Tracks Books

A great followup to Doug's other books which continues his discussion about the problems fungi can cause in our lives. Interesting information for all patients with diabetes to consider. Doug does a good job researching his information and has helped many people fight their illnesses. While not a substitute for other treatments, I believe it's important to consider as many options as possible.

Shawn Messonnier DVM
Author, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats.

www.petcarenaturally.com
www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

While this book is aimed mainly at diabetes, there is a lot of important information included for people with heart, blood pressure and circulatory problems as well. Most of the information included here is theories, but they are theories that make much more sense than the ones currently being used by the medical profession, and are backed up by medical research. This is information that is not available in too many places, and I think it is very important that people know and understand these things BEFORE they make decisions as to the health care treatment they will receive.

The diet Doug sets forth is in line with most other alternative diets, and is very reasonable, given all the information he sets forth in his book. Doug believes in finding the cause of diseases, and treating them, first off by diet. Many times diet can actually cure problems that the medical profession does nothing but treat the symptoms of, let alone cure!

I would strongly urge people to study and consider Doug's theories in treatment of their illnesses. I also strongly recommend his other books. Doug cares very much about healing people; his sincerity is obvious, if you have ever seen his TV show. I would give this book a heartfelt recommendation to anyone who is suffering from diabetes, pre diabetes, or heart/blood pressure/circulatory conditions, as well as people who want to help someone they know who is suffering from these conditions. My daughter (age 29) was diagnosed with diabetes last week. I just read the book and am giving her mine, and ordering another one for me.

Important book to read if you are concerned
about diabetes, or know someone who has it.
The information on treating this condition
including a list of natural supplements, plus
the diet to help control diabetes makes
this book a bargain at any price.

The information about what we are eating
and how this may determine whether or not
we may develop diabetes is something
everyone needs to read. A toxin often found
in our food supply may be making us sick!
Scientists, needing to find mice with diabetes
in order to study it, have to induce it in
the mice by injecting them with this same toxin
that is in our food supply.
Does a constant exposure of this same toxin in
our food on a daily basis do the same thing to us???

Written in a remarkably open and honest fashion, Girls on Track is filled with insight and personal stories that bring the book's lessons to life. Molly Barker's witty and down-to-earth language makes the book a hard one to put down. Reading it is very much like having her in the room with you, chatting over a cup of of decaf latte (or whatever your drink of choice is . . . ) or out for a conversational run. It is especially fun to read when you know what her beautiful Southern voice sounds like so you can imagine her reading it . . .

Filled with anecdotal stories from her childhood, her experiences as a mom, and of girls from the Girls on the Run program and the lessons they learned (and that Molly learned FROM them!), Molly examines the workings of weak and strong interpersonal relationships. She asks us to examine them from all angles and think about what we can do to strengthen and value communication between adults and kids so kids can strengthen their own skills with adults and their peers. These stories are the meat of the book and really bring the theory she presents to life.

This is really two books in one, as it includes a How-to section in the fifth chapter that provides a curriculum for mothers and daughters to experience together. The 10 week plan walks moms through growing and learning experiences, discussing emotions, health, beauty, beliefs, letting go, making amends, love and . . . you guessed it, physical fitness through running (and games!!).

I've talked with moms who have followed this journey with their daughters and they've been pleased with the experience. Even the moms who are non-runners looked forward to the time they spent with their girls on the lessons and surprised themselves with how much they enjoyed the running element, too.

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!

This is a beautiful book that makes a wonderful gift for any sports enthusiast. The book is large with very high quality photos.

It is unique and offers the reader a variety of sports and athletes to marvel at while he/she flips through the pages.

Be forewarned--the picture on the cover is by far the best in the book. That is the only reason that I was slightly disappointed when I received the box containing my purchase. I was very much in awe of the picture of Ali, and I was looking forward to a book full of images that were also interesting, full of emotion and reflective of the athlete. The pictures inside are fantastic, just not as moving as that on the cover.

