Watching Baseball Smarter A Professional Fans Guide for Beginners Semi experts and Deeply Serious Geeks

Watching Baseball Smarter A Professional Fans Guide for Beginners Semi experts and Deeply Serious Geeks

Starred Review. “Professional fan” Hample (How to Snag Major League Baseballs), who falls squarely in the “deeply serious geek” category, has put together an invaluable resource for armchair fans. A former college shortstop, four-time attendee of Bucky Dent’s Baseball School and an obsessive baseball collector, Hample covers basics like what to watch for in pitchers, catchers, hitters, fielders and base runners; he also provides answers to such nagging questions as why spectators stretch in the seventh inning and why most ballplayers grab their crotches. He explains the difference between a change-up and a split-finger fastball, breaks down a box score and offers an extensive glossary of baseball slang that defines both a “courtesy trot” and a “dying quail.” Other sections address free agency and fair balls, umpires and uniform numbers, stadiums and superstitions. Trivia abounds, including the names of the 10 switch hitters honored in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and a record of inside-the-park homeruns. Hample hits the equivalent of a reference-book homerun with his witty, loose and readable style-taking a friendly for-a-fan-by-a-fan approach that doesn’t hide his enormous depth of knowledge. Highly recommended for baseball watchers, Hample also schools amateur players and coaches with well-illustrated examples of some complex pitching, hitting and base-running scenarios.
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Krav Maga for Beginners A Step by Step Guide to the Worlds Easiest to Learn Most Effective Fitness and Fighting Program

Krav Maga for Beginners A Step by Step Guide to the Worlds Easiest to Learn Most Effective Fitness and Fighting Program

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Both the Title and Contents are Accurate
As I stated in the title of this review, both the title and contents of this book (for the most part) are pretty much accurate as far as this book being a, “step-by-step guide to Krav Maga for beginners.” However, I do feel that the authors went a bit overboard with their subtitle, “the world’s easiest-to-learn, most effective fitness and fighting program.” That however is merely a minor annoyance compared to the amount of good and great information within its pages.

This book starts off with the obligatory front matter which consists of basic Krav Maga philosophy, principles, history, and so on, along with more unique and personal information such as; important considerations to consider concerning Krav Maga and dealing with a violent encounter. All subjects worthy of much larger sections, however, not in this book, which is designed to showcase basic skills for beginners.

The authors break this book down into four (4) sections as follows:

1. Krav Maga Basics

2. Combatives

3. Defenses

4. Ground Fighting

KRAV MAGA BASICS

Under this section, the authors go over a variety of warm-up and conditioning exercises, as well as various training positions. All of which are designed to get your ready for the next section, combatives.

COMBATIVES

Under this section, the authors go over a variety of skills and principles such as; the various fighting ranges, vulnerable areas, etc. As well as the proper mechanics of executing a variety of punches, elbow strikes, kicks, knees, and even a headbutt. Now I do have to say that this section, in any other book, would have been to brief for my liking. However, the authors have already qualified the briefness of the material presented in this book by emphatically stating that this book is a, “guide for beginners.” And therefore, should be treated as such.

DEFENSES

Now rather than go into all of the different defenses shown in this section, I am instead going to talk about the way each of the defenses was presented. Which by the way, I thought was done very well.

Each defense is laid out in the following way:

Attack: This is where the author describes the type of attack coming at you.

Immediate Danger: Here the author emphasizes the attacker’s intent with his attack.

Secondary Dangers: This is the results of the attack if it is successful.

Solution: Here the authors present a possible defense.

Initial Counterattack: Like the title says, this could be your first responding counter.

Neutralizing the Attacker: Additional counters that should be made after the first one.

Key Points: Important things to consider in the scenario given.

Commonly Asked Questions: Enough said!

GROUND FIGHTING

In this section, the authors go over a variety of common ground fighting tactics that are fairly easy for the beginner to grasp and eventually become proficient enough in to actually utilize them if the situation warrants.

Even though I am not a beginner when it comes to self-defense and combat, I really enjoyed this book and found it to be very useful and would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in not only Krav Maga, but any legitimate self-defense program.

Here are a few other books on the subject that I would also highly recommend:

Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to Over 200 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques

Krav Maga: An Essential Guide to the Renowned Method–for Fitness and Self-Defense

Advanced Krav Maga: The Next Level of Fitness and Self-Defense

Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself Against Armed Assault

Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force

Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence

Shawn Kovacich

Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

5 Stars Tells Why, Not Just What.. Very Useful
I really appreciate this book since it tells why a move is done the way is is as well as the dangers and risks in each move. This is aptly labeled a prequel to Complete Krav Maga

5 Stars Reality-based self-defense starts here!
I first heard about Krav Maga six years ago when I was a cadet in the police academy. I was told by my defensive tactics instructors that this Israeli fighting system was the best choice for cops who wanted to be ready for anything. I immediately signed up. I can honestly state that Krav Maga has saved my butt on several occasions, allowing me to go home safely to my family.

