5 comments about The Big Book of Sumo: History, Practice, Ritual, Fight.

1. I have been interested in Sumo, but was lost in understanding of the sport. Mina Hall not only knows her stuff, she is able to relay it in terms that are understandable. Now I have a new love for the sport from this easy book. The content of Hall's book is enough to make me feel like I know the sport. No longer will I wonder why they do those things before,during, and after the match. While I have read other books on the subject this is by far the best. Get it and learn Sumo.



2. I purchased this book a year ago. It is very easy to understand and has some realy fabulous pictures.

   Mina Hall has done a great job in putting this together. I would recomend this to anyone who is interested in sumo.




3. As a begining Sumo wrestler, who trains with 2 time World Lightweight Sumo champ Svetoslav Binev, I really liked this book. I found "The Big Book of Sumo" to be an awesome little book on the history and tradition of Sumo.

   Unfortunately, it has nothing on the actual techniques used from the standpoint of a competing wrestler. Only descriptions of some names of common techniques from a fan's perspective.

   Never-the-less, it's a great little "Big Book of Sumo." Don't get this book if you are looking for more than a very general description of sumo technique. Do get this book if you want to understand the art, history and tradition of Sumo.




4. A fantastic and fun introduction to Sumo. I've already got my tickets for my second Basho next week and I'll have a lot better understanding of the sport because of this book.
   However, its a bit out of date for current wrestlers and recent records. But that's all available online from the Sumo organization web site.
   Also, its a good intro, but you'll have to look elsewhere for more detailed information and history.



5. A bit cutesy, but covers all the details, including details other books don't deal with.

3 comments about Competitive MINDSTORMS: A Complete Guide to Robotic Sumo using LEGO(r) MINDSTORMS.

1. The heart of this book is the step-by-step instructions to construct seven different Lego robot chassis. This is just like any Lego instructions you will find, but it's not in color, and there is English text to add more material about the reasons behind the design.
   
   In addition there is Mindstorms control code to accompany each chassis design. The programming language is Not Quite C (NQC). Installation instructions for NQC are included as this is a step you will have to take in addition to the standard Mindstorms installation.
   
   The bots range from just a small construction around the RCX control block to designs that are 'gargantuan'. They are as sturdy and well designed as those that you find in the original Mindstorms kit.
   
   I was disappointed that there was not more emphasis placed on describing the program logic. I would have appreciated flow charts as most of the control logic is simple state machines.
   
   Overall I think this would be a fine book for anyone serious about Mindstorms sumo.



2. The Lego company has a Mindstorms product line that lets you build Lego models with simple programmable electronics. Easy but fascinating robots. Perdue offers you third party support, in the form of advice that is independent of the company. This book is an amalgam of neat assembly instructions and diagrams of robots to build, with accompanying source code to control them.
   
   The Lego library is easy enough to understand. You code in C, and link to that library. So the outlook is procedural, not object oriented. But for the code examples shown, and for any code that you are likely to write, their sizes are small enough that a procedural approach is perfectly adequate. And with less overhead than an object oriented outlook.
   
   A nice aspect is that you can tinker with both the hardware and software, in tight feedback design loops of changing something and testing it. In other projects, often it might be purely software. Which may not appeal to you, if you're the sort who is attracted to robotics.



3. Competitive Mindstorms: A Complete Guide To Robotic Sumo Using Lego Mindstorms is a hobby guide to using the Lego Mindstorms Robotic Invention System to design, build, program, and unleash autonomous "sumo-bot" creations for use in a robotic sumo arena. Written by dedicated Lego Mindstorms enthusiast David Perdue, Competitive Mindstorms introduces the reader to the sumo-bot, provides seven projects designed to give hands-on experience in three different approaches to robotic sumo (small-and-fast class, medium class, and big-sumo strategies), presents extensive discussions of Lego pieces and building methodology, programming techniques, and much more. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the building instructions in this go-to guide especially friendly to beginners but packed with valuable tips, tricks, and techniques for the seasoned Lego Mindstorms hobbyist as well.

3 comments about Sumo: A Thinking Fan's Guide to Japan's National Sport (Tuttle Classics).

