5 comments about The New Complete Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

1. I have browsed this book and if you are thinking about getting a Chesapeake you should buy this book first. It will cover many of the things I mention here in greater detail. Many people have bought Chesapeake Bay Retrievers without doing enough research and then gotten rid of their "problem" dogs. In almost all cases "the problems" were caused by the owners because they did not understand the requirements of this breed.
   
   I have owned and trained my Chesapeakes for over 12 years now and I can tell you that they are a wonderful and unique breed. There is no other breed with the qualities of a Chesapeake. They are very intelligent, extremely loyal and dedicated to their masters, great with kids (if raised with them) and love to be part of the family, have unbelievable determination and will, and in many ways have almost human like personalities. For these reasons and others, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers make absolutely wonderful companions.
   
   However, as Chesapeake breeders will tell you, these dogs are not for everyone. Their intelligence and energy requires a need for daily activity that challenges them physically and mentally and that is rewarding to them. They thrive when given what they interpret as a problem to solve. They respond much better to praise then they do discipline. Robotic methods of training don't work as well on Chesapeakes and for that reason many pro trainers won't train a Chesapeake because they think they are too stubborn or just dumb.
   This is rarely true, but it takes a strong commitment on the owners part to provide the dog with an environment in which it thrives. Chesapeakes have a lot of self-pride and if you try to force them to do something against their will, they may often resent you and become uncooperative.
   
   Chesapeakes love to swim, retrieve, play, hunt, or just show off their physical strength and stamina by lifting large logs and rocks out of the water for hours on end. If not given the proper physical and mental outlets a Chesapeake bores very quickly and can become destructive and depressed. For these reasons Chesapeakes do not like being left alone in a kennel for hours. Being part of the family is very important to them and they love attention. They are fine in the house but need a large fenced yard also. Again, if they are ignored or neglected, they will resent you and it will lead to destructive behavior or depression.
   
   Other things to consider:
   They are protective of their home and family and may bark at strangers. They are not naturally agressive towards strangers or other dogs, but if their protective side is overly encouraged, or if they are taunted, they could become that way.
   
   They shed. A lot. Nuff said.
   They eat a lot so they poop a lot. Nuff said.
   
   The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a very special breed and they make great family dogs and excellent hunting dogs. But they require a patient but dominant personality in their owner, training adjusted to the Chesapeakes personality with lots of positive reinforcement, love and respect as part of the family, room to run, and lots of happy and rewarding activity. If you feel you can fullfill and commit to these needs, then a Chesapeake Bay Retriever may be the right dog for you.



2. I bought this book through Janet Horn, our dog's (Timothy Scott)beeder before she passed away.I feel Janet's insight into a Chessie's personality to be dead on.She really loved her dogs (Her home in New Jersey was filled with Chessie's) with all her heart .When I visited her the day we bought our dog I could feel that knowledge as she advised me on what to do with our dog.He is a shining example of what a Chesapeake should be- so are his puppies!Buy this book!



3. This book is very thorough and complete, covering all aspects of this breed of dog, from buying a new puppy, to training, to grooming and preparing for a dog show. If you're intrigued by this breed of dog, just keep in mind that this is a very active breed of dog, and its activity level can drive some people bonkers! This book is quick to point out this fact, and it is an important one to consider.
   
   I'm happy with my Chesapeake Bay Retriever, but he can be quite a handful at times. My dog, through daily spoiling, weighs around 90 pounds, which is about 15 pounds larger than the average male of this breed. He isn't fat, just more muscular than average, which makes him even more fun to handle. What this book says about this breed is pretty accurate, based on my personal experience. These dogs are hearty, active, and have unique personalities. One needs to keep these facts in mind before making this breed a member of one's home.
   
   If you are interested in knowing more about this breed of dog, then this is an excellent book to buy. It will quickly familiarize you with the basics of this breed, and let you know what you can expect if you decide to add a Chesapeake Bay Retriever to your household.



4. Very informative book for new (and old) chessie owners.



5. When I was in the market for a medium to large sized sporting dog, I began to research dogs such as the Chesapeake Bay retriever and of course the Golden and Yellow retriever. My search led me closer to the Bay retriever because of 2 reasons: athletic ability and intelligence.

   Upon closer scrutiny I soon discover from 'The New Complete Chesapeake Bay Retriever' that indead this was the superior choice over all other retrievers. The book explains that the Bay retiever is less popular than other retrievers simply because not many people have heard of this American breed. And as a benefit, over breeding has not occured with the Bay retriever. Hunters prefer the Bay over other bird dogs due to their undistracted committment to retrieve. As a family dog, they are gentle and stoic enough never to over react or bark in any situation

   The book was a terrific guide for shopping for a pup and especially for raising and field training the dog as a hunter or as champion show dog.

   My dog is a family pet and I owe plenty to this book for guiding me logically with the raising, training and breeding of my dog.

   I discovered later that my dog's ancestry is mentioned in the book. His grandparents are previous champs and are showcased through out 'The New Complete Chesapeake Bay Retriever'.

   'The New Complete Chesapeake Bay Retriever' is thorough, logical and very acurate with selecting, raising, and training the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

5 comments about Dog Obedience Training.

1. I have a 6 month old American Pit Bull and the day I got "Cross" is the day I also started reading this book. Today he is a trust worthy and obedient dog. What Ross does is breaks down how you train the dog and also gives you an insight into why your puppy or dog does what they do. ANYONE who has a dog should read this book.



2. This book made me and our puppy "Cross" a great puppy at 6 months and he is an American Pit Bull. At 7 weeks I got "Cross" and the same day I got the book. I started right away with the training Ross tells you about step by step. The hardest part like he tells you is to have yourself stay in tune with what you are doing. If you do....well my dog is great. A playfull, trust worthy dog. If you own a dog - YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. It makes you and the dog live in harmony.

   Thanks Ross




3. In 1972 Ross Allan was an Airforce Legend, the best of the best, a Top Gun, Dux in his field, and now this living legend quietly trains dogs in sunny Queensland "only an hour away from where last century this man made Airforce history". It almost sounds like a Hollywood Blockbuster and possibly one day, it might be because Ross Allan is as much part of Australian Airforce history as was William (Bill) Perrett the founding father of the RAAF Police Dog Mustering. This 'man', Ross Allan graced our industry and is without doubt, the best independent dog trainer Australia has ever seen.

   Ross Allan's legacy will never again be repeated. Never before has the guts, determination and natural ability of one person been seen in any of Australia's Armed Forces, Police, Corrections, Security, or Customs. This magnificent 'man' has for many years been undersold.

   All of Ross Allan's experience, techniques and methodolgy have been captured in his book 'Dog Obedience Training'. This book is the most significant tool you can own if you train dogs! Ross Allan, you are a true Australian icon and the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) salutes you, a living legend...... Will you one day return to where it all began?

   Your book has given a high profile to the mustering and dog training in this country. You are a true ambassador and master craftsman. Good luck my friend!




4. Dog Obedience Training by Ross Allan is an excellent book for anyone seeking serious advice on training their dog. It is clear, concise and easy to follow with a step by step process outlined for each exercise along with wonderful colour photos demonstrating the correct handling procedure. I have used Ross Allan's training methods on my own two dogs and have achieved the desired results when all other avenues have failed. The years of experience and dedication to dog obedience training by the author have produced what I consider to be the best book available for everyone from beginners to the more advanced dog handler. I have witnessed Ross Allan's methods work time and time again and thoroughly recommend this book to anyone in need of guidance with the training of their canine companion.



5. With this book,Ross Allan has proven once again,his expertise in the art of Dog Obedience Training.An easy to read and comprehensive guide to obtaining a great relationship with your Dog as well as valuable information on health and diet. Ross has helped me many times with his knowledge in this field and I recommend this book to anyone wishing a happy and healthy dog.

5 comments about Italian Greyhound: A Complete and Reliable Handbook (Complete handbook).