I am a proud owner of Glory and show it to my guests when they come over. Recently I saw Glory on a shelf in a store and was stopped in my tracks by the cover photo of Ali. It glowed like a beacon from across the room. The photos by Corman are perfect in their simplicity and superb in their production. Glory is a gem.

My father is a huge sports enthusiast. His past includes coaching a few star baseball athletes. I am always at a loss for gifts for him as he is a collector of many things and most gifts don't hold a candle to what he already posseses. This book is a gift that gives him great pleasure. The photos, and the stories behind of them, are fascinating.

Good study tool. Passed the test on the first try. Did not give a full five stars because I found two questions wrong in the book and the book is not quite up-to-date. Still, it is quite useful and will get you a passing score if used properly. Highly recommended.

This book was very instrumental in my passing the I.A. Exam on the first try! The book is informative and helps explain the many different aspects of studying and becoming a certificated I.A. Coupled with CFRs printed off the FAA's web site enhanced this books potential for understanding.

This book is a must for anyone getting their IA on their own, or anyone wanting to attain their IA period. Very concise, and full of everything you will need, from the interview with the FSDO, to taking the written.

Cissik did a very thorough job researching Olympic-style weightlifting - in fact, this text reads like a research paper/thesis. Having said that, the text might be a little too formal for some.

My first impression when I opened a light and skinny envelop of the delivered book was that of opening some business correspondence letter. The book is only 132 pages, of black and weight print that could be produced on a home printer, the era preceding of hp-laser or inkjet. Though the first edition came in 1997, it immediately revived my memory of the struggle to print and publish my own book on those days. It is a painful experience for authors to meddle with so many hurdles in order to get their information to the reader. Then, there is my bias in favor of a fellow weightlifter attempting to maintain a dying sport form retiring to history archives.

In total contravention to the inclusive format of Drechsler's Weightlifting Encyclopedia and El-Hewie's Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training, Cissik sticks to the hardcore of old fashion Weightlifting. The classical two lifts; Clean and Jerk and Snatch, are described, together with their immediate supporting exercises. The back, front, and overhead squat; deadlift with various handgrips and height of pull; goodmorning in standing, seating, and ground positions; pullover, and stretching is all that trainees need to advance in weightlifting. That is a bold and daring confrontation of appealing consumerism that thrives on promoting expensive machines, fancy exercise accessories, and endless exercises that do little, if any, good to fitness.

The simplicity, clarity, and accuracy of Cissik's Introduction outweighs it poor production quality and attests to the author's courage to stand tall on substance. Although, the book is intended as an introduction, the above mentioned attributes make the book practical and convenient for modern day busy people. In addition, each chapter begins with neat tabulated highlights and basic contents and ends with a list of references. Inside the chapters, the author places the reference citation where needed in every page.

Its drawbacks are:

(1) Complete omission of individualized peripheral training exercises. Modern weightlifters rival bodybuilders; on bulk and definition, and powerlifters; on peak isometric strength. Many young weightlifters could not attain the astronomically high level of modern international records because of lack of muscular bulk. Cissik's old fashion training emphasizes the technique of lifting and periodization for robust, explosive power, yet falls short on massing slow twitching muscle fibers. Those require dedicated bodybuilding training during off season or prior to committing to protracted competitive weightlifting career.

The fear that bodybuilding and powerlifting exercises would do away with the mental skill, specific to the explosive full range of motion and highly coordinated dynamics of weightlifting, is well understood and recognized by experienced lifters and coaches. However, modern lifters have sufficient resources to ease the highly toned and acutely inflamed structures caused by such repetitive and depleting modes of exercising. Yoga, Pilates, Stretch, UV booths, saunas, and massage are few such modern remedies for the side effects of strengthening through controlled motion exercising. That however raises the stakes of heart and cellular reserves. Could the heart tolerate multiple overloads? Could the cellular metabolism adapt its enzymatic machinery to oppositely demanding activities? or, could the trainee have access to adequate health knowledge in dealing with such double sword training modes? Cissik's answer is: simplicity; a wise, safe, and practical choice.