1. I felt I learned a lot about sumo from this book. It is both entertaining and educational.



2. If you enjoy sports, any sport, you will enjoy this book. If you enjoy sumo, you will LOVE this book. It is deliciously irreverent, to be sure, but at the same time it comes from someone who truly knows and loves the sport. Not stuffy, but full of good stuff. One warning: If you read this with anyone else nearby, you are going to want to read parts of it aloud. You're going to want to, but first you'll have to stop laughing and catch your breath. Makes me want to go back to Japan at the earliest opportunity.



3. Sumo is a very humorous and informative book about a esoteric (to Americans) Japanese sport. Especially amusing are comparisons to American sports and athletes. An easy, fun read.

4 comments about Sumo Mouse.

1. "If Mount Fuji Blows its stack,/If a monster should attack,/Don't just hide inside your house!/Give a call for Sumo Mouse!" There's trouble in Tokyo. Tanaka Toys, maker of squeaky toys, is kidnapping mice. "We can't make squeaky toys without squeaky mice." Who's going to save these innocent victims from the dastardly toy company and its cruel owner Tiger Tanaka? It's Sumo Mouse! He vaults into action, crushes the villains with his superior technique, and then vanishes into the night. But Tanaka Toy's evil Doctor Claw has a plan to thwart this champion of squeaky mice. Will this be the end of Sumo Mouse? Award winning author and illustrator, David Wisniewski, has outdone himself with this clever, playful superhero tale. His witty and humorous text is dramatic and engaging. But it's his bold, bright, and busy collage artwork that really makes this story come alive. Each page is filled with dazzling color, eye-catching detail, marvelous sound effects, and lots of energy, and little ones will revel in all the fun-filled, sumo wrestling action. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Sumo Mouse is a delightful, manic romp that begs to be read aloud and shared. "If the earth begins to shake,/If the sea makes buildings break,/Don't be filled with great dismay!/Sumo Mouse will save the day!"



2. My son first saw this book at our local library. In the case of children's picture books, he definitely judges a book by its cover! The bright yellow and purple caught his eye and the mouse in a sumo stance with an ear-to-ear grin was instantly appealing!

   We read this book every night for the 2 weeks we had it, and loved it so much that I purchased a copy for my son later. It's still a favorite, and it's not just nice to look at, but it has a sweet message to accompany the comic-like feel.

   I love reading this book and making up a tune for the theme song on the endpages just as much as my sons enjoy hearing it. I recommend this as a fun book for any home library collection!




3. The book came to me in great order and my son thought it was awesome. I would refer this book to anyone with kids.



4. First, let me say that I got thoroughly sick and tired of this book after reading it six times a day to my two nieces, aged 3.5 and almost-6!
   
   I understand why they love the book, though. It's written in a comic book style with bold, bright artwork, an exciting plot, and lots of LOUD sound words to scream with me! Plus, there's a song on the inside covers. (Alas, you have to make up the tune yourself.)

1 comments about Self-Confidence: The Remarkable Truth of Why a Small Change Can Make a Big Difference.

1. Having never been a confident person myself, but having performed musically in front of thousands, I truly see where Paul McGee is coming from and would strongly recommend this page turning book. Thank you Paul.

4 comments about SUMO (Shut Up, Move On): The Straight-Talking Guide to Creating and Enjoying a Brilliant Life.

1. A very well written and amusing book with a number of life changing ideals contained within the pages. I have read a numbe of these books and whilst rating Geoff Burch's "Way of the Dog" as the premium book of this genre, McGee's fluid style of writing and ideas form a very good package. Perhaps reading the "Way of the Dog" together with SUMO will truly give you all you need to get to the top of the tree!



2. Paul McGee delivers a book that doesn't come around very often. As I started to read, I couldn't put it down. His writing style is wonderful, and his story telling is impactful.
   
   Most self-help books primarily focus upon one area of concern. Paul helps inspire you to rise to whatever challenge life hands you. He does this by giving you insight into understanding yourself and others. When it comes to planning and having action in your life, Paul will help challenge your thought process. The Ditch Doris Day section was clever in discussing how you can take ownership of your future.
   
