5 comments about No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life.

1. I am a high school English teacher and purchased this book as a possible non-fiction text for use in class. It is a quick, easy, and optimistic read. You can tell it is written from the perspective of a young man, but it is a young man with unique experiences.



2. Five stars for a worthy story of one human among us but zero stars for the writing. Steel yourself for atrocious writing and then remind yourself throughout the book that you are reading it to learn of this young man's life and not for the writing -- and you may be able to appreciate and benefit from it. I apologize for my own shortcomings in having trouble getting over the writing - but I found it really horrendously bad - like a first draft from an 8th grader (again, I'm sorry to say this). I found myself distracted throughout by the lack of editing and the repetitive thoughts. I wish someone would have encouraged the young author to have an editor review the manuscript, because the story, nonetheless, is a worthwhile read.
   
   It's a simple book, so read it for just that. Kyle does not write with a maturity that comes with understanding how to express the emotions that drive him beyond just the raw, primordial impulse by which he is driven in his life to live with no excuses. And he doesn't allow us into his soul to understand how a man so young has learned to shut out doubt every day. At writing, he is still a youth who perhaps has not taken time yet to delve deep enough to put in writing his emotions.
   
   It is a short, very quick read - large type with lovely photos. An easy 2-hour read. I recommend this book for grades 5-8.



3. Kyle's story is absolutely stunning in its courage, candor, and non self pitying grip on life. I would love to be able to meet this young champion. His story has impacted my life.



4. This is a great story to share with your athletes whether you are mom and dad or the coach.
   
   Kyle's quest to overcome what would have made many people bitter victims of life puts our problems into perspective and says so much about the true nature of the human spirit.
   
   I loved this book and you will too. If you have an athlete or child who is constantly complaining about how rough their life is then the story of Kyle Maynard becoming a State champion in the roughest sport in High School should adjust their thinking and attitude.



5. This book, helped me a lot since i am on my road to overcome stammering. It helped and inspirred me to step up and give my final oral thesis presentation, i said to myself like Kyle the author of the book says, when he is faced with a limitation, he doesnt make any excuses, he just uses limitations as a motivation to work harder than ever. And thats what I did, incredible book, thanx KYLE for this book, and keep on writing more books please.
   thanx

5 comments about The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History with the President.

1. I purchased this item for my son-in-law and he liked it. Being a history major, this carries some weight.



2. Like Kennedy, Clinton was very interested in how the history of his Administration would be written. His first idea was to hire his friend Taylor Branch (Martin Luther King's biographer) to be the Arthur Schlesinger of the Clinton White House: i.e., an in-house historian who witnessed the history and took notes. This was not practical given the inevitable resistance of Presidential assistants to Branch's presence at meetings. So Clinton had Branch visit him on a monthly basis to tape and interview as an oral history project. Clinton kept the tapes and had them transcribed and used them to write his memoirs. Neither those tapes nor their transcripts have been published. But Clinton did give Branch permission to write his own book, which is based on the impressions he dictated after each session.
   
   Branch adds some of his own impressions of Clinton, which are favorable. By Branch's account, Clinton has a very close and affectionate relationship with his wife and daughter and is a very social and likeable fellow. He is also a positive person with a good sense of empathy.
   
   The account is very useful for emphasizing the breadth of issues that a modern President must juggle -- multiple domestic and foreign policy concerns, political concerns, media relations, reelection, and family matters. The lesson here is the importance of having a positive-minded and intellectually curious person who will not get overburdened by this juggling act. This would seem to qualify Obama, Clinton, the elder Bush, Reagan, Kennedy, and Eisenhower as good post-war Presidents.
   
   Another lesson is the importance of personal relationships. Surprisingly enough, this is extremely important in diplomacy, where modern communication systems allow close relationships to flourish amongst world leaders. Clinton and the elder Bush appear to have been masters at this technique, for the good of the country. Personal relationships are equally important domestically, and Clinton is portrayed as being able to forge good relationships with his most bitter political opponents, which allowed him to get things done.
   
   Branch is critical of Clinton's sense of victimization by the press and failure to curry better relations with select members of the press. Instead, Clinton viewed the whole press as against him. On the other hand, the fixation with scandal, even blatantly false and non-existent scandals like Whitewater, Travelgate, and Vince Foster, do seem to justify Clinton's sense of victimization. But his continued strong approval ratings tend to show that Americans were capable of seeing through such tactics.
   
   Nothing much new here on Lewinsky. Branch's version differs a bit from that offered in Clinton's memoirs -- in Branch's book, Clinton tends to blame his lapse as the result of a stupid response to stress. It appears that Clinton did not talk all that much with Branch about Lewinsky, which is not surprising given his desire to avoid having to turn the whole oral history project over to Ken Starr.
   
   Clinton's show-down with Gingrich over the government shut down is well told. In this narrative, the blame falls on Gingrich for simply assuming that Clinton would cave and for overlooking that, in Clinton's words, Gingrich wasn't the the only one prepared to stand on his principles. It appears that the Republicans believed their own cartoon version of Clinton: that he was bereft of any principle and was fundamentally weak. That simply was not the case.
   
   But it does appear that the Republicans were quite successful in the fascinating technique of attacking a man not at his weak points but at his strengths. It was readily apparent that Clinton was an exceptional politician -- and clearly the best Democratic politician since Lyndon Johnson. So the Republicans attacked this strength -- i.e., he was too good a politician, would trade on anything and not pay attention to principles, and was corrupt. This explains the continued resurrection of the "character" issue throughout Clinton's two terms, culminating in the impeachment. Clinton had serious weaknesses, but this character attack was unfair. The guy was a policy wonk who did have the same core principles as FDR: the desire to provide more security and more inclusiveness. Was there a brutal self-interest and sexual corruption underneath this? Yes, but we don't elect Gods to the presidency.
   
   Branch does not give us enough of his own analysis and impressions of Clinton and his presidency, which I suppose is an inherent limit to oral history. But those limits prevent this from being a great book.



3. I orginally checked this book out at my branch library. I liked it so well I wanted to have it in my personal library. It is more than just the scandalous books published or the one-sided books written by liberals published. on Clinton. I felt even though the author was a friend of Clinton he seemed to try to be objecctive. I especially liked the part on Haiti and it's never ending problems which Clinton was so frustrated in trying to solve. No one will solve Haiti's problems in the foreseeable future because of its culture, graft and politics.
   
   My husband and I were stationed in Puerto Rico 1957-1960 and the problems were just as bad then as now. The U.S. Army did have a presence in Haiti but it was very low key and only a few people knew about it on our post.



4. The title is a bit of a misnomer because the taping process provided the basis for the book, but the content of the tapes do not shape it in the manner of tapes from the Johnson or Nixon presidencies. The tapes did provide a basis for Taylor Branch to witness and explore the Clinton presidency. Branch avoids much of the Schlesinger type of hagiography, while still showing much empathy and sympathy for his subject. Branch is very good at walking through the issues of being a "participant observer" in the White House and freely mentions where Clinton asked for his counsel and what that involved. The book reminded me of the many international issues in which Clinton became involved. This was striking given his lack of foreign policy experience before assuming office. He comes off as much more perceptive and knowledgeable than other modern presidents who assumed office with similar deficits (e.g., Bush II, Reagan, LBJ).
   
   The book is a bit unbalanced in places. There is much attention to Clinton's always forgettable "State of the Union" addresses. Those passages were a reminder that despite his rhetorical gifts, Clinton's only memorable quotes involved gaffes. In this, he has much in common with virtually all his peers since at least Nixon. On the other hand, a number of things are missing or seem to have less coverage than I would have expected, such as the Asian currency crisis. The reasons for avoiding Monicagate seem clear given the nature of the taping project and the wide scope of the Starr investigation. Still, Branch offers little insight into how the Clintons repaired their marriage or how Clinton maintained a busy presidency during that period. There also is surprisingly little on Clinton's take regarding his critics in the press. The press reception to presidents is always puzzling. Johnson and Nixon were reviled. Carter puzzled and mostly received unsympathetic coverage, while Bush I and Reagan tend to get polarized reactions, and Bush II received largely favorable press despite the administrations dismissive attitude toward the mainstream media.
   
   The book is a good reminder of the hurdles that Clinton faced, particularly after the Gingrich takeover of Congress. yet, it's clear that he accomplished much, often in subtle, small bore ways. The minimalism and subtlety may have been among the many things that handicapped Gore. Despite Clinton's popularity, his administration did not accomplish the broad popular programs that mark a presidency that needs little trumpeting. Like many Clinton critics on the Left, I saw Clinton as a masterful politician who could have done more to advance progressive policies and instead squandered his capital on ultimately questionable policies like NAFTA. he also squandered an opportunity with gays in the military but not engaging obvious stakeholders like gay ex-military personnel. Clinton's lack of "sticking his neck out" is, perhaps, a reminder of how he ultimately allowed himself to be cowed by the old boy Southern feudalism of his home state politics. An odd omission is how Clinton was shaped by the South and Southern politics but emerged (along with Branch) as something other than the superficially reconstructed feudalists who tend to represent much of the South. This is particularly true given the repeated references to Branch and Clinton as socially liberal Southerners. In some ways, they represent the "New South" that often got discussed but never entirely materialized.
   
   Clinton's observations of Clinton, Bush II and others are interesting. He clearly recognized the petulant moralism of Jimmy Carter, while also grasping how Carter had transformed his public standing and image as an ex-president. Clinton also made dead on assessments of Bush II and its shame that (unlike, e.g., Dick Cheney), he chose observe custom and to demur about discussing his successor.
   
   Some of the book's limitations reflect Branch's willingness to waste space on things like State of the Union addresses. While he generally eschews injecting himself too much into the story, I could have done without the gratuitous references to UNC sports teams. Clinton's booster-ish attitude about the Arkansas Razorbacks makes sense in providing color and background, but a biographer's sports interests really get in the way of the story. By the end, it was bit sad to see the Clinton years come to close, despite the length of the book. The former president becomes a bit of an old friend, with Branch guiding us through his days. The book makes clear that a president must wade through many ceremonies and distractions without becoming tedious. The book lacks the full play-b-play coverage of, for example, the Haldeman diaries, but provides a close look, nonetheless, with a minimum of inference.



5. With former President Clinton in the news lately, we thought it would be a good time to look at the most recent book covering his White House years, `The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History with the President' by Taylor Branch.
   
