; otherwise, we did both parks in a three day driving turnaround from Phoenix during a quick fly-in Spring Break for the teenagers! A great time was had by all. Grandma DID get to celebrate her birthday in STYLE! Thank GOD for the motorized wheelchairs! They were a real lifesaver! -and worth every penny!



2. A number of friends told me about the book before our trip and being a single mom to a 6 year old I thought it was just good planning.... This guide was so helpful and wouldn't go on another Disneyland trip without it. Yes it is a little heavy and cumbersome to lug around with you but it saved us time and frustration more than once. The guide was right on about rating of the rides, particularly for a younger child. Next trip this book will be the first thing in the suitcase.



3. Love it, love it! I actually just purchased my second one - this one as a gift. Being raised in California, I had been to Disneyland more times than I could count. But someone suggested this book to me to plan a seamless first time trip for my best friend. I would not have done the trip without it! I reccomend this to anyone planning a first time trip, if you have never been it can be quite overwhelming: you will waste most of your trip wandering around and waiting in queues. Families will especially find the ratings guide handy when planning which rides would best keep the kiddies entertained.



4. bought this before our trip and it was well worth it - saves you ALOT of time!



5. I worked for Disney in "the Park," selling skulls and snakes in Adventureland-- right next to the Jungle Cruise at the palm-roofed hut that was once called "Tropical Imports." This was during my undergrad years at the University of California (translation: I worked at Disneyland, and I'm smart). I was born in Santa Monica, my parents met during a dance night at Carnation Gardens in Disneyland, and my dad and his wife still have annual passes to the park (translation: in case there was any doubt, I know what I'm taking about), yet I still learned many valuable things from this book; it rocks.
   
   This book is such a contribution! I recommend it to every person who's headed to the park. Buy it and take it with you-- follow the advice. The only time-honored recommendations this book somehow misses are:
   
   1. Grab a few mini bourbon bottles on the plane ride to California - they're perfect for spiking mint juleps at the Blue Bayou (no alcohol is served at the Magic Kingdom - DCA across the street is the closest supplier).
   
   2. Bran muffins, power bars, and canned coffee drinks are the breakfast of Disney champions. Throw a few in your backpack and gnaw on them at 7:45am when you're waiting for the ropes to drop.
   
   3. Bring a water bottle
   
   4. Wash your hands - ask park employees and they'll tell you they wash their hands BEFORE and after using the facilities. You don't know who grabbed that _______ just before you did.
   
   5. Load up everything you'll carry with you to the park, wear the shoes you're planning on, get junior in the stroller, put on the sunscreen, and take a 5+ mile walk every Saturday the three weekends prior to your departure. Either that or run 10Ks every weekend - one way or the other you'll remember to bring the ibuprofen.
   
   Enjoy!

2 comments about Good Night Chicago (Good Night Our World series).

1. While the book isn't as good as Good Night Moon, it is a good representation of Chicago and a fun way for little kids to learn about the city.



2. My 21 month olds enjoy pointing at the various animals and objects on each page. Later on, I'm quite sure they will be more interested in the names of the different places in Chicago. Good book to add to your collection.

5 comments about Honus and Me: A Baseball Card Adventure.

1. Joey Stoshack, a thirteen year old boy, has the power to travel back in time by using old baseball cards. While he is time traveling, he is trying to meet famous baseball players from the past such as Lou Gehrig, Honus Wagner, and Jackie Robinson. I can relate to this character because Joey has dreams of meeting famous baseball players. The character also has a perfectly normal teenage life, just like me, except for the traveling through time part. Joey is an excellent baseball player, and plays shortstop. Just like Joey, I practice baseball at least ten hours a week.
   
   This author, Dan Gutman, also writes a ton of other books. He writes Jackie and Me, Shoeless Joe and Me, and Honus and Me. He generally writes his books based on sports. If you like sports, I would definitely recommend this author. He writes his baseball books with a little bit of science fiction in them, which I really enjoy. Dan makes the reader get interested in the book right away. The author has convinced me to want to go back in time and become a teammate of Shoeless Joe Jackson.
   
   I recommend this book to anybody that has a dream of meeting a famous baseball player from the past. I enjoyed this book and I think that anybody that reads it will like it as well.



2. Joey Stoshack, a thirteen year old boy, has the power to travel back in time by using old baseball cards. While he is time traveling, he is trying to meet famous baseball players from the past such as Lou Gehrig, Honus Wagner, and Jackie Robinson. I can relate to this character because Joey has dreams of meeting famous baseball players. The character also has a perfectly normal teenage life, just like me, except for the traveling through time part. Joey is an excellent baseball player, and plays shortstop. Just like Joey, I practice baseball at least ten hours a week.
   
   This author, Dan Gutman, also writes a ton of other books. He writes Jackie and Me, Shoeless Joe and Me, and Honus and Me. He generally writes his books based on sports. If you like sports, I would definitely recommend this author. He writes his baseball books with a little bit of science fiction in them, which I really enjoy. Dan makes the reader get interested in the book right away. The author has convinced me to want to go back in time and become a teammate of Shoeless Joe Jackson.
   
   I recommend this book to anybody that has a dream of meeting a famous baseball player from the past. I enjoyed this book and I think that anybody that reads it will like it as well.



3. My 2nd grader has recently started reading this series. HONUS AND ME was quite the pageturner for him; my son really enjoyed it and learned baseball facts along the way.



4. Honus and me was an exhalent by Dan Gutman. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 because it was an exalent book that tought me that anything is possible and to never get your self down and do what your heart desires. I recommend this book for people who like sports or if you like Honus Wagner. This book is historical fiction. Honus and me is about a boy who finds a baseball card that is worth over a half of a million dollers and travels Honus Wagner back in time and gets to talk to him about his career.



5. This is a nice fiction story not as good but up in the ranks with "Field of Dreams." A boys travels back in time to see the greats from the early years of baseball. Great nostalgia and fantasy esoecially if you like stories involving time travel. The cover is the famous rare Honus Wagner card worth more than any other baseball card because of its rarity. The book includes some very interesting non-fiction about how the card came about and why it is so rare.