   To make the most of your life, learn the SUMO method. It is simple, straightforward and compelling. I found this book to be very valuable.



3. Suberb book - great ideas - easy to read and learn from.
   So many other self-improvement books are far too long - and spend many pages trying to get a single point across.
   
   This is a bargain at any price.



4. SUMO is a fast, easy and empowering little book. Unfortunately, the Kindle version is fraught with formatting errors which put a crimp in the otherwise smooth and enjoyable read.

No comments about Law in Everyday Japan: Sex, Sumo, Suicide, and Statutes.

4 comments about Zombie Fight Night: Battles of the Dead.

1. No one knows how the dead rose from their graves to devour the living, and after a decade of a living hell, no one cares. All most care about these days is getting their pound of flesh...literally.
   
   Before the living/dead war, Tony Sterpanko was a wealthy man, and now that the living have won the war, he has found a way to increase his wealth. He has created an arena where survivors can claim vengeance; dreggs of society can become heroes; and poor men and women can turn a quick buck, but at Zombie Fight Night money isn't the only thing people are gambling with.
   
   Zombie Fight Night is a fast paced, hard hitting yarn that had me turning the pages with childish glee. AP Fuchs has written a unique story, a throwback to the classic Kung Fu movies and Creature Double Features I used to watch as a boy. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.



2. I'm a big fan of the zombie genre, and this book is a refreshing take on zombie horror. Instead of focusing on people running from zombies, this book which reads like a movie, takes us up close and personal with zombie fighters and the entertainment industry which has been built around it. Mick, the main character, is in desperate need of cash to pay back his gambling debt, and he's in way over his head. So as punishment, he's sent back to the very place where he accrued his debt - Blood Bay Arena for the Zombie Fight Night of his life! Its all or nothing in the biggest gamble you've ever seen, chock full of monsters, mayhem, man and munching zombies! I can't wait to see this one at the theatre. See you there!



3. Love 'em or hate 'em, every guy (at one time or another) has enjoyed an action flick, be it Stallone rescuing M.I.A.'s, Van Damme kick boxing his way to glory, or Seagal cleaning his 'hood of criminal scum. Fuch's latest novella is inspired by these testosterone-fueled classics, only he has added plenty of monsters, a little scifi and some fantasy into the mix.
   
   In 2037 AD, 10 years after a chemical spill in the the middle east caused the dead to rise, a slick entrepreneur named Sterpanko has found a way to capitalize on the situation: he has created The Blood Bay Arena, where fighters of all kinds (be they human or monster) come to do battle with fast zombies (Sprinters) and/or slow zombies (Shamblers). A space-time continuum theory is given to explain why all kinds of creatures now exist to battle the undead, but despite this slight fantasy element of the story, you'll be drawn in by the plight of gambling addict Mick to care all too much . . . especially when the fights get underway.
   
   Mick owes Sterpanko over $800,000. Sterpanko grants him one last shot to pay him back: by betting on a series of fights without messing up. With possible spies sitting around him, Mick begins to bet on some of the wildest fights I've read in quite some time: Vampires, werewolves, bigfoot, a 7-foot robot . . . even Bruce Lee and Fuch's own superhero Axiom Man make appearances in the Arena, battling zombies in action-packed and gore-filled bouts.
   
   Things get a bit hairy when Mick sees his wife with Sterpanko and discovers the man sitting next to him, an alleged ally named Jack, is a Sterpanko plant.
   
   ZOMBIE FIGHT NIGHT, with its short and quick-paced chapters, is a lot of fun and provides countless cheap thrills. While much of it reads like a novelization of a Mortal Combat game, I'm betting anyone who has secretly cheered through a late night action or zombie film will leave this read with a satisfied grin.



4. The description tells you everything. I don't need to repeat that. Now how did it play out? Very damn well thank you! The noirish side story of the losers last chance at winning plays very well around the exciting zombie fights. Almost every creature you can think of takes on zombies. The matches are great, it may look like zombies don't stand a chance but they do surprise you. Hey the Undertaker and Mankind can't top this. A really unique and well written take on the zombie genre. Gotta love A.P. for coming up with something totally unique in a genre that's been written to death. One of my fav zombie books I've read so far. Pick it up, it is a blast, you won't be able to wait and see what the next match is!

