Tracks Books

Three years into the new millennium problems are more prevalent than the preceding era. We're constantly plagued with the dilemma of wide spread economic disparity, and many dreams deferred. It doesn't have to be this way. Consider the solutions in the form of insightful peripheral vision and thoughtful compassion that author Lionel Butler has written. His work is a mantra with the idea of a safer course for staying on the right track. If there ever was advice to heed and information to be digested one young or old should be aware of his book, Career Track or Side Track. Oxymoronically subtitled, `A Career Guide For Young African-American Professionals', he gives precise and salient reference to prepare your steps to a better if not productive track, but could very well be touted to anyone. When you open the pages of this book it will pay you to open your mind as well. You will be asked to consider new kinds of intuitive goals and new strategic initiatives by which to accomplish them. You will be invited to systematically analyze your motivation and interactions with various tools and techniques to be able to make viable decisions. Furthermore, you will more than likely will discover (as I have) that reading a book of this magnitude has a way of wanting you to at least give it a try. If true discovery can genuinely put you in the "aha!" mode then perhaps you will eventually surmise that you've made more than a routine happenstance of a book...you will KNOW that your success is not necessarily predicated on your ability and performance in the workplace, but rather, how you go about making the right decision(s).

This book reminded me of the common sense admonitions and practical precepts I got from my grandmother and the rest of the village that helped raised me. No matter what walk of life you prescribe to, you'll learn something from a book of this nature that is so well put together. It is an easy book to read consisting of only 135 pages, with nine thought-provoking chapters. The only drawback was the limited introduction, but more than make up for it with a well-designed and easy-to-follow dictum. This includes three appendixes with informational reference you can use. Butler comes up with timely nuggets of knowledge and the six career influence factors he believes that are vital to success are apropos and seem to give viability to the rest of the book Here are a few:

* Determine your values and priorities early in life
* List your life goals and objectives and implement a follow-through plan
* Evaluate your personal strengths and weaknesses
* Educate yourself and be well-read
* Focus on being creative

You may look at that list and say to yourself, "Duh", but many of our young folk and older people haven't done a good job of making a good account of their lives. Lionel Butler should know. He has over 30 years of experience in military, government, and industrial organizations exemplary of supervisory and planning initiatives to give more than just a passing thought to career choices. So this summer while you're soaking up some sun, immerse yourself in this book. The author's rules and carefully illustrated references will no doubt help you make fewer financial mistakes, and career options for the right track!

Where was this book when I was growing up? It is a must read for
people mapping out their career goals and planning where they
would like to be five, ten, or twenty years from now.

Although I'm from an earlier generation and have accomplished
certain career goals, I'm still in the work force, thus I can
still learn from this book. What registers with me is that it
gives great insight into utilizing tools that can keep you
focused and balanced in today's rocky economic workplace.

Too often books that are generated as guides to help establish
a career track miss the point. They have a tendency to develop
ways that become 'wishful thinking' concepts. However, Mr.
Butler's career guide is well put together and relates to day-
to-day job decisions. Students, as well as people already in the
work force, can learn from this.

Overall, this is a great book that can be used as a guide over
and over again. His personal experiences and his unique

observations, along with good research, have produced a very
serious guide. I highlighted several areas of interest on which
I will focus to assist in reaching more of my career goals.

I applaud Mr. Butler for writing a long overdue book that points
out ways to excel in the corporate world. CAREER TRACK OR SIDE
TRACK gives us the edge to face the challenges and achieve
excellence.

Reviewed by Kalaani
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Hatmakers clinch book follows in line with his other books, good basic grappling techniques, but the striking is on the weak side.

Good:
His over under section has a lot of good info on takedowns and throws that work well. As well as some basic pummeling drills and control concepts. Nothing groundbreaking, but good fundamentals if you didnt' wrestle in high school.


Bad:
He covers the Thai Plumb (clinch) with what I was alway shown to be the wrong grip by my Thai coach. He throws his knees with his feet planted (which loses power), and doesn't get his hips into the knees themselves enough. He also doesn't mention the constant whipping motions needed to maintain control of the thai clinch. Basically, what every MMA fighter that hasn't studied any Thai boxing does when they get into a Thai clinch position. If you've studied any Muay Thai for longer than about 3 months, your thai clinch will be better than this book shows.

Overall, the book was solid, if basic and would definitely help someone with limited clinch experience learn to establish good wrestling control and transition into takedowns and throws.

Mark Hatmaker continues his "No Holds Barred" series with a text on the clinch. In it, he teaches clinch variations, how to control them, how to strike and throw from them, defenses to these techniques, and how to condition oneself for the intense, close-range battle that is the clinch.

