Book Reviews and More

Friday, 29 June 2012

TRX - An Introduction

TRX an Introduction!
Make Your Body The Machine

Sometimes you encounter something so great you just cannot stop talking about it. To be honest, that is how I feel about the TRX Suspension Training System. It is one of the best investments I have ever made for health and fitness

gear. The versatility and flexibility of this piece of equipment combined with the portability and 'workout anywhere' option make it truly amazing. I have been using it for 6 weeks now as my main workout equipment and am just beginning a second program on it. The funny thing is, I had avoided this piece of equipment for a few years. Tam, our consultant from trifit at work, has been suggesting it for a few years. I went into the gym at work and tried it on my own with no instructions or videos and thought it was a wasteful gimmick.

Now jump ahead two years, and through circumstance, I travelled 10 days for work, and then was off for 10 days travelling. It was time to give a suspension trainer a try. I went to Fitness Solutions in Kingston and tried a number of models and makes. I eventually settled on the TRX Force model. With the door mount, an x-mount and the TRX, I was set. What is great about the TRX is that there are over 300 approved exercises available for the TRX, and on their website and TRX YouTube channel they are constantly releasing more. When you register your product you get free video downloads. Set up and use of the TRX is so easy. It sets up in under a minute, you use it fully extended or fully shortened, in single-handed mode or double-handed mode. Among those four variations you have hundreds of exercises. Give it a try if you will not believe it.

Note: I will be reviewing the TRX Force, TRX Force Tactical and others as time goes on.

Other Fitness Articles:Fall 2011 Programs
Workout program March 2012
My Gear February 2012
Fitness My Retrospective

TRX Articles:
TRX an Introduction
TRX Force
TRX Force Tactical
TRX Essential Flexibility

My P90X Series:Phase I, Phase II, Gear, Phase III, Fitness Options, P90X at 120 Days OutHealth & Fitness Book Reviews:The Primal Blueprint 21 Day Total Body Transformation - Mark Sisson
The Ten Commandments Of Lifting Weights - Jared Zimmerer
Toadally Primal Smoothies - Todd Dosenberry
Caveman Resurection - Jeff Pickett
40 Days to Optimal Health - Dr. Scott Morris
Eat Stop Eat - Brad Pilon
The Primal Blueprint - Mark Sisson
The New Rules of Lifting - Lou Schuler and Alwyn CosgroveBench Press by: Sven Lindqvist
Sly Moves by: Sylvester Stallone
Fit for Eternal Life: A Christian Approach to Working Out, Eating Right, and Building the Virtues of Fitness in Your Soul by: Dr. Kevin Vost
Body for Life 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strenght by: Bill Phillips Lose Fat Not Faith by Jeremy R. Likeness
Living The Good Life: Your Guide to Health and Success by: David Patchell-Evans
Dump your Trainer by: Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

When Monsters Attack - Tony Abbott - Underworlds Book 2

When Monsters Attack
Underworlds
Book 2
Tony Abbott
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545308328

If I thought book one The Battle Begins was a race from start to finish, book two is even more so. This story continues on the heels of book1, with our four friends - Owen Brown, Dana Runson, Sydney Lambertti, and Jon Doyle. These four fourth graders know what is really going on. Loki has launched a war in the underworlds and it is spilling over into our world. Loki has one goal, to take over not just the underworlds and earth, but through the power gained in that process to take over Ragnorok. Somehow it is all linked to Dana Runson and her parents' research into Norse mythology.

Soon the children have visited the underworlds again and they have managed to return yet again, but that is really just the beginning of their adventure. In a story with battles with Draugs, Loki and giant Cyclopes, this story races from beginning to end. Children will love the adventures and seeing kids their own age as heroes working together to thwart evil. It is another great book in a wonderful series by an amazing author.

Books By Tony Abbott:
Goofballs
1. The Crazy Case of Missing Thunder (2012)
2. The Startling Story of the Stolen Statue (2012)
3. Superhero Silliness (2012)
4. The Mysterious Talent Show Mystery (2013)
5. The Scary Story of the Ha-Ha-Haunted House (2013)

Underworlds:
1. The Battle Begins (2012)
2. When Monsters Escape (2012)
3. Revenge of the Scorpion King (2013)
4. The Ice Dragon (2013)

Danger Guys
1. Danger Guys (1994)
2. Danger Guys Blast Off (1994)
3. Hollywood Halloween (1994)
4. Danger Guys Hit the Beach (1995)
5. Danger Guys on Ice (1995)
6. Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (1996)

Time Surfers
1. Space Bingo (1996)
2. Orbit Wipeout! (1995)
3. Mondo Meltdown (1996)
4. Into the Zonk Zone! (1996)
5. Splash Crash (1997)
6. Zero Hour (1997)
7. Shock Wave (1997)
8. Doom Star (1997)