1 comments about THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF JIM THOMPSON AND OTHER STORIES.

1. While the tale of Thompson has been told many times before, this book is unique as it does not hang on the Thompson story itself. The author quickly moves onto other remarkable stories. Clearly this is an author who stomped the grounds of which he is writing. For those of us who have spent considerable time in such places, the landmarks and places mentioned throughout the book bring back that sense of adventure and experience. The author does a nice job relating history to the present day; an easy read.

5 comments about Helmut Newton: Sumo.

1. My art collector girlfriend bought the original which is how I came to know of its existence! I loved it from the start. But there was never any question I'd be able to afford the original, so was delighted to discover this affordable version. Two other girlfriends have gone on to buy the smaller version like me. Great value for money, and it comes with a little perspex stand. Classic images, and great coffee table book if you like B&W/fashion photography.



2. It's a wonderfull book. Topfoto's organised and placed in the best way.
   It's realy a pleasure to look at it and it's also an ornament to look at it
   I'm not so good in the english language to discribe this product but i'm very glad to have it.



3. It's hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the Taschen art book house set the world of book publishing on its ear with the publication of the world's largest mass production book, `Sumo' by Helmut Newton. The 66 pound, 20 by 27.5 inch book was originally issued as a signed, limited edition volume complete with its own chrome viewing stand designed by modern artist Philippe Starck.
   
   Now, upon the 10th anniversary of it's publication, comes `Sumo' the coffee table sized edition for those who either couldn't afford the $10,000 first edition or for who (like us) the massive original was just too unwieldy to manage for ease of viewing. Either way, `Sumo' is back and it exists to showcase and celebrate what is undoubtedly one of the world's premiere photographers and his most famous sexy, edgy, (largely) black and white work.
   
   Newton, who died in a car accident outside Hollywood's legendary Chateau Marmont hotel shortly after the book's original publication, was beyond compare when it came to his stark and somewhat controversial portraits of the world's rich and famous as well as many of the world's top models and even downright ordinary people. `Sumo' captures all of Newton's most famous photographs including subjects such as Princess Caroline, Brigitte Neilsen, Salvador Dali, Iman, David Bowie (separately), David Lynch and Isabella Rossellini (together) Nicholas Cage, Darryl Hannah and countless others. His oft-times German (and even Nazi) influenced, S&M images of models from Hollywood to Paris remain as strikingly vibrant and cutting edge as they were when originally shot. The full page and double truck layout of the photos add to the dramatic impact in both versions as well.
   
   In preparation for this smaller, coffee table edition, the makers (presumably June Newton) went back and reviewed each of the photo pages to see if any improvements could be made. The result are a relatively small number of substitute photos (Winnie on Deck, Cannes or Romy Schneider, for example) or alternative takes usually just a few frames apart from the original shot selection. The main pros and cons are basically that the new version is immensely easier to view than the poster size original, while the impact of the larger format pages is somewhat lost, especially on the double truck photos which are nearly larger than life in the first edition.
   
   Overall, the price tag is probably the great equalizer. Now, for the first time, the brilliance of `Sumo' is available to the masses. After a ten year wait that may be the best news of all. Either way, this is easily one of the most impressive photo art books ever assembled. While the stand and weight add to the aura of majesty, `Sumo' stands on it's own as one of the greatest art books ever. Yes, ever.



4. I have received the Suma book in excelente conditions.
   Thanks very much
   
   Jorge Horvath
   Argentina



5. Now that Helmut Newton's Sumo is available for the mass public, and no longer costing $5000+ for a massive podium-sized version, getting a copy is a no-brainer for anyone remotely interested in the king of kink's work. The book is fairly complete in terms of touching all of the major areas of Helmut's work and won't seem too repetitious for owners of previous books. While a lot smaller than the aforementioned original gigantic version, the reprint is still massive in comparison to most other coffee table books. It weights more than 15lbs and comes with a sleek acrylic book stand for display on your favorite shelf, credenza, or table. I was happy with the reproduction quality of the book and the binding seems durable enough for many years of viewing. Highly recommended.