   The first thing that bears mention, is that this is not a book of transcripts of secret (or not so secret) White House tapes made in the Oval Office a la Nixon or even LBJ. The book is rather the recollections of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Taylor Branch (`Parting the Waters' about the rise of Martin Luther King) who was hired by Clinton to conduct a series of late-night interviews with the then president to chronicle his years in the White House; tapes that Clinton himself, has held onto for his own posterity, library, book, etc...
   
   While not nearly a direct transcript, Branch's deckle edged book is based on a series of detailed recollections from his discussions with Clinton that revel the president's insider views and opinions on all the major issues of his two-term presidency. The range of topics is wide, moving adroitly from issues of a domestic nature (health care, gays in the military, campaign finance reform, the environment, the media and his major work on behalf of the economy and the balanced budget amendment) to foreign affairs (the middle east peace process, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq, Haiti, etc.) to politics (the mid-term elections, the contest with Bob Dole in 1996 and some harsh words reserved for Al Gore in the wake of the 2000 debacle, as well as relations with the House and Senate Republicans and their pestiferous leader, Newt Gingrich).
   
   Some of the best and worst moments are those reserved exclusively for the Clintons, where Branch's affinity for his former campaign worker friend (they knew each other from George McGovern's presidential run 20 years earlier) show a certain favoritism for giving the Clinton's at least the benefit of the doubt. Subjects like Whitewater, Vince Foster, Paula Jones and Monica Lewinsky are tempered by the more personal stories involving Clinton's golf game, Hillary's various social issues as well as the close relationship of both parents with daughter Chelsea.
   
   In all, what emerges from The Clinton Tapes is an intimate look at a man who is a deep analytical thinker, a leader that is well schooled on his job and who considers the down-the-line implications of every move much like an experienced chessman. Once Clinton finally decides to release the tapes, we should have a window into even more of the nuances of the issues chronicled here, but until then, The Clinton Tapes serves as a rare window into a complex and issue filled eight-year term at the top.
   
   Also available as an audio book.

5 comments about Four Days to Glory: Wrestling with the Soul of the American Heartland.

1. I have read basically every book on the subject of wrestling. This book is number one. The first time you read it, the hair on the back of your neck will stand up several times. I liked the interconnection between the wrestlers, families and the Iowa culture of wrestling. As an avid reader, I rarely read a book a second time. This book was just as good the third time.



2. The way "Four Days to Glory" picked up steam from chapter to chapter, I had a hard time setting it aside, and wound up reading it too fast. I actually had to go back a second time to pick up the little details I missed.
   
   This is a great story about heart, sacrifice and pride. I have almost no background in wrestling, but I found myself afterwards going to the internet to find out how Jay and Dan are doing now. Thanks to their success, this looks like a story that is going to continue to be told for years. It should be -- they've got an awful lot to say to many of us who can use the inspiration.



3. In a world where corruption on the national political scene seems to be not only common but accepted as justified and not that big a deal, it's refreshing to see that some out there are still bound by a higher set of standards. In fact, if one were to look at the two men highlighted in this book and contrast them to the most recent 2008 Presidential hopefuls they would seem more capable of guiding us thru the trouble ahead. Rather than relying on empty words these two young men face down all obstacles with hard work, an iron will, forged discipline, and an inner confidence that is built on trial by fire.
   
   This book can show us all what true greatness is versus the current standard of greatness which can only be said is premised upon giving a great speech. Four Days To Glory could be a roadmap to finding our next set of real American leadership and hope.



4. This was an excellent glimpse at high school wrestling in Iowa. It really captured the grit and determination it takes to participate in the sport, as well as be a supporting family member during the long wrestling season.



5. My son had me order this book for a school assignment. He loves it! Good choice!! I can't really write a review for this book as I do not know anything about it. But, my 16 year old son is really into wrestling and he said it's a great book.

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Closed Guard (Book of Knowledge).

1. This is everything you could ask from an instructional manual about the guard. Just like most Victory Belt books, this one has awesome pictures and very clear written explanations. BJ Penn does a masterful job going through a whole array of closed guard techniques: from armbars to chokes and sweeps. One of the great things about it is that it covers the basics very well but at the same time it throws in there some more advanced-yet high percentage moves. There's not a single technique in the whole book that doesn't have a good chance of working in competition. Great work! Probably better than BJ's first book.



2. A good insight into the basic but highly effective guard. Recommend it to anyone who understands the importance of getting the basics right.



3. I was hoping it would be more exhaustive / detailed, since it deals with one particular -- albeit very important -- aspect of BJJ. One example is in the posture-breaking section: how hard would it have been to show options when your opponent's hands are on your biceps, or else if he's postured up with both hands on your belt? Instead, all of only several posture-breaking techniques assume your opponent is using a staggered grip on your belt and lapel. It's a little thing, but BJJ is all little things.
   
   What this book had going for it, potentially, was to provide a really inclusive roadmap of the closed guard, and I think it's lazy in that regard. You can find all the stuff in this book plenty of other places.



4. This book not only is full of great techniques but the detail and the photos illistrating the techniques are great. I highly recommend this book.



5. This book will help you improve your close guard regardless of your rank and experience. I like the idea of just covering one aspect of the art of jiu-jitsu (Close Guard in this case) and really covering it from learning the basics to advance moves and putting combinations together. The book delivers on its promise.