Weird Zone
1. Zombie Surf Commandos from Mars (1996)
2. The Incredible Shrinking Kid (1996)
3. The Beast from Beneath the Cafeteria! (1996)
4. Attack of the Alien Mole Invaders! (1996)
5. The Brain That Wouldn't Obey! (1996)
6. Gigantopus from Planet X! (1997)
7. Cosmic Boy Versus Mezmo Head! (1997)
8. Revenge of the Tiki Men! (1997)

Secrets of Droon
1. The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (1999)
2. Journey to the Volcano Palace (1999)
3. The Mysterious Island (1999)
4. City in the Clouds (1999)
5. The Great Ice Battle (1999)
6. The Sleeping Giant of Goll (2000)
7. Into the Land of the Lost (2000)
8. The Golden Wasp (2000)
9. Tower of the Elf King (2000)
10. Quest for the Queen (2000)
11. The Hawk Bandits of Tarkoom (2000)
12. Under the Serpent Sea (2001)
13. The Mask of Maliban (2001)
14. Voyage of the Jaffa Wind (2002)
15. The Moon Scroll (2002)
16. The Knights of Silversnow (2002)
Special Edition 1. The Magic Escapes (2002)
17. Dream Thief (2003)
18. Search for the Dragon Ship (2003)
19. The Coiled Viper (2003)
20. In The Ice Caves of Krog (2003)
21. Flight of the Genie (2003)
Special Edition 2. Wizard or Witch? (2004)
22. The Isle of Mists (2004)
23. The Fortress of the Treasure Queen (2004)
24. Race To Doobesh (2005)
25. The Riddle Of Zorfendorf Castle (2005)
Special Edition 3. Voyagers of the Silver Sand (2005)
26. The Moon Dragon (2006)
27. The Chariot of Queen Zara (2006)
28. In the Shadow of Goll (2006)
Special Edition 4. Sorcerer (2006)
29. Pirates of the Purple Dawn (2007)
30. Escape from Jabar-Loo (2007)
31. Queen of Shadowthorn (2007)
Special Edition 5. Moon Magic (2008)
32. Treasure of the Orkins (2008)
33. Flight of the Blue Serpent (2008)
34. In the City of Dreams (2009)
Special Edition 6. Crown of Wizards (2009)
35. The Lost Empire Of Koomba (2009)
36. Knights of the Ruby Wand (2010)
Special Edition 7. The Genie King (2010)
Special Edition 8. The Final Quest (2010)

Don't Touch That Remote
1. Sitcom School (1999)
2. The Fake Teacher (1999)
3. Stinky Business (announced, not published)
4. Freak Week (announced, not published)

Cracked Classics
1. Trapped in Transylvania: Dracula (2002)
2. Mississippi River Blues: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (2002)
3. What a Trip!: Around the World in Eighty Days (2002)
4. Humbug Holiday: A Christmas Carol (2002)

5. X Marks the Spot: Treasure Island (2003)
6. Crushing on a Capulet: Romeo and Juliet (2003)

Haunting of Derek Stone
1. City of the Dead (2009)
2. Bayou Dogs (2009)
3. The Red House (2009)
4. The Ghost Road (2009)

The Copernicus Legacy

The Forbidden Stone (2013)

The Serpent's Curse (2014

Novels
Kringle (2005)
Firegirl (2006)
The Postcard (2008)
Lunch-Box Dream (2011)

Author profile interview with Tony Abbott.

Monday, 25 June 2012

Snowstruck Wilson - Chuggington

Snowstruck Wilson
Chuggington
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545338875

The Chuggington books follow closely the TV series. The Chuggers are always entertaining. In this particular book Wilson is fascinated with snow and snow removal. As he is following Harrison clearing the tracks, he gets distracted and is soon alone, when he gets trapped in a snowfall. This is a fun little book that children will enjoy.

Friday, 22 June 2012

Alien On A Rampage - Clete Barrett Smith - Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast Book 2

Alien On A Rampage
Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast Book 2
Clete Barrett Smith (Author)
Christian Slade (Illustrator)
Disney-Hyperion Books
ISBN 9781423134480
eISBN 9781423155249

It's interesting that at first I was not enjoying this book nearly as much as the first volume in the series. I was struggling with how David's grandmother and Amy could both keep siding with the new handy man, Scratchull, over him. And the book starts a little slower than the first. But by the end it more than made up for it.

In this story, it is a year after the first. David is back in the Pacific Northwest at his grandmother's Bed and Breakfast and looking forward to a great summer with his grandmother and Amy. He is hoping to get some time alone with Amy and to renew and maybe expand their friendship. But from the moment he arrives, things are awkward. First there is another new employee, an alien by the name of Scratchull, and from the start David sees something sinister in him that no one else seems to notice. And things go from bad to worse. As David tries to prove that Scratchull is not what he appears, Scratchull always seems to be one step ahead. David knows the truth but cannot get anyone to believe him.