1. I was looking for a breed specific book, this is mainly a book on puppies in general, with a few specifics, and many pictures if ig's.
   I was VERY disapointed that there was no mention at all of rescue dogs, and the author recomended a puppy over adults because you can train them how you want them. It was very pro breeder overall. The main reason there are so many wonderful dogs in rescue , is that breeders pop out many pups to make money, but never educate people on the specific needs of these dogs.
   
   If you are looking for an ig book, go elsewhere. If you want a book on how to train your puppy to sit and stay, and look at some cute pictures of iggy's , then , maybe you'll like it.



2. I am very pleased with both the product and the service I received with this purchase.



3. This book is not written with enough detail, to generalized missing a lot of breed specific info that I already knew. I was not happy with my purchase.



4. This is a great book. It's geared a little bit more towards showing your dog, but it has some great information in it for those who have Italian Greyhounds.



5. This book has a very beautiful cover with great photos. It is very similar to the other IG book I bought at the same time "Italian Greyhound (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)by Dino Mazzanti" . And they are almost hard to tell apart. Great if you are new to the breed, it reads quick, I wish it was longer. Out of the 2 I bought, this one seems a bit more practical.

5 comments about Ruffly Speaking (Dog Lover's Mysteries).

1. I loved this one, the dogs, the new characters, Winer and Lamb, Rita and her psychological ponderings, the hearing dog Ruffly and her owner, and just the wealth of detail about all of them. this was a nicely constructed mystery, plenty of meaty characters, plenty of side plots, plenty of dogs to enjoy. If I were a dog, I'd beg for more like this one.



2. This series just gets to be more and more fun. I love Holly Winter and her two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. This book delves into the world of working dogs, more specifically hearing aid dogs. Dogs are wonderful aids for people with all kinds of disabilities. Ruffly is an adorable little mixed breed that lives with a woman who is hearing impaired, and believe me, he takes his job seriously. And we also have a murder to deal with. A murder that it seems only Holly thinks is a murder. The denouement of the murderer is also fun because we have Holly backed by her trusty Rowdy who do the unmasking. This series is definitely for dog lovers, but even those who aren't as fascinated by dogs as some of us will enjoy this warm and wonderful series.



3. Better than Bloodlines, but still not that great. Poor character development, and the fact that Conant has a tendancy to ramble make this book less than what it could have been.
   
   I'm also getting rather irritated with the author's constant free advertising plugs for Eukanuba, Iams, and some other major brand names in the pet industry. Are we reading an novel, or an informational brochure by Iams? Is she getting paid to do this, or does she really believe that Eukanuba is the best dog food on the market? (If she does, she's very ignorant on the subject of dog foods.) I don't like my novels to tell me how I should be training or what I should be feeding.
   
   I probably will not ever purchase any books written by Conant again.



4. Morris Lamb dies suddenly of what appears to be plant poisoning: his plants. When his house is sold to an Episcopalian priest and her deaf dog companion starts to have seizures, Holly Winter, dog writer and lover, starts to investigate.
   
   I have enjoyed this series that takes place in Cambridge, Ma.
   I'm definitely a dog person and these are definitely dog lovers books, filled with all kinds of tips and tidbits on dog companions.
   
   I was extremely disappointed in this one, however. The writing is choppy. The characters that haven't already been introduced in previous books are underdeveloped. Conant often seems to babble. I didn't really understand how her opening statements about aliens and ufo's had anything to do with dogs.
   
   The Dog Lover's Mysteries have been a favorite of mine so I'm going to give it another chance and read the next one, but I wish someone had told me earlier not to waste my time on this one.



5. I was really impressed. This was my first mystery by Susan Conant and I think I'm hooked. The only problem I see with her subject is that she's limiting her fan base. If I wasn't was what Holly Winters so aptly put it, a "dogaholic" (trainer, groomer, smoocher, dog show groupie, etc.) I wouldn't have understood a lot of the book. But since I am......these are just wonderful and I hope she keeps writing for a long time. The story had a good amount of important information concerning assistance dogs, but it also had a great story line that kept your attention. She slips many other things in her story too; animal health tips, training tips, showing tips. I learned several things I've never even heard of. I know now that there are two types of Mals, what CHD probability means and many more. I stopped a couple times while reading and did quick searches on Google to keep me up to date. I even bought a rare book by Bernie Brown. Leah would be proud of me. Thank you Ms. Conant, my compliments to the chef.