5 comments about Gracie Submission Essentials: Grandmaster and Master Secrets of Finishing a Fight (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. This book starts with a brief history and background on Helio and Royce, as well as their fight philosophy. There is a brief section on what makes someone a good BJJ practitioner and how to train techniques.
   
   It then moves into what this book is all about BJJ submission essentials. It starts with Helio demonstrating a number of his favourite submissions before Royler takes up the rest of the book demonstrating a plethora of other submissions.
   
   The book covers submissions from all situations and positions whether standing, mounted (top and side), guard, from the back or fighting from the bottom. All techniques are explained in great detail to ensure that the technique you're executing is correct. This is enhanced greatly by Kid Peligro's large, clear photos, which includes close ups of grips and multiple angles etc when necessary.
   
   Basically, this book is exactly what it says on the cover - an explanation of BJJ submission techniques.
   
   What this book is not - while it may be a useful reference book for a newer student it doesn't go into fundamentals of wrestling such as basic positioning, transitions between positions, or wrestling theory. Applying these techniques without any of those basics in a fight situation is almost impossible. These are however, covered in other Gracie BJJ books. As such this book is most useful for those who already have wrestling experience, though this doesn't necessarily have to be in BJJ.



2. Like so many other books in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu series, the authors did a superb job in the layout and format of this book and the information that it contains is nothing short of first rate, although I did feel that a couple of sections could have used a bit more detailed explanation than what was give, but that is a very minor complaint bordering on the trivial.
   
   As I was with the other books in the series, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy each technique was to initially grasp when reading this book. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that the photographs are all in color and printed on glossy paper which makes it easier to distinguish the finer points and it really adds to the overall quality of the book.
   
   The techniques themselves were clearly shown with numerous photographs per technique and the accompanying text to explain each technique was very detailed yet easy to understand and comprehend.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the history of Helio Gracie and it was really quite something to see him demonstrating the various techniques in this book. I think that it would be safe to say that this book may one day even have some significant historical value because of this fact.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning jui-jitsu and/or MMA along with the following books.
   
   Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series)
   
   Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: For Experts Only
   
   Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submission Grappling Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series)
   
   Here are two other books on wrestling and grappling that I am sure you would also find very beneficial.
   
   Wrestling for Fighting: The Natural Way
   
   Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.



3. "Gracie Submission Essentials" is part of the "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Series", and like the other books in the series, it is well-done, with clear text, color-coded chapters, and color photos. The first part of the book just gives some background on Gracie Jiujitsu, specifically on the history and submission strategy of Helio and Royler Gracie, the two featured technicians. This book is all about submissions, and even the early discussions focus on that. Next, Grandmaster Helio shows a baker's dozen of his favorite techniques. Most are classics, like the Mata Leao/Rear Naked Choke and arm bar from guard, but others are a bit less conventional.
   
   Next up is Royler, who is given the majority of the book to display his favorite submissions. He begins with attacks from standing. These run the gamut from chokes, takedowns to leg locks, flying arm bars and triangles, to a surprising amount of wrist locks. Next is a few submissions from guard passes (although one actually attacks the turtle position... trouble with the editing I suppose), then moves on to attacks from side control. These include basics such as the Americana, intermediate moves like leg locks, and some very unconventional arm locks and chokes. From there, we move to mount, which is given mostly the standard choke/arm bar mix, but also continues to have some unconventional moves, such as the knee split. After that is a chapter on back control; many of these techniques feature Royler's agility, where he slides up the back of an opponent who's trying to stand up in order to apply an arm bar or triangle. For some reason, the publishers decided to group techniques that attack the turtle and half guard in the same section, which was the last chapter before guard submissions. The guard chapter includes a variety of arm locks and gi chokes, as well as a number of different finishes from the omoplata.
   
   This book is unique in that it offers techniques for every level from basic to advanced. In many cases, combinations of techniques are shown, giving the reader an idea of how the moves flow together. A surprising number of movements involved rolling the opponent over from a face-down position. Although I think such techniques are good to know, I have to wonder how many BJJ practitioners are going to have the necessary agility to pull them off. Another point to note, for good or ill, is that the book made no distinction between levels of technique. They were all simply classified by what position was being attacked at the time. Finally, some of the techniques are illegal in BJJ competitions; novice practitioners should know the rules of such events before attempting some of these techniques.
   
   Taken for what it was, the favorite submissions of two very technical members of the legendary Gracie family, this is an excellent book. It was easy to follow, and technique details were clearly pointed out. A BJJ practitioner of any level, or someone simply wanting to expand their knowledge of submission holds, could benefit from this book.



4. I like it! Helping me understand what my friend is talking about!! HotDog to Mission Control and the like...



5. I've been doing BJJ for a year and a half now, but have always had the trouble of forgetting details here and there, especially for some of the positions that only happen occasionally. A single miniscule movement can make or break a submission attempt, and so that is my trouble.
   
   I was in the market for a good book of techniques and this seemed like a good one.
   
   If you only need help with submissions, this is the book for you. A great deal of basic ones are covered, as well as some which may even catch the more experienced members of your class. Escapes, counters, and general movement are not covered here. The small little details are helpful though and it would be a valuable reference to have and look over before practice or a tournament.