(2) Jumping straight in the air during the pull isn't scientific. Although few great lifters do jump, the laws of mechanics forbid jumping. It wastes energy. Explosive extension isn't synonymous with jumping. Cissik is rightfully insisting on not spreading the feet sideways, yet wrongfully advises jumping. Jumping might be stimulating, yet wasteful.

(3) The deep squat during the amortization phase portrays to some that "deep" is a requirement for lifting. It is better to emphasize that squatting should be as high as it is needed to catch the barbell at its (the barbell) final destination. Unnecessarily deep squat should be reserved for training, stretching, and strengthening.


Mohamed F. El-Hewie
Author of
Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training

This book is MUCH better than the first edition. The beginning of the book is a concise description of the Olympic exercises and associated assistance exercises. This is good for the beginning lifter. The second half of the book is on workout design. It is EXCELLENT and draws heavily on EASTERN EUROPEAN texts (They always have the best lifters!). The book is worth buying for this section. Powerlifters and fitness buffs can use the principles outlined here to greatly improve their progress. Every chapter is heavily referenced for those who are interested in learning more.

Mr. Ross has a great intellect coupled with biting humor. The book was a quick read - beats the heck out of watching re-runs on TV. Walter Ross - give us more!

Walt Ross's keen sense of humor and satire is evident throughout his book Left of Center-Right on Track. These vignettes indicate a laser sharp wit; he happily skewers the winners of the National Popularity contest known as the Presidential Election. My only complaint is that the length of the book-Ross apparently is withholding material for a sequel.

Ross delivers witty, sometimes cutting critiques of the right wing, from
Nixon to our current witless leaders, who have recklessly & self-righteously lead us down a path to economic stagnation, endless war and endemic corruption. Fun to remember the right's pitfalls & pratfalls and delight in the feckless absurdities delivered by Dumb Dubya and a certain 2nd rate movie actor. Now, as the most pivotal election in our nation's history comes along, Ross does the nation a real service--to bring to light the right's foibles with a biting sarcasm tempered by genuine indignation and a guiding moral sense, while never losing his sense of humor and zest for a great one-liner, a lost art in this age of chronic self-importance and email impatience.

Taylor captures the realities of starting a running program beautifully and with LOL humor. If you're a runner, don't miss this.

After agreeing to sponsor a friend of his for the NYC Marathon, Russell Taylor decides that he would like to run that marathon the following year. Taylor is nearly 40 years old and is not a runner. "The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner" is Taylor's account of training for the NYC Marathon. The subtitle for this book covers exactly how crazy he is: "an unfit Londoner's attempt to run the New York City Marathon from scratch".

Russell Taylor is, apparently a humor writer, and so this book is filled with humorous observations on running, training, races, and why exactly he is doing this. Some of it is actually quite funny and I honestly found myself chuckling out loud a couple of times. Unfortunately, when I wasn't chuckling I was reading and hoping that something interesting would be on the next page. Often enough there wasn't. As a runner I am drawn to books about running and about marathons so I figured this book would be a natural fit, but it was a struggle to get through this one. Taylor includes a section of his training diary and that section was the single least interesting part of the book. It just dragged on and on and on. Sort of like this review.

Then Taylor gets to the races. As a part of his training Taylor ran several races and his racecourse descriptions and his feelings during the race (he made some interesting decisions as to which ones to run) were fascinating and funny. Once again I started enjoying parts of the book. The marathon itself seemed a little skimpy in the description.

I just can't recommend "The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner" to anyone. There are far better books about one man's journey to race (try "To the Edge" by Kirk Johnson for a more interesting book about an ultramarathon), and unfortunately when the humor stops there isn't much here to hold my interest. Pass on this one.

-Joe Sherry

Taylor is a professional British comic writer, which shows: the book's well written, funny, and British. British in a P. G. Wodehouse, not a ribald way. Much of the humor derives from his observations of runners' everyday peculiarities, most of which may be seen in the new world as well. The book is also a bit sad, because (I think) Taylor tried to overcome middle aged unfitness too quickly - to run the NY Marathon - and paid a price. The price was all post-NY so I'll not reveal details. But check his 1/2 marathon time and his NY time: the former predicts over 20 minutes better than he ran in NY. Check also his training heart rates: too high. It's fair to assume he ran the marathon before he was ready. But as he writes the "marathon"'s a unique brand; who'd want to read about his travails trying to run merely 13.1 miles?

This book got me confident that I could run again after taking about 7 years off from any type of exercise after having two children. Great information. The training schedule is very functional for a busy mom. Finished a half-marathon after training using this book.

I think this is a very nice book but perhaps not as "entertainingly" written as the Jeff Galloway running books ("Marathon-You Can Do It" and "Half-Marathon-You Can Do It") that I've also read. The author even quotes Galloway in a couple of places.

Fortunately, the author does not overload you with much drawn out text and lays out a running plan in a nicely formatted grid. She also points out certain details about what can help based on your sex and age. I really enjoyed the little "true stories" sections that the author throws in every so often. These profiles of people who started out as complete beginners and eventually ran a marathon were, to me, very motivational.

The big difference between this and other books is the training time period. Many books claim they can get you ready for the big time in 13 weeks, this book promotes a 26 week program and the author even hints that if you are starting at ground-level zero, a year to your first marathon is even better.

Overall, a pretty good book for beginning runners of all ages who prefer the tortoise to the hare approach before trying that first 13.1 or 26.2 miles!

This book is a good place to start. I agree with the last review ... it is not a Jeff Galloway book but if you are a true biginner, it is a good place to start. It has good basic pointers that are easy to understand.

I would say that if you are going to run a FULL marathon, you will need a more indepth book with more advanced information. This book is good to get you into a HALF marathon.

Though it is more than 20 years old, I can't conceive of a better guide for the young pole-vaulter than "Mechanics of the Pole Vault". From the era when Bob Seagren and Steve Smith held sway atop the sport, Ganslen describes in intimate, if prosaic, detail the mental and physical minutae of the most elegant and difficult endeavor in sport.

In some ways pole technology and sports science may have surpassed the content of Ganslen's book. His exquisite grasp of the complex activity of pole vaulting, however, is surely unsurpassed and could be a boon to a new generation of vaulters.

It is truly a shame that this valuable text is not currently in the canon of modern track and field.

It's been years since I've even seen a copy of Ganslen's book, yet it still remains the foremost publication of any form of media for the sport of pole vaulting. Ganslen takes a comprehensive look at pole vaulting from training, technology, psychology, technique analysis, culture, and history. This book is both inspirational and informative and it is a tragedy that it is out of print.

I have read and studied this book in Russian in 1983. The book gives basic understanding of the event. It also describes the roots of the fiberglass vaulting. I would recomend this book for any vaulter, however keep in mind that the event has moved beyond the understanding described in the book.

Roman Botcharnikov

I have bought beginning harmonica books and watch harp players on you tube for the last 3 years. One of the instructors on you tube recommended Dave's website and he had all of his books online to review. He even has short audio files to listen to before you make a decision to buy. I recommend all of his books. It is like having a music instructor. If you wants to know all of the ins and outs of reading music, learning rhythm, and all of the playing techniques these books are for you. Keep in mind that Dave has 3 levels, so you will need to buy all of his series to progress. Amazon did a great job, they shipped quicker than advertised, they got the order right, and I will buy from them in the future.

David Barrett not only masters the Chicago Blues harmonica, but also masters the art of teaching! I started from nothing and within a few hours was playing some blues. Strongly recommended!

Soloing concepts starts off pretty easy hitting alot of familiar riffs. David Barrett has done a fabulas job making a beginner book and CD set easy enough to follow along with, but challenging enough that you are trying to progress yourself. You will not be completed with this book in a week. Which is a good thing...