5 comments about Dog'S Best Friend: More Citizen Dog Reflections (Citizen Dog).

1. Searching the net for dogs in cartoons and comics, I stumbled on Fergus and Mel - and fell in love with them immediately. So I rushed to Amazon and bought the 3 "Citizen Dog" available books, and boy -- what a joy!
   
   Fergus and company do entertain, with clever writing and appealing characters. Mel *is* dog's best friend; he and pal Fergus always are having fun together, like two children in a toy store. At the same time, they have their fights with each other. All in all, it always make you smile.
   
   And although being a dog person, I cannot help from saying that Cuddles (AKA Claws, the culturally ambiguous cat) has become one of my favorite comic characters ever. Maybe because he is a little bit naive, and not so egoistical and mean like cats use to be... (sorry for that!). I also like Arlo and Bruno.
   
   Forgot Snoopy and Garfield, folks; it's "Citizen Dog" time now. Way to go, Mark O'Hare!



2. How can you not love a dog that drives, speaks French, and makes a mean macaroni and cheese? Once again, Fergus and his human Mel engage in a battle of wits and will. Naturally, Fergus comes out on top. (Don't blame Mel though -- he's only human.) This volume is actually my favorite of the three, mainly because it contains a sequence of strips en Francais. It's truly classic. (I think I still have the original newspaper strips somewhere.) There's also a good bit about Cuddles the Cat exploring his inner tomcat, leather jacket and all. All in all, I say buy this book and Vive les Weenies!



3. The "Citizen Dog" comic strip was one of the best ever. Mark O'Hare has a delightfully wicked sense of humor and he brings such life and animation to his characters. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate Fergus, the smart-mouthed dog in this series ... or the lovable antics of his owner, Mel. Get a taste for the comic strip at: http://www.ucomics.com/citizendog/.

   Unfortunately, Mark O'Hare is no longer creating new Citizen Dog strips, so all we have left is these fabulous books. There are three in the series:
   1) Citizen Dog: The First Collection [ISBN: 0836251865]
   2) Dog's Best Friend: More Citizen Dog Reflections [ISBN: 0836267516]
   3) D is for Dog [ISBN: 0740704575]

   Buy two of each ... because someone's gonna want your copy!
   Happy reading!




4. Funnier than the first book? I found it hard to believe, but it's absolutely true! And while these books hold a special place for pet owners, everyone can relate to the humourous insights on everyday life.



5. Citizen Dog is one of THE best comic strip of the 90's. It's clever, witty, and downright funny. A great book.

5 comments about Shar-Pei (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. I am trying to be cute with my title. Maybe it didn't work. But what did work for me was how informative and all-around helpful this book was for me. A former Shar-pei "co-habitant" (at a home I lived at in the 90's), I had a birds-eye view of this breed, but couldn't quite remember all the details of what to expect. This cleared it all up for me. I recommend this book for people who are trying to learn about these wonderful dogs.



2. I have previously owned a shar pei before, but when my husband and I started planning on getting a new puppy I thought I would find a good book on shar pei. I bought three books originally but came to find that I like this one the best. Its simple and not very big, but is filled with lots of information. Info ranges from caring for you puppy or adult dog, health concerns, nutrition, obedience training and information about the shar pei breed. I would reccommend this book to anyone who has or is getting a shar pei.



3. I am brand new to the breed Shar Pei's and recently bought 2 puppies for my husband for Christmas (now 3 1/2 months old). I knew that the breed was an excellent temperment for families and small children (they met my niece who is 1 1/2 yrs old and they ignored her for the most part, but played well with her, and she liked them).
   
   I wanted a book that would tell me about the breed, possible health problems that they may have, and general living and training tips. This book absolutley fit the bill. It's the square deal.
   