5 comments about Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts: The Stand Up Game.

1. JACKSON'S MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
   The Stand Up Game
   with Greg Jackson and Kelly Crigger
   (Victory Belt)
   © Marc Wickert August 8, 2009
   www.knucklepit.com
   
   Many gyms have a turn at the top for being regarded as the world's most successful mixed martial arts establishment - The Lion's Den, Team Miletich, Xtreme Couture, Red Devil Sport Club... But certainly the standout gym for the last few years has been Jackson's MMA in Albuquerque.
   
   The Gym's headmaster, Greg Jackson, has proven himself to be a superior MMA strategist and safe cracker of many an opponent's coveted game plan. "No matter who may have an advantage in whatever situation you are in, if you can kick their ass, you are dominant," says Greg.
   
   Amongst Jackson's disciples are Georges St-Pierre, David Loiseau, Rashad Evans, Diego Sanchez, Keith Jardine, Nate Marquardt, Joey Villasenor, and female MMA stars Julie Kedzie and Michelle Waterson. The proof is in the pudding!
   
   For this outstanding publication Greg has teamed up with US Army Lieutenant Colonel and author of Title Shot: Into the Shark Tank of Mixed Martial Arts, Kelly Crigger.
   
   The book covers all facets of the stand-up game including:
   * Developing a Fight Strategy
   * The Fundamentals of Stand-Up Fighting
   * Basic Strikes
   * Combinations
   * The Clinch
   * The Takedown
   and
   * Street Fighting, Multiple Opponents, and Weapons
   
   As well as being a hugely successful MMA coach, Greg Jackson operated the Gaidojutsu (Way of the Street) school, where he trained Albuquerque police officers, emergency response teams, SWAT teams, and Special Forces in self defense. So the last section of Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts: The Stand Up Game is also a great addition to any fight enthusiast's library.
   
   To quote from Georges St-Pierre, "Greg is the maestro and I'm the musician."



2. Great Book. Every technique and concept is illustrated with pictures that makes the book very easy to read.
   A lot of simple examples that are easy to remember. Book is very structured and you can get to the part you want/need very fast thanks to a very detailled table of content.I've received the book in very good shape.



3. The book is full of techniques both basic and advanced hitting on topics ranging from striking stance to combos to takedowns. It breaks everything down into a step by step instructional and includes pictures of all major movements to help you visualize the technique. Great purchase.



4. World class MMA trainer Greg Jackson has teamed up with Kelly Crigger, one the sports' most prolific and insightful writers, to create this instructional manual on the stand up game for both inside the ring and out. The Stand Up Game should be an essential reference on the study list of any aspiring fighter, trainer, cop, soldier, or simply fight enthusiasts. It is logically structured, detailed, and complete with hundreds of full-color photos with accompanying descriptive text. All in all, a very thorough primer on this complex aspect of hand to hand combat. A great purchase - can't wait for the next installment.



5. This is a great book for learning about stand up striking. If you do any training in fighting arts at all then alot of this information might be redundant or common sense, but Jackson does include enough new ideas or different executions on combos to make this worth reading. And it is always wise to constantly review your basic punches/kicks anyway. If you can not attack with proper form using the most common basic strikes then chances are success using more advanced striking will elude you. Jackson also includes chapters on developing a game plan going into a fight, and how to protect yourself on the street.

5 comments about Rope Opera: How WCW Killed Vince Russo.

1. He is the man, the myth, the legend. From Vic Venom to"The Powers That Be" to Mr. Wrestling III. Vince Russo has been called a lot of things and is known worldwide. Whether you love him, hate him or have no clue who he is you get more than just a dose of what it's like to be inside the mind of one of the greatest writers/bookers of all time. While many fans have placed the blame on him for failed storylines and botched business maneuvers, Vince Russo continues to show just how he is one of the brightest minds and most revered names in the business today.
   
   While everyone is rightly entitled to their opinion, good, bad, right or wrong, Vince Russo has never shied away from being himself. Something that many people often ask or ponder is about the daily lives of wrestling stars. What is even more fascinating to myself and millions of others is what makes these men. Two words can sum up that question: Vince Russo. Day after day, year after year Vince has put every ounce of energy and the love of the business forth to bring the best entertainment that money can buy. When I opened up "Rope Opera" I was fascinated to dive right into the personal life of one of the most hated, or loved, people in the business today. From the statements of his children to the agonizing details of his most strenuous days in wrestling, Vince Russo is not only immortalized, but, humanized. Not only do we get to read about the ins and outs of his daily life, work habits and personal surroundings, we also get a great insight into Vince Russo, the Father and loving Husband.
   A great look into something that very few in and out of the wrestling world have ever had the pleasure of seeing first hand.
   
   The thing that I enjoyed most about the book is the style in which it is written. Rather than being a start to finish story, it's a collaboration. From the happenings as a child, to stories about and from his children to dealing with the everyday, never ending struggles of a professional writer. Vince takes us through the ups and downs and pulls no punches in his side of the story. Far from your typical "kayfabe" or ghost-written autobiography, Vince fills us in on all of the details that we have so desperately wanted to know throughout his rise, "fall" and re-emergence in the wrestling industry.
   
   As with always with Vince, many will either love or absolutely hate this book. Personally I found it fascinating on many levels. When I first heard of the book, immediately I knew I would be reading it. As I skimmed through the pages when it first arrived I knew I would be in for a treat. Not being a "man of faith" myself, I was concerned that I would be reading chapter after chapter (spread out of course) about his re-birth and his religious views. I was about as wrong as one could be in that assumption. When spoken about, Vince is very intelligent and articulate in his thoughts. Not only does he respect his faith, but he also respects his readers in not carrying on or getting on a soap box about it.
   
   From the beginning of the book, which entailed his exit from the then WWF, we get to hear about how he had the opportunity to take over the writing/booking of the WWF's biggest rival, WCW. While always staying true to his personal beliefs Vince gives us a rare look at how exactly "WCW Killed Vince Russo." My favorite chapter, as it was also one of the most memorable "shoots" in wrestling history was the chapter about Bash At The Beach 2000. Finally after much debate between many wrestling fans across the world, Vince Russo finally sets the story straight. I highly encourage buying the book, if not for this chapter alone. You get a captivating look at not only what transpired behind the scenes that night, but also the fallout that would follow.
   
   From his exit at WWF to his entire TNA career, nothing is untouched. His highly talked about exit from TNA and his shocking return, Vince brings us all along for the ride. The book not only took three years to write, but to show it's recency, it culminates with the arrival of Hulk Hogan to TNA. The final installment in the book, a diary entry from November 5th, 2009 (two days before my birthday), Russo speaks about having made amends with Eric Bischoff and his impending meeting with Hulk Hogan. I won't reveal too much, but it is definitely worth the wait, as in the end of the story, it's only the beginning to another.
   
   As I mentioned before, love him or hate him, Vince Russo lays it all on the line and tells "his side of the story." The book is a smooth and very enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it to anyone who has the chance to pick it up or buy it. Once you finally put this book down, you truly will know why and "How WCW Killed Vince Russo."



2. Vince Russo transcends wrestling. When this man becomes part of a writing team, the shows are looked at under harsh scrutiny. I was in the business, and let me tell you, no one has it harder than the booker (I was never lucky enough to work with an actual writer. It truly is the most thankless job one can have, and no one behind the curtain is ever happy. Grumblings about spots and programs go on and on, and everyone second guesses you. Add to this the criticism you get from fans and it can truly become a harsh labor instead of a labor of love.
   
   I'm biased towards Vince Russo.His writing has always entertained me, and I always knew the minute he was not involved in the show based upon the direction the show took. WWE went from being 'must -see' for me in late 99 to 'what happened, why is it not as good'. I phoned an older friend and asked him why the shows were bad. He explained that the dirt sheets were reporting that Vince Russo and Ed Ferarra(sp?) had left for WCW, and that things were about to get interesting. I made sure to watch WCW programming after this point. October 18-January 22 was the best, most entertaining presentation of Nitro I had ever seen. Vince Russo had proven himself to me at least.
   
   The book goes into detail about this time period, why such a great thing ended in January, and why the second run with Bischoff and beyond was such a living nightmare for Mr. Russo. He tells his side of the story about everything, from accidentally being trapped in Ric Flair's figure 4 for several minutes to what exactly happened at Bash at the Beach with Hulk Hogan. Detail for detail, it describes just how, indeed, WCW killed Vince Russo.
   
   Then we get to journey through the aftermath of his WCW career, which led to a brief return to WWE, to the founding of TNA. We get to understand like never before what it is like to be a former employee of Vince Mcmahon, and we get to see what it is like to work with Jeff and Jerry Jarrett. The chronicles of TNA go all the way through to the end of 2009, including details of Vince's meetings with Hogan and Bischoff.
   
   More importantly, this book is the first adequate portrayal of a christian relating to others in a manner they can understand. He explains Jesus in the same terms as he explained Steve Austin many years ago. That is in terms a wrestling fan can understand. Do not be fooled, this book is written to where you can not skip these essays, because they are meshed and intertwined with the wrestling stories. Truth is, once you start reading these testimonials you will not want to stop. Your heart will open up to this concept, and maybe you will find the peace and glory that Vince Russo was able to find.
   
   And yes, there are even more stories about Fruity and pop, along with portrayals of Vince's sons and daughter. They are woven into the book seamlessly, and everything builds towards where he was and why he did what he did at the time the wrestling stories take place. Truly a brilliant piece of work.
   
   Do yourself a favor and pick this up. If you are a fan, it will be a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you hate Vince Russo and think of him as a curse to wrestling, you really need to read this book. Russo's story will let you see that he is a regular joe doing a job to the best of his ability, and even understand why things happened the way they did.



3. Rope Opera was simply amazing to say the least. As a kiss fan, a wrestling fan, and a tv junkie this book was very great from beginning to end. I have always been a Russo fan ever since i first saw him on television on WCW Monday Nitro. The man just oozed of passion and confidence. I was only about 11 years old when the whole Russo/WCW thing was going on and to read the real scoop of what was happening was just awesome. The book talked plenty about wrestling but thats not the part i enjoyed the most. i enjoyed hearing how Vince Russo went from having a good heart to a black heart then to a saved heart. The pain that this man went through was just unbearable. This book had me in tears through out several different chapters. I hope Russo's critics read this because this book tells all about who he really is and that is a regular person just like you and me just trying to make a living and support his family. the biggest thing i learned from this book was how important it is to have a good relationship with god and to not judge others. i know i'm rambling on here but you just have to read the book to understand what i'm trying to say. you will not regret buying this book... i guarantee it.