This story is well-written, it is enjoyable. I love the characters and the concept. I liked the first book a little better but cannot wait for book three to see what adventures they will have next at the Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast! So pick up the book and be prepared for some surprises along the way.

Book by Clete Barrett Smith:
Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast:
Aliens on Vacation
Alien on a Rampage

Author Profile and Interview with Clete Barrett Smith.

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

That's not my truck … - Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells

That's not my truck …
Usborne touchy-feely books
Fiona Watt (Fiona Watt)
Rachel Wells (Illustrator)
Usborne
ISBN 9780746093696

This is a wonderful little board boar for young readers. Mouse is looking for his truck. But he keeps finding the wrong truck. The first is too squishy, the second too shiny, the third too rough, the next too bumpy, the next too lumpy. But eventually mouse finds his truck and it has ridges. This board book is made to last with great construction and durability. It has textures and colors that will keep children coming back to it again and again.

Monday, 18 June 2012

The Primal Blueprint 21 Day Total Body Transformation - Mark Sisson

The Primal Blueprint
21 Day Total Body Transformation
Mark Sisson
Primal Nutrition, Inc.
ISBN 9780982207772

A few years back I read The Primal Blueprint. I loved the concept but struggled in implementing the concepts and kept trying off and on. This book put together the finishing touches. It is a synthesis of the material and what makes it amazing is that the day by day process of the challenge is easy to implement. Each day as you progress, you have tasks to perform, and you track and record food, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Mark Sisson has over 34,000 followers on twitter and even more follow his blog Mark's Daily Apple. Many attest to the success of Primal Living. And I have been a fan of Mark's for a while, but just was not hitting the 80/20 - I was closer to 50/50. The book helped me make it more consistent.

If you have tried giving paleo or primal a try and have struggled, this book is for you. If you have been thinking about it trying it, it's an excellent tool to move from an SAD, Standard American Diet, to being a fat burning paleo machine. If you are already living the Grok lifestyle, going through the 21 days of exercises will help you take it to the next level.

The book was exactly what I needed and I am sure it will be a great resource for you in making the lifestyle changes you're looking to make.

Other Fitness Articles:
Fall 2011 Programs
Workout program March 2012
My Gear February 2012
Fitness My Retrospective

TRX Articles:
TRX an Introduction
TRX Force
TRX Force Tactical
TRX Essential Flexibility

My P90X Series:
Phase I, Phase II, Gear, Phase III, Fitness Options, P90X at 120 Days Out

Health & Fitness Book Reviews:
The Primal Blueprint 21 Day Total Body Transformation - Mark Sisson
The Ten Commandments Of Lifting Weights - Jared Zimmerer
Toadally Primal Smoothies - Todd Dosenberry
Caveman Resurection - Jeff Pickett
40 Days to Optimal Health - Dr. Scott Morris
Eat Stop Eat - Brad Pilon
The Primal Blueprint - Mark Sisson
The New Rules of Lifting - Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove
Bench Press by: Sven Lindqvist
Sly Moves by: Sylvester Stallone
Fit for Eternal Life: A Christian Approach to Working Out, Eating Right, and Building the Virtues of Fitness in Your Soul by: Dr. Kevin Vost
Body for Life 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strenght by: Bill Phillips
Lose Fat Not Faith by Jeremy R. Likeness
Living The Good Life: Your Guide to Health and Success by: David Patchell-Evans
Dump your Trainer by: Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen

Friday, 15 June 2012

Megiddo's Shadow - Arthur Slade

Megiddo's Shadow
Arthur Slade
Harper Collins
Browse Inside
ISBN 9780006395706

This story was amazing. It was as gritty as the terrain and time it spans. It follows a young boy, Edward Bathe, as he becomes a man. At sixteen, after the death of his older brother in the Great War, he runs away and joins up. He wants to be infantry just like his brother. But as soon as he arrives in England after basic training, he gets transferred to a mounted unit. He is not happy, especially when his unit ships out. But soon he finds himself on the way to war; he is shipping to British Palestine and the battle there.

The book is dedicated to five members of the Slade family who all fought in the Great War and only one did not come home. The story follows real battles and encounters during the war. It provides the family insight and possibly some family tales and legends, but even so, this story is an incredible read. As we follow young Bathe on a journey to war, he will find what it means to become a man. The writing was amazing and you will not be able to put the book down.

Books by Arthur Slade:
The Dragonfly's Journey (1996)
John Diefenbaker: an Appointment with Destiny (2000)
Dust (2001)
Tribes (2002)
Monsterology (2005)
Villainology (2005)
Megiddo's Shadow (2006)
Jolted (2008)
Shades: 17 Startling Stories (2011)
Flickers (2016)
Crimson (2018)
Death by Airship (2019)
Mr. Universe (2021)

Mr. Universe (2021)

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