   First off, the author recognizes that this breed does have health issues, and lists those off. For a new owner, or possible owner, this lets you know what happens SPECIFIC to the Shar Pei. I have read other Shar Pei books and found them to be very general to dogs, and not just to Shar Peis.
   
   Surfing the net, it seems hard to find specific information that you want to know before going to the vet. We live in a rural area, so our vet has not dealt with many Shar Pei's, so as the owner, I want to be as knowlegeable as possible when discussing possible problems. I found this book to help out with learning those aspects.
   
   Overall, I fully recommend you to buy this book. Buy this book if you are considering buying a Shar Pei, and it will let you know what you are getting into.



4. This book tell you everything you want to know about the sharpei,even how to train and educate your dog,everything about health, behavior, etc... You won't need any other book.



5. After 4 litters, I have decided to give one of these books to each of our new owners. It is a down to earth, easy read. Anyone who reads this book should feel comfortable with the contents. They will come to know that the Shar-pei is one of the best breeds around. That is why I breed them and would recommend this book to all.

No comments about 2009 Beagle Wall Calendar.

1 comments about Excelling at Dog Agility - Book 2: Sequence Training (Updated Second Edition) (Excelling at Dog Agility).

1. 4-Paws up for book 2 in the Excelling at Dog Agility "series" by Jane Simmons-Moake!

   This extraordinary guide takes you from beginner to intermediate using easy-to-follow text loaded with pictures, diagrams, and tons of sample exercises. Get started with straight line and simple turn sequences then move at your own pace to distance control and "side-switches." Simmons-Moake is extremely thorough in her method and emphasizes not striving for "good" but for excellence! Her method makes it practically impossible to fail. Some of the important topics in this book are the introduction of distance and control commands, gaining distance with her "distance circles" technique, and how to give correct body cues for accurate performance every time. She also touches on the controversial concept of "correction-free training." To top off a wonderful "curriculum" of doggy schooling, she includes several pages of exercises you can do with just a few obstacles to drill key elements or your dog's weaknesses.

   A few other features I really enjoyed:
   · LOTS of diagrams!
   · Tips for solving problems like broken start-line stays
   · Proofing ideas and exercises
   · An entire chapter on every type of side-switch imaginable! (including rear-cross, front-cross, counter rotations, zig-zags, and more!)

   ...and for those who are agility instructors or thinking of teaching agility, there are sample lesson plans for a 6-week Beginners class, 8-week Intermediate class, and 6-week Intermediate II class.

   I cannot stop praising this book! It has certainly improved the performance of my own dogs and allowed me to progress more quickly with proven techniques. It is the perfect addition to any agility lover's bookshelf!

3 comments about Buster's Christmas Letter: Lessons from a Dog's Tale of Survival.

1. LOOKING FOR A BIRTHDAY GIFT, CONFIRMATION, GRADUATION, BAR MITZVAH, OR "JUST BECAUSE' GIFT?....."Buster's Christmas Letter" will fill the bill. WOW!
   
   It is a wonderful book. Not necessarily a Christmas book, although Buster's Christmas lettere is included.
   
   Humorous and poignant, it is the true tale of a dog and his family; a very functional family, as you will see. It should be a model and inspiration for anyone.
   
   The story is beautiful and "Buster's Christmas Letter" is also beautiful from its cover - to the color pictures - to the last page.
   
   BOW WOW B W.....Sanibel, Florida



2. Even if you aren't a "dog person," you are going to LOVE this book! Buster's Christmas Letter is the book you'll want to give to everyone you know. Wilson writes simply and clearly, with a thematic message that's timeless: feelings are more important than things. Buster's Christmas Letter reminds us what's really important in life: family, relationships, and telling the people we love how much they mean to us. My family loved reading it aloud. Buster's life, adventures, and impact on his wonderful family, the Wilsons, touched us deeply. I heartily recommend this book. Someone should be working on the movie!



3. I found this book at a time in my life when I was headed in a bad direction. Some have even suggested that if I didn't change my ways I might soon find myself in the "big kennel in the sky." After digging through this autobiographical account written by an Australian shepherd, I realized that maybe my problems weren't so bad. Buster's Christmas Letter is the perfect inspirational chew toy for this holiday season. Think: a canine Profiles in Courage. This furriffic book will will bring tears to your eyes and leave your howling from laughter. Take a bite out of this one if you're in need of a wake up call about facing life's troubles heard on. You won't believe all of the wisdom you can receive from this four-legged yoda.

5 comments about The Mad Dog 100: The Greatest Sports Arguments of All Time.

1. with Allen St. John.
   
   This good-natured--not argumentative--book of sports debates is a perfect fit for the baby boomer sports nut. I was immensely enjoying this scattershot collection of classic, funny, weird categories, when Russo won me over completely by introducing a discussion on whether modern athletes really earn their atmospheric salaries by pointing out that Richie Hebner enjoyed his off-season career as a grave-digger just 20 years ago (hardcore Pittsburgh Pirates fans--any left, besides me?--will remember announcer Bob Prince calling Hebner by his nickname "Gravedigger" as he twitched his way through an at-bat; Hebner was the most fidgety batter I've ever seen).
   
   Fun stuff--and its timeliness and timelessness is reinforced, not ruined, by 2003's new additions such as the Marlin's winning the World Series, and the Cubs and Red Sox confirming their cursedness in strikingly similar and bizarre fashion, the BCS completely missing and messing the Division College Football championship. These debates will never end, as long as we have sports talk radio to give us someone to yell out while we're driving!



2. Needing something to scan while eating in a nice Italian restaurant, I picked up this book very cheaply at a Books-A-Million. It is definitely worth the read, and sports fans will sit around debating the questions Russo asks for hours on end. Most of the questions, in fact, are very good ones and worthy of debate. And I even found myself in agreement with Russo on the answers about 90% of the time. The biggest problem with the book is the unusually high number of FACTUAL errors in its pages, inexcusable given the fact the writer is a sports talk show host. Stat Boy (Tony Reali) would have a field day with some of the problems in this book.
   
   For example, on page 11, Russo talks about the Gas House Gang Cardinals of 1934 including `great players like...Rogers Hornsby.' But this is factually incorrect since Hornsby, although he played for the Cardinals of the 1920s, actually played for the St. Louis Browns in 1934. On Page 15, he complains about Denny McLain throwing an easy pitch to Mickey Mantle that Mantle homered to pass Jimmie Foxx on the all-time list. Russo says that fortunately, Mickey hit a few more - actually, he hit only one more. In his argument - a legitimate one, mind you - about the BCS, he complains that in 2000, Miami beat Florida State and had the same record and therefore should have played Oklahoma for the national championship; he conveniently doesn't mention that Miami themselves lost to another one-loss team, the Washington Huskies, and it seems that if you're going to use that argument, you should at least be consistent.
   
   On page 59, he talks about events that have happened in baseball's All-Star game the last thirty years - which would date to 1973 - yet he lists to events, the 1967 fifteen-inning game and Pete Rose bowling over Ray Fosse in 1970 - that exceed his set time span. Two pages later, he writes about many times the Super Bowl actually occurred in the conference championship game. He is correct in principle but among those he lists includes the 49ers-Packers. This is strange since only once have these two teams met in the conference championship (for the 1997 season), that particular game was not very exciting, and the following week's Super Bowl was perhaps the greatest of all-time (Denver-Green Bay).
   
   But Russo outdoes himself later on the page when he points out - probably correctly - that if the 2001 Rams and Patriots played at the Rams' home turf, the Rams would beat them 98 times out of 100. Only he then tells us that the Rams play in the RCA Dome, home of the Indianapolis Colts. He no doubt is referring to the TWA (now Edward Jones) Dome. He makes another common error on page 73 by claiming the Red Sox lost the 1978 playoff to the Yankees on `Bucky Dent's homer.' But Dent's homer only made it 3-2. Although it did give them the lead, the Yankees actually won it on Reggie Jackson's homer that made the score 5-2 since the Sox scored two more runs. In the interest of accuracy, Dent was credited with the game-winning RBI, but it is factually incorrect.
   