Now I’m a Krav Maga instructor, teaching my fellow officers how to survive violent encounters. I also teach this premier fighting program to men, women and children. Krav Maga For Beginners is the perfect way for newcomers to learn what this very effective system is all about. This book aptly explains what Krav Maga is, and, as importantly, what it isn’t (for example, there are no intricate patterned forms in Krav Maga - instead, it’s all about “simple, aggressive movements that get right to the point of self-defense”).

I have had the privilege of training with two of the book’s three co-authors, Darren Levine and Ryan Hoover. Darren Levine holds a special place in my heart as a cop, as he is a senior member of the Crimes Against Peace Officers section of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. He is a Deputy District Attorney who prosecutes offenders who murder or harm police officers. He is also the lead Krav Maga instructor in the U.S., having trained directly under Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga.

Ryan Hoover is an amazing teacher who has trained me and many others to focus on the importance of a reality-based self-defense system. Ryan is a master instructor whose passion for helping people to be safe and healthy radiates in everything he does. He has mastered many martial arts, holding several different black belt rankings. Ryan’s greatest achievement, however, is how important he is in his community. While training at his facility, I watched the children and adults who have made themselves physically and emotionally stronger due to Ryan’s skill and dedication. My goal is to someday be as valuable to my community as Ryan Hoover is to the people he serves.

I have not met John Whitman yet, but from all I’ve heard, he is a remarkable instructor - I won’t miss the chance! Search Amazon.com to see the wide variety of books that Mr. Whitman has authored, too. He’s a writer for the book series inspired by the show “24″. His Krav Maga skills seem to have helped Jack Bauer out of many bad situations!

I highly recommend this book and this martial art. As a father of two daughters, as a police detective and as a guy who can see the age of 50 coming up real fast, I can tell you that the fitness that comes from training in Krav Maga is every bit as important as the self-defense aspects. I hope that many people will check out a class in the near future and see for themselves!

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The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship Basics for Beginners D Level Howell reference books

The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship Basics for Beginners D Level Howell reference books

This book is written and illustrated for youngsters who want to learn to ride, especially those who are members of the U.S. Pony Clubs, Inc. and want to meet the USPC’s Standards of Proficiency. If you are that youngster, you will be able to read this book on your own. It will show you how to become a careful, thoughtful rider and how to communicate with and understand your pony. Some sections, however, are meant to be read by an adult (a parent or riding instructor), so you can get the extra help you may need to reach your goals. By the time you have read this book you will know a lot about:

• riding in a ring and in the open
• beginning jumping
• pony care and handling
• safety
• having fun and meeting challenges

You will also feel good knowing that you are on your way to being a horseman and not just a rider.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars USPC Beginners Manual
Good, basic book for beginner horsemen of all ages, book arrived promptly and was in excellent condition. I’m using it with my beginning riding students.

5 Stars USPC Manual - Beginning Level
I am a beginning & intermediate horseback riding instructor in Moscow, ID. I have found the Pony Club Manual for beginners to be a very helpful teaching tool - the illustrations are helpful and well-labeled, and the layout is easy to follow. The information is widely accepted as correct, and the text is well-written for the 10-15 year old ages. I include a manual in the price of all my beginning horse camps for 10-14 year olds.

5 Stars Pony Club Manual
This is the an excellent introduction for anyone interested in horsemanship. It can be studied prior to joining the United States Pony Club or serve as a usful tool in teaching or improving horsemanship for the young or beginning equestrian.

4 Stars A Must Have For Pony Club Quiz Bowl
I couldn’t have gotten through Pony Club Quiz Bowl if I didn’t have this book. I like the exercises in the book and now I do them on my horse. I learned alot while reading this book, like parts of the tack and how to be safe around horses. I like all the pictures in the book because it helped me to understand what it meant. I would reccommend this book to other pony clubbers and kids who like to ride.

