The Code: The Unwritten Rules Of Fighting And Retaliation In The Nhl

The Code: The Unwritten Rules Of Fighting And Retaliation In The Nhl
Average customer rating:

Good start dragged down by mediocre writing and factual errors

Mediocre

BOOK JACKET TEXT

Read it if you're curious, but get it from the library.

Outstanding Book

The Code: The Unwritten Rules Of Fighting And Retaliation In The Nhl
Ross Bernstein
Manufacturer: Triumph Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1572437561

Book Description

The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL by Ross Bernstein takes you in-depth and behind the scenes to explore the history of fighting during hockey games and the honor system behind it.

Customer Reviews:

Good start dragged down by mediocre writing and factual errors.......2007-07-14

As a longtime NHL fan who grew up watching the tag team of Probert & Kocur in Detroit, I am no stranger to fighting in the NHL. I was hoping with this book to get some insight into the unwritten rules and systems in place for fighting in the NHL. In the first 75 pages or so, I got that. Then...

The last 2/3 of the book is dragged down by pointless sidetracks into discussions of rule changes, economics, and other nonsense not related to "The Code". The focus gets lost and the points being made are dragged down by the mediocre writing style.

Additionally, there are numerous factual errors throughout. Referring to the Calgary/Edmonton feud as "The Battle of Ontario" would be one (though it was correctly labeled later in the book); stating that Chris Pronger and Steve Yzerman are both finesse players would be another (Yzerman, yes. Pronger, no.). Labeling Borje Salming and Doug Weight as enforces would be another. Doug Weight? The guy is a first-line center. And on and on and on.

So what starts out promising doesn't finish that way. Too bad!

Mediocre.......2007-05-14

Very interesting topic, I loved some of the quotes.

Overall, the books thesis is disproved by itself, poor logic. I think that the author is deep down against fighting, dispite what he claims.

The real problem is that the book gets old fast. It is not a thick book, but it could easily lose half the pages. Repetition with different chapter titles. Should have just made a point with all the quotes and stories left in.

BOOK JACKET TEXT.......2007-05-06

Hockey is, and always has been, a sport steeped in a culture of violence. Players have learned, however, to navigate through its mazes and labyrinths of physical contact by adhering to an honor code of conduct known simply as "The Code." As mysterious as it is sacred, the Code is an unwritten set of rules, the bible of hockey sportsmanship if you will, that has been handed down from generation to generation. While the Code has been around since the early days of the game's inception up in Canada, it remains a very taboo subject shrouded in secrecy. In fact, many players are simply unwilling to talk about it publicly. Everything from bench clearing brawls; to when and how you can challenge a guy to a fight; to settling old scores -- it's all covered in the Code. But, you won't read about it anywhere. Nope, there is no manual or rule book to refer to, just a way of life for hockey's elite who are lucky enough to find themselves initiