TIme

One of the things I like about Chess Mentor is reading the background information on the side panel.  It gives great information and sets the mood of the game.  However, taking the time to actually read this information can often pentalize you when trying to do the puzzles.  The clock starts almost immediately and I find myself not being able to read the panel.  A suggestion would be to let the player start the clock themselves or figure out a way to make reading the information not to pentalizing.

you could always just not read it the first time (the time that counts for your rating) and then redo the puzzle.  just a thought.

I'd say just read it anyways, as you only lose a few percent based on time (I think its 1% per minute?). There is good information there and you shouldn't miss out on it because of not wanting your rating to be affected.