5 Stars Susan Harris- Multitalented Communicator
There is a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. Susan Harris is not only a gifted artist ; drawing her explanations of concepts she is relating ; she draws pictures with her words, and for anyone lucky enough to attend one of her clinics , she draws explanations with body language. I am fortunate to have Sue as my friend and mentor for 30+ years & have told her often that “She could read the phone book to you & You’d never lose interest”. She is also a gifted horsewoman & teacher. She posseses an ability to locate the crux of a lack of understanding & with empathy for both horse & rider guides them to a solution. If I had to limit my horse library to just a few books, her USPC manuels would be the first chosen. They are a wealth of information on all aspects of horsemanship , for every level of horseman , of any age. Her choice of words combined with her own illustrations gives very clear & interesting information.Sue stresses empathy for your horse & safety issues in every topic -2 basics to have ingrained in anyone who wishes to be around horses. I have recommended these books to all who share the “addiction” to horses with me.

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Hour of the Olympics Magic Tree House 16 A Stepping Stone Book TM

Hour of the Olympics Magic Tree House 16 A Stepping Stone Book TM

Jack and Annie are off on another adventure! This time they are sent to

ancient Greece, where a very important event is taking place. Join them as they

race against time and witness the very first Olympic games!

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star too much social reality too early
I generally like these books, but this one was awful. It’s about girls not being allowed to go anywhere in ancient Greece, not being allowed to go to school, or the olympics, or anywhere outside, and not being allowed to learn to read or write… my 3 yr old girl and 5 yr old boy were really distressed by the injustice of it (the girl burst into tears!). I just don’t see any need to put the idea into young people’s minds that boys and girls aren’t equal. It left all of us with a real bitter taste… there are plenty of other/better books for your youngsters, so choose something else. (oh, and there’s nothing about the olymics in the book anyway!)

5 Stars It’s become a nightly tradition
My four year old son is in love with this chapter series! A friend suggested it to us since he seemed ready for a more advanced reading material at bedtime. My husband reads him a chapter every night…sometimes more because they don’t want to stop. It’s become a great tradition for them, and something they both look forward to. We love that there are so many in the collection! Start with number 1 and just continue.

5 Stars MY BOY LOVES READING
My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

4 Stars a great book
MAGIC TREE HOUSE OLYMPICS

By KRISTIAN

In the Magic Tree House there is a boy named Jack and A girl named Annie. They went to the OLYMPIC . Annie went And took her mask .The mask she had on was to act like a boy .The guard grabbed Annie she said get off of me! To get more info about how Jack and Annie got home read MAGIC TREE HOUSE

My favorite part was when Annie took her mask off and the guard grabbed her and she said get off of me . I like this book because it has good vocabulary word and it had good details I had NO connection .

The 5th grade will like this book first grade will not want to read such a long book

Second through 5th will like this book because if they are studying on something they will learn about it

4 Stars I loved it!
The last Magic Tree House that I read was Hour of the Olympics. I liked it because it had a lot of interesting facts about the early olympics. I thought it was funny that some people wore armor when they ran in races! I suggest that you read this book!

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Hooray For Fly Guy

Hooray For Fly Guy

When Buzz’s football team is short one player before the big game, he offers his loyal pet, Fly Guy. Coach can’t hide his guffaws as the plucky insect tries out, attempting (and failing) to kick the ball, catch it, and tackle a player. Still, Fly Guy wins a seat on the bench, and Buzz makes him a tiny helmet. Together they plan a secret play and a touchdown dance, just in case. The football theme, simple vocabulary, and comical pictures will encourage many beginning readers to give this amusing book a try. Arnold’s

Kayaking Made Easy 3rd A Manual for Beginners with Tips for the Experienced Made Easy Series

Kayaking Made Easy 3rd A Manual for Beginners with Tips for the Experienced Made Easy Series

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Lacks discriptive diagrams and photo’s
I agree with Mark-from-DC; there is WAY to much verbage and WAY too few diagrams. Verbose “how-to” passages must be read several times to get the gist of what the author is trying to describe. I actually ended up diagramming my own sketches as I re-read sections. I too, would not recommend this book, and for the same reasons. I found it a big disappointment.

1 Star Needs some pictures
This book might be packed with information about the various paddling techniques but takes at least three readings to understand what the author is trying to describe. The narrative would be helped tremendously if some pictures were included. Simple things like showing the proper wrist rotatation during strokes, even body positioning during the stroke are not illustrated.

In addtion, the authors writing style leaves a lot to be desired. The author wants to imagine he is right next to us while we sit in the kayak. Things like, ‘…go ahead and pick up your kayak while we walk down this hill together….’ UGH!!!!

Just describe each technique and some illustrations to go with each step would do wonders for this book.

As a novice to kayaking I can’t recommend this book

5 Stars A Good Read
Disclaimer - This reader has no kayaking experience. Your humble reviewer has taken to the waters on the Nimitz, in canoes on still and running bodies of water, a twenty one foot sloop, pontoon boats, rowboats, down the rapids of the Chatahoochie in a guided raft, and on the garden variety cabin cruisers that litter the waterways like so much floating garbage. (do you detect a bias?)

Your reviewer does read a fair bit, and compared to other books on this and other subjects, found Kayaking Made Easy to to be a very enjoyable read. The conversational style of the author reached me loud and clear. With some experience in boating and outdoor activities the advice seems sound.

The work is geared to touring and casual flatwater kayaking with some great advice for “gunkholing” and generally loitering about the calm waterways. Serious touring and navigation is also discussed. One thing that really impressed me was the brief tutorial on boarding the kayak - notably missing in a different book.

I am contemplating the purchase of an inflatable kayak and found this book more help than the one I bought specifically on inflatable kayaking.

Since I am not a kayaker per se, this book could be entirely bogus. I seriously doubt that, it seems sound and a very enjoyable read. I would buy another book from this author. Even those who don’t ever plan to kayak might like this book for non-ficiton. Very happy with my purchase.

A wonderful gift idea for the outdoorsy, water loving type buddy who does not own a boat but might be inspired by this introduction to the world of kayaking.

5 Stars Kayaking Made Easy
Good information for a beginner, also helps with understanding terms used in kayaking.

4 Stars Good information
Done with humor and well done instructions even for the one who has never touched a kayak.

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The Womens Guide to Golf A Handbook for Beginners

The Womens Guide to Golf A Handbook for Beginners

Kellie Stenzel Garvin, a PGA and LPGA class-A teaching professional, has been golfing since she was 3 years old. In her book, The Women’s Guide to Golf, she attempts to teach the woman golfer who has not. Assuming the reader has no prior knowledge of the game, she explains everything. The chapters are set up as lessons, the first ones covering the course, the ball, the hole, and the equipment. The simplicity of these first lessons may seem a little insulting–after all, a beginning golfer is not the same as a beginning reader. But when she discusses grip in lesson 5, pay attention–that’s when Stenzel Garvin starts to shine. With the aid of 75 black-and-white photos, she takes the novice golfer through the basic points of putting and the short game before moving on to the full swing. Two of the most valuable lessons aimed at helping the beginner avoid the pitfalls that would make her stand out: step-by-step instructions for going to the driving range to hit a bucket of balls and playing a round of golf. “Fake it ’til you make it” is her mantra. Left-handed golfers be warned, this book is written strictly from a right-handed perspective, so all instructions will have to be translated. –Suzanne Sexton

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent book
This book really helps give a beginner the correct information and encouragment needed to step onto a golf course. The author amswers those tiny questions we have but are too embarrassed to ask.

A great book.

5 Stars new golferI
I have just started golfing so I have no knowledge on how to golf. This book has been a Godsend. I didn’t know how to hold the club, how to stand,swing, where to put the ball etc… I am so thankful for a book that starts from the bare basics..

5 Stars Very good book for beginners
This book was just what I needed…the total basics spelled out in east-to-understand English, like what’s the difference between a wood and an iron! Plus, I like the “Prince Charming” section and how to handle unsolicited advice.

5 Stars A must have for beginner golfers
This book is great for any level of golfer, especially beginners. It has great pictures and easy step by step directions for learning/improving all parts of your game. I bought one as a gift and one for myself. I really enjoy the practical advice and simple drills she gives the reader.

4 Stars The Women’s Guide to Golf: A Handbook for Beginners
good, clear instructions.

provides details and explains golf in terms the reader can understand.

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No Need for Speed A Beginners Guide to the Joy of Running

No Need for Speed A Beginners Guide to the Joy of Running

“You don’t have to run fast to be a real runner!”

John Bingham, “the patron saint of the back of the pack,” commands “The Penguin Brigade”– those thousands of dedicated runners who have learned that the greatest joy in their sport comes not from how fast they go or how thin they become, but from simply having the courage to take the first step.

Now Bingham shares the wisdom that took him from couch potato to columnist for Runner’s World magazine. No Need for Speed explores both the why and the how of running for the rest of us. With information both practical (how to find the right running shoes for you, when to enter a race, what to eat before a run) and inspirational (focus on where you are instead of where you want to be, accepting the body you have, the beauty of being realistic about goals), Bingham extends a trusted hand and expert advice to beginners and veterans alike.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Bingham is awesome!
An excellent read for anyone entertaining the idea of adult onset athletisim…Hmmm, anyway it is very inspirational for runners, walkers, hikers, joggers, what ever your fancy John Bingham writes at a level that is so easy to “get”….

3 Stars Quick read, breezy but worthwhile
The Penguin’s No Need for Speed is not an in depth book but it’ll get you up off the couch and into those running shoes.

For my taste, he repeats points too much, saying an idea three or four times when I got it the first time. But the point of the book is to convince you to get out there running and not to worry about looking too dumpy or running too slow or even walking rather running.

The point is to motivate you and reassure you. So I suppose telling an idea two or three different ways with an illustrative story thrown in for good measure makes sure it finds the right message to appeal to a reader. Anyway, it’s a fast read and a fun read with some practical advice for the beginner about buying shoes, putting together a schedule, etc. And having fun.

5 Stars No need for speed
Excellent book. You can relate to the writer, he has a food sence of humor while still giving you important information on how to run and the runners lifestyle.

3 Stars Different title but same book as another one by J. Bingham
I recently returned this book because I have the book “Courage to Start” by the same author John Bingham. I felt like I was reading “Courage to Start” all over again just a different title.

The book is good and I like all the fun stuff that Mr. Bingham writes in this book - I was laughing a lot and I could relate to a lot of things that is in this book.

It really does give you a good motivation jump start but it did not give me anything new from what “Courage to Start” did.

If you have “Courage to Start” and you need some additional information re-read the book. If you do not have “Courage to Start” this would be a good book for you.

2 Stars Bingham returns to the same well yet again…
No Need for Speed is just a recap of his earlier book, The Courage to Start. Unlike The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed has two whole pages of actual useful running advice, as well as a handy 12 week training program (again, two pages).

So, this book really only has four pages of new, relevant material. I’m not sure it’s worth buying. Check and see if your local library has a copy.

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Thomas Goes Fishing Step into Reading

Thomas Goes Fishing Step into Reading

Thomas often sees his young friends standing by the stream fishing.
It looks like so much fun that Thomas wants to go fishing too. One day, he runs out of steam and his driver fills his boiler from the stream. And soon, Thomas’ boiler is what the driver is fishing in!
In the early 1940s, a loving father crafted a small, blue, wooden engine for his son, Christopher. The stories that this father, the Reverend W Awdry, made up to accompany this wonderful toy were first published in 1945.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Thomas at Bed Time
My daughter reads a Thomas book to her 2 1/2 year old son almost every night. These are wonderful stories and all teach valuable lessons.

5 Stars Great for early readers
The book has a great layout. The writing is consice and printed in large fonts, perfect for early readers. My 3-year old son loves it. Sometimes I read it for him and some other times he just likes to flick through the pages.

4 Stars Nice little reader
My daughter is continuing her reading skills using these books! They are great. Pretty cute story, too.

5 Stars Thomas Goes Fishing?!?
This is a simplified version of the “Thomas Goes Fishing” story and to tell the truth we sort of like this version best as it gets to the point without alot of mucking about and ridicule from the other engines.

The story begins with Thomas watching some children fishing by a bridge. He `peeps’ and they wave, and Thomas wistfully declares that he would like to fish too. His driver chuckles at the thought, but every day Thomas sees the children and his desire stays alive.

Nothing happens until the day, Thomas suddenly stops and complains that his boiler hurts. [There is a great picture of the driver peering into Thomas' empty boiler]. Because his boiler is low and there is no water service station available, the driver proceeds to fill Thomas’ boiler with water from the river. And everything seems fine until Thomas starts to giggle.

“Hee hee!” said Thomas.

My boiler feels funny.”

Well the driver looks into the boiler but this time it not only has water, but two fish swimming about! Thomas’ solution is to `peep’ and attract his friends, the children. His driver borrows a fishing rod and well… he and Thomas go fishing!

Five Stars. The artwork in this little book is wonderful. The drawings are imaginative and bright. And the simplified story is actually funnier to my two than the longer version. And at this price, a worthy addition to the home sheds’ library.

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Fred and Ted Go Camping Beginner Books R

Fred and Ted Go Camping Beginner Books R

PreSchool-Grade 2-Two lovable dogs are good friends, although they are very different. Fred is tall and rather bumbling; Ted is short and more capable. When they go camping, they often have their own preferences and ways of doing things. Each one allows the other to have his own way without commenting or teasing, despite Fred’s usual misjudgment and clumsiness. All in all, the pals enjoy the various activities commonly pursued on such outings: pitching a tent; canoeing and fishing; and finding, cooking, and eating apples, berries, and nuts. Continuing the legacy of his father, Eastman has created an appealing picture book for new readers. The colorful, cartoon illustrations accurately depict the action and emotion of the simple text. A readable, fun-filled book.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ
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