   Russo also doesn't seem to know much about the Red Sox - and no, I'm not a fan. But on page 95, he refers to Bernie Carbo's 1975 home run in game six with six outs remaining. But Carbo's homer came with two on and two out and thus was hit with only FOUR outs remaining. He inconsistently went after Terry Pendleton for his 1991 MVP based on Pendleton's 22 homers and 86 RBIs, but he failed to mention that just three years earlier, Kirk Gibson won it with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs. Pendleton, unlike Gibson was not a clean-up hitter - and he won the batting title to boot with a .319 average compared to Gibson's .274. (In my view, both deserved the MVP, btw).
   
   On page 141, he argues that in Denver's first three Super Bowls, John Elway `was bad.' Yet it was only because of Elway that Denver led at halftime of Super Bowl XXI by a score of 10-9, and led the Redskins entering the second quarter, 10-0, the next year. Sure, he finished poorly and had a horrid Super Bowl XXIV. But in the context, Russo is arguing that Brett Favre was a better quarterback `more central to his team's success than Elway was.' But the final score is Elway two rings, Favre one - and Elway's team was only favored in his fifth Super Bowl. Head-to-head in the Super Bowl, Elway bested Favre, 1-0. Two pages later when Russo rightly puts Joe Montana at the top of his all-time quarterback list, he declares that Montana `was the MVP of every darn Super Bowl he was in.' Not exactly since Jerry Rice won the MVP in Super Bowl XXIII, but three MVPs is certainly nothing to sneeze at.
   
   On page 152, Russo rates the greatest baseball teams of all-time, putting the Big Red Machine of the 1970s in sixth. His reasoning is because the Reds were `lucky' to win a seven-game Series against a Red Sox team that had Fisk, Yaz, Tiant, Evans, Fred Lynn, and Jim Rice. Unfortunately, this is an error since Rice, though on the team, did not even get an at bat in the series because he broke his wrist in September 1975. On the next page, he defends not putting the Oakland A's of the early 1970s in his top six despite three world titles to the Reds' two and even beating the Reds head to head in 1972. His reason? The A's only `won 91 or 92 games' each year as opposed to some of those others who won 105 or 110. But this falls short in a number of particulars. For starters, the A's had a five-year dynasty from 1971 to 1975, going to the Series three times and winning all three, twice in a seventh game. In 1971, they won 101 games, tying the defending champion Orioles for most in the league before they lost the ALCS to the O's. In 1972, the A's won 93 games - most in the AL - and the Pirates won the most in baseball with 96, hardly a major difference. In 1973, they won 94 games but won the entire championship against the worst division winner of all-time, the one game above .500 New York Mets. In 1974, they won 90 games, third to the Dodgers and Reds. But those Dodgers won 102 games - yet isn't this offset by Oakland beating them four times in five games? Ironically, in 1975, the A's won 98 games but didn't even make it to the World Series. So Russo's argument here is inconsistent to say the least. Which is better? The 97 Braves who won 106 games or the Marlins winning the Series that year after beating the Braves in the LCS?
   
   
   The book permeates with these errors. Again, they usually do not detract from his arguments, and most of the time I agree with him anyway. What makes this book fun, though, is the arguments you can have with your friends - and why.



3. Who wudda thunk it? Chris Russo can read and write?



4. THIS BOOK IS ABOUT VARIOUS QUESTIONS AND OPINIONS CONCERNING THE WORLD OF SPORTS. ALOT OF SUBJECTS ARE COVERED, MANTLE VS MAYS, 56 GAME HITTING STREAK VS .406 BATTING AVERAGE AND BEST FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER. I AGREE AND DISAGREE WITH THE DOG, WHICH MAKES FOR MORE FUN. HE HAS ALOT OF GOOD IDEAS AND INSIGHTS. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL SPORTS FANS WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGES IN SPORTS AND DIFFERENT WAYS TO DECIDE WHO IS THE BEST.



5. There are few people I could think of to ever write a book than Chris Russo.
   
   Some words of advice to Chris: to write a book you have to have once read a book