4. I was really looking forward to this book, an insider's version of what went on with the failed WCW/Russo experiment. Russo does what a lot of saved people do, throw his religion in the mix, which would have been fine if this were billed as a religious book, but it wasn't. People are going to buy this book for the wrestling stuff, not so much for his religious beliefs. I was hoping for more names named, actual backstage stories, why he wrote certain angles and if he now thinks they were successful. The only in depth angles we were filled in on were the David Arquette and Bash at the Beach controversies. If the whole book would have been like those chapters, then I would have thought more highly of the book, but in it's current form, it was not worth the money I paid for it.



5. I reviewed Vince's first book a while back (unfavorably) and this current book is more of the same. The book is 1/3 wrestling related and 2/3 Vince Russo talking about Vince Russo. The church-y content has been ramped down a bit, which is nice (this is supposed to be a wrestling autobiography, btw). I just get annoyed as Vince rambles on and on and on about any thought that entered his head as he was "writing". He jams a bajillion pop-culture references into this book, this gets old after chapter 2. There's a wrestling chapter, then 2 or 3 chapters about how he's bored, or his love for fantasy baseball, or his pals growing up, or how....
   If this were a book about Vince Russo and WCW only, it would be a pamphlet. He's incredibly self absorbed, and I don't care enough about the guy to read 250 pages about him.
   This book isn't worth your time or $.
   
   Oh and by the way, I'll save you from having to read this book Everything about the failure of WCW... not his fault. He was sweet and considerate to everyone there, but all the backstage politics and management interfered with his 5 star ideas. "Boo hoo, it's not my fault!" Anything he does take blame for, he gives the most insincere apology you can imaging (of course followed by "it really wasn't my fault!"

5 comments about Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling.

1. Bret Hart is one of the few true icons of professional wrestling. The Hitman is a tireless worker, a flawless technician, and ferociously loyal to a business that's as much about family as showmanship. His name is synonymous with professionalism and skill, and his story is the stuff of wrestling history.
   
   In //Hitman//, Bret recounts the maturation of a wrestler, from his early days at Stampede Wrestling, his father's company, through his rise to stardom in the WWF, his ugly public exit from the company, the injury that ended his career, and his journey through personal and professional tragedy.
   
   Undoubtedly the highlight of the book is Bret's unflinching look at one of wrestling's greatest scandals, colloquially known as the Montreal Screwjob, offering valuable insight into the players involved and the motivations behind it.
   
   But the same brutal honesty pervades the entire book, and it's to Hart's credit that he can look at himself through the same lens as those he finds lacking. There are moments of tenderness and bitter memories alike, but overall, //Hitman// is at once a fitting tribute to a wrestling legend and a sobering look at the ups and downs of a singular business.
   
   Reviewed by Glenn Dallas



2. Hart tells as he sees it in his autobiography. He used daily diary entries he created during his career as a primary source which leads to its authenticity. A great look behind the curtain of the world of the squared circle.



3. Whereas Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling is a long 500 plus pages, it is indeed a very real account of Bret Hart's career in wrestling. The beginning parts of the book show Bret's humble beginnings. One of twelve children, he was viewed as part of a crazy wrestling family. In a family of that size there were bound to be clashes and a main one started with his sister Ellie which continued into adulthood. Bret's relationships with Diane, Georgia and some of his brothers were not so great either.
   
   Nonetheless, when a film career did not originally pan out, Bret was brought into the Stampede Wrestling world where he paid his dues. Eventually Vince McMahon appeared on the scene and thus the long up and down career with the World Wrestling Federation began. It was very interesting to learn about the ups and downs of Bret's early tenure with McMahon. He was insecure if he would stay a part of the then WWF. Nonetheless, Bret had some savvy and his idea of turning heel and being paired with Jim Neidhart proved to be a good career move. Its very interesting to read about the on stage feuds with the British Bulldogs and the details behind the title change. Dynamite Kid was such a big influence to Bret that Dynamite's(Tom)career had many ups and downs. Its kind of sad the way Dynamite faded away into obscurity as he was a true talent for his size. Also interesting was Bret's evolving opinions about Hulk Hogan and negative feelings towards the Ultimate Warrior. He sure was not alone about The Warrior.
   
   Also, of great interest was the constant tension between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. At first there was mutual respect. But later on one could sense the general mistrust between the two. Part of the problem was Shawn Michael's rowdy personality coupled with pills vs Bret's more low key demeanor. Mistrust grew and finally the Montreal Screwjob of 1997 caused a huge rift between these two men until possibly a month and a half ago. One wonders how real the makeup on WWE TV between Bret and Shawn was heartfelt. Maybe its part of the storyline.
   
   Anyway, the heart of what makes this book great is the very detailed accounts of the WWE(F) lockeroom. Bret covers extensive ground on the major players, mid levels stars and jobbers with honesty. Key matches and moments are outlined very learly where one gets a perfect picture of what was happening inside the ring and out. No other wrestling book covers the details as well as Bret. His feelings towards Shawn are a little biased. But some of it is justified.
   
   The issues such as Owen Hart, WCW, Bret's Stroke, Bret's divorce and changes in relationship with Vince McMahon make for a very intersting read. I wish I heard more about the events leading up to mother Helen Hart's death. But much is said about Stu. Its also amazing how Bret has a relatively good relationship with Jim Neidhart while a lousy one with Ellie(Jim's wife and Bret's sister). Would like to know why the relationship was so strained.
   
   Whereas the book isn't absolutely perfect, Bret Hart's biography comes very close and excellently executes the life of Bret Hart. Hart does not claim to be a saint. However, he has feelings and emotions and that is a main strong point of this autobiography.



4. I am a big wrestling fan, so I have read many books by Wrestlers or the sport of Wrestling, and I found this book to the best. It tells the true side of wrestlers good and bad. Shows how life on the road (back then) was not what we know or think we know today. If your looking for a wrestling book to tell the truth about life of a wrestler you have to read this one. It will open your eyes to the real hardships of wrestling.
   
   I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of the wrestlers he talks about and I have heard lots of stories of being on the road and this books tells all. I know a few things about the wrestling world since I date a wrestler and have been part of some of the shows. Hope to one day meet Bret Hart and say thank you for sharing his life with us. He is "the best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be".-(quoted by Ric Flair)



5. Simply put,
   The Best book out there if you want to see how pro wrestling was & is today.

5 comments about WWE Encyclopedia.

1. I have been a Pro Wrestling fan since the early 1970s. I grew up in Memphis Tennessee and My favorite wrestler was and still till this day is Jerry "The King" Lawler. I moved around a lot as a kid, so I lost touch with Memphis Wrestling. I first came across the WWWF with people like Captain Lou and his tag teams, The Grand Wizard and his men, from that day I was hooked. The encyclopedia covers ALL the history of wrestling as a whole. I read the first 150 pages in two days of getting it. This book is a MUST HAVE for the serious wrestling fan!!!!!!



2. I purchased this item for my son (9) as a gift and Im proud to say he has spent more time looking through the book than playing with his new video game



3. I'm a big fan of the WWE, but the lack of research and fact checking in their books is laughable. The book is billed as a complete history of the WWE and yet a large number of wrestlers were not included such as Hugh Morris and Chris Kanyon just to name two. The biggest omission I noticed was failing to include one of their own Hall of Famer's Pete Rose, yet they chose to include child killer Chris Benoit.
   Short of that, its a fun easy read. It's not quite worth the cover price but if you can find it used pick it up.



4. We bought this for our 10 year old grandson who is a #1 wrestling fan. He is thrilled with it. Every time they come over he has something to share with us that he has discovered in the book.



5. Beautiful slick stock pages, lot's of color photos. It has everything! It's a beautiful collector's item. Very excited to give this as a gift.

5 comments about Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence.

1. This book includes many of the basic mental concepts discussed in sports: staying positive, etc. Although there were some helpful tips, it was a task to sort through the excessive name dropping. As an athlete, I don't need to know the names of everyone the author has ever helped. I assume, since I am buying and reading the book, that I will at least somewhat trust what is being said and that I will be willing to try it myself. If you need the 150/224 pages of professional athlete anecdotes, then this book is for you. If, like most athletes, you don't have time to sit and read fluff, find another book.



2. I am an 1,90 and 120kg marathon runner. When I announced that I intend to run a marathon the reactions varied from amusement to worry that I will not survive. That might have been the case if I wouldn't have had THIS book. It made all the difference in the world. Maybe half of the training time was "mind gym".
   The result? Not only I have finished alive but I made quite a good time (3h44). This performance changed not my weight (I am still 120kg) but my self-image. I know now that the only limits are in my head. I changed. A lot. From the introvertit obese to the cocky, confident obese :) I fired my boss. Actually, the company fired him for mobbing. I got a fat settlement. I switched careers. I took one sabbatical year and focused on learning trading. Here, again, the "Mind gym" made a huge difference. I become profitable and then ... very profitable. I don't own a Porsche but I am free (of worries, schedules, bosses)
   
   If you intend to buy only one book for the next year: BUY THIS ONE !!



3. Pretty good book if you need some general motivation... The author knows the topic and gives some good examples, but doesn't really get into specific actions to help resolve issues. Also, alot of baseball and golf examples, I found it hard to relate it to the sports I am involved in. Tons of great quotes, etc to get you amped.



4. This book is tough to review because people have different expectations with sport psychology books. If you are looking for a neatly organized system of beliefs, principles, and exercises to begin applying to your game tomorrow this might not be the book for you. Maybe you should check out With Winning In Mind or 10-Minute Mental Toughness? With that said, I loved this book. Once you start it you might not be able to put it down. Its a motivational book that weaves sports psychology principles into stories to illustrate the importance of each principle. This book inspired me to write down an effective system of beliefs and checklists I can go through before a game. The important part is the system and beliefs are mine.



5. This book was recommended to me get over issues I had playing racquetball. I kept making mental mistakes and things got worse as the match progressed. This book has taught me how to stay focus and keep moving forward. My game has improved quite a bit and I have beaten players that I have never beaten before. When things go wrong I use the techniques in this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs to take the next step. This is one of those books that you will read more than once and make notes of certain chapters.