Mark begins his book with a bit of a forward on the recomended use of the text. "The Clinch", he says, can be a stand-alone piece, but recomends picking up "No Holds Barred: Takedowns" to accompany the title. He then moves on to the three basic clinches shown in the book: the "head clinch" (a modified Thai plum possition), the collar-and-elbow, and the over-under. He notes the optimum ways to grip each clinch, and lists common mistakes. He then shows two excercises, the squat & dive-bomber pushup, that he recomends the reader do to prepare themselves for the rigors of clinch-fighting. Next, he introduces the reader to the concept that "it's OK to disagree"; that is, never enter a clinch passively, as seen in some wrestling events. After that is a small chapter on circular footwork, the kind seen often in a clinch. He explains the concepts behind the footwork. Missing from this chapter are illustrations, but his clear, concise explaination is easy to follow. The last chapter on fundamentals is on pummeling in the various clinches. "Pummeling" is the act of wrestling for control and possition, and this is an invaluable chapter.

After that, we get to the meat of the text. Mark covers striking first, taking each clinch one at a time. The first section is the one of the head clinch, offering various knee attacks, singly and in combination, and low kicks. The collar-and-elbow chapter consists of just two "roughing" techniques, forearm and shoulder shots. The section on striking from the over-under includes many of the same lower-body shots as in the head clinch, but also includes some punches and elbow strike, as well as some more roughing techniques. Then it's on to takedowns. I found it nice that he included a takedown from the head clinch, 'cause it's not generally thought of as a possition where one can execute a throw. The collar-and-elbow section is somewhat brief, focusing on setups for leg takedowns, but Mark refers to his "Takedowns" book as a source for people hungry for more. Finally comes the extensive section on over-under takedowns. Mark classifies these throws into 8 categories, including whizzer takedowns, bodylock takedowns, trips, and duckunder takedowns. There are more than enough high-percentage takedowns in this section to be worth the price of the book. Following that section, Mark covers several ways to defend against throws when your opponent has moved into a headlock or waistlock possition.

Mark devotes the final chapter in the text to the "backcast" throw, also known as the suplex. He begins with six excercises and drills to train the body for the backcast; this chapter should not be ignored. He goes on to demonstrate several backcast variations, including using it in combination or as a counter-throw. He then finishes up the text with counters to the backcast.

This is an excellent text in the continuing "No Holds Barred Fighting" series. The only thing I might complain about is the lack of extensive takedowns from the collar-and-elbow, but that's a possition rarely seen in MMA events, anyway. Given how little work exists on the clinch, I'd call this a must-read for any aspiring MMA fighter.

This book explains the science and mathematics of "Wager Value" like no other. After reading this excellent book you will understand why the secret of handicapping is NOT determing the horse most likely to win and then betting on that horse (and you will learn Dick's number one rule... "no value, no bet"). As a student of probability I found this work top notch and consider it one of the most overlooked handicapping books ever published. ...it is worth every penny.

Dick Mitchell, Commonsense Betting (Morrow, 1995)

When one picks up a handicapping book by Dick Mitchell, one can be assured one is getting good stuff. Mitchell, a college statistics professor, knows his math. Granted, his style of relation may be annoying at times (after the fiftieth sentence starting with the word "please," perhaps one will pick up on the not-so-slightly condescending tone), but if you can get past it, the information to be found here is great stuff. (And really, Mitchell's not as bad as some other handicapping writers.)

If you've read a number of handicapping books, especially Mitchell's other works (and Winning Thoroughbred Strategies is one of the best handicapping books on the market, and should be read by every horseplayer, casual and serious), much of what's here is going to be another look at the tips and techniques we've seen before, but through the lens of money management as applied to various types of bets (exactas, pick threes, etc.); stuff the average player could probably figure out given an unlimited amount of time, computer power, and the knowledge of the right questions to ask. But why expend the energy? Get back to handicapping and let Papa Dick do the work for you.

The book's real gem, though, is the last chapter. (And this will probably be a controversial paragraph with horseplayers, who are wondering why the thing was even in the book in the first place.) Mitchell abandons handicapping, racing, the whole bit altogether, and gives the punter a lesson in money management 101 for the time you spend outside the racetrack. As with his work on handicapping, Mitchell documents everything he says nicely and leaves a long, glowing trail of other reading for the handicapper to pursue; the only difference here is that Mitchell is praising the likes of Bill Donoghue rather than the likes of Jim Quinn. One you've figured out that the last chapter ain't about horses, please, don't skip it. In fact, even if you couldn't care less about horses, beg, borrow, or steal a copy of this book and read the last chapter (unless you're already familiar with outside-the-racing-world money management books by authors like Donoghue and Peter Lynch); it's stuff we could all use, and most of us don't. ****

This is a well constructed book with a clear purpose: to inform runners of the mental importance to their running. It first introduces the need for mental conditioning, then systematically works you through the steps. As a high school runner, this book turned my season around and allowed me to unlock a lot of my potential. My team then incorporated a program of mental training to the workouts, and great sucess was achieved. This is a must read for any serious runner, athletic coach, or casual runner interested in learning about the sport.

The Competitive Edge, written by a former college running star, intends to hammer home the importance of the mental side of distance running training. It lays out very good explanations of why the mental side of running is nearly as important as the physical and what you can do to improve your concentration, overcome anxiety, and develop mental toughness, and it does so through a very readable and easily understandable text. It is slightly dated (the references to and testimonials of running stars of the past and personal no longer carry the same weight they may have in the early 1980s), but it certainly made me realize the importance of preparing myself mentally for races and training. This is not an inspirational book, but certainly a wonderful reference tool for coaches and athletes who hope to get a little more out of themselves.

There are numerous wine areas of Southern France that are referenced and given wonderful details....Yet, the author has completely left out one of the most magnificent areas of what is definitely part of "Southern France"..... the Chateauneuf du Pape area, and almost the entire Northern and Southern Rhone region..... If he had included this area,..... he would have created a MASTERPIECE.

I learned a lot about the South and France and its wines from this book. The author makes you feel like you're there - and he tells you what wines are worth buying, and why. The book is beautifully illustrated too, with fabulous photographs and loads of maps with suggested wine routes. I like the fact he takes you off the beaten track and adds lots of quirky details that other guides overlook. He obviously knows his stuff. There are great recommendations about what to eat, where to eat, and where to stay, too. Highly recommended!

My favorite running book. Short very digestible essays. So many of them made me think about running in a different way.

My personal favorite was the introduction to the word proprioception. That is the continuous feed-back of information we get from our bodies when pursuing athletic endeavors.

Needless to say you'll never look at a short run the same way.

I started by trying to read this book through at one sitting. It was the wrong approach. This is not one of these best-selling thrillers, which you simply cannot put down. That does not mean it is no good, though. The book rather grows on you, as you read it a bit at a time. A lot of what Jerome says strikes a chord because you realise it applies to life in general. Perhaps the way to describe the book is to call it a "thinking runner's book".

I love language learning kits, but they are sometimes hard to slog through. This one, however, is more fun than you'd imagine it could be. Every section has basic dialogs, but also has games, songs, and fun things to listen to on the CD/cassettes. There is even an on-going novella throughout the book. In addition, there are interesting little tidbits on Italian culture, proverbs, and tips on traveling in Italy. In other words, each section has lots of activities and variety. On the whole, the most fun you can have while still learning!

Finally someone came up with a language program on CD! Express Track to Italian is a very refreshing program for those of us who buy lots of language books and tapes and the first time buyer. Each segment is broken up with conversation, grammar lessons, a modern phrase and a song. I particulary liked the background sounds that made the conversations sound very real. If I could change anything, it would be a little more emphasis on grammar. They seem to go with the listen and learn technique throughout, but sometimes a little straight forward direction would make things easier. Overall I loved this program, I bought it 3 years ago and still listen to it to freshen up my language skills every few months. I strongly recommend buying Express Track to Italian! Buona Fortuna!

I found this book very helpful to me. I'm a novice runner returning to a regular exercise routine after some years off. I'm on the other side of 50 so I needed a workout regimen that would allow me to slowly build up to a more streneous program...if I choose. This book doesn't make you feel like a turtle if your running 12 minute plus miles.

It offers very sane and practical advice and provides a variety of routines if you are a casual runner, 5k, 10k, half marathon or marathon runner. The goal of the book is not to try to have you run races, but, it does provide a road map if you decide you want to do it.

I found it very easy to follow and it allowed me to run to my potential without feeling guilty about not slapping a number on my back and trying to set personal best times.

Good down-to-earth advice for beginning runners. Covers shoe selection, assessing your fitness level, setting goals, stretching, motivation, and many sample workout plans.

I look forward to sharing this book with my daughter. We will not only enhance the relationship we have, but move one step closer to the kind of relationship I always wished I would have had with my own mother. Thank you Molly Barker, for an inspiring message, sharing your story and a welcome solution to fighting the stereotypes my daughter tries to battle on her own, everyday of middle school. Peace.

This is a great book for parents of young girls and boys as well as anyone else who works with kids. On days when things are rough, reread the stories Molly tells to remind you that you are making a difference. Thanks Molly!

We got this book from the library, but I had to buy my own copy of it. My twin baby boys love it. They are only 5 1/2 months old and this is the first book I've read to them that they are very interested in. I make the "Boo Hoo Hoo" and "Trek Trek Trek" sounds to them all the time and they smile and laugh. Highly recommend as one of the first books to read to a baby, and probably through toddler age.

Somewhere in an icy mountainous landscape, two silly parents are dispairing of their baby's refusal to eat anything - and are BOO-HOO-HOO!'ing loudly.
A small witch appears to gloat over knowing the solution & she doesn't have a lot of willpower bc the second they start their Boo-hoo-hoo! again she Shrieks STOP BLUBBERING & spills the beans - they need to go and track a yak bc yaks (milk) will stop the baby from starving.

The illustrations are fantastic and expressive, from the gloomy yak on the front cover to the dumpy little witch and goony kooky parents.

It is exceedingly silly, I promise you, and a delight to read aloud - especially if you specialise in crazy voices.
Your kids will shreik along and have great fun with the jolly text. Track a Yak!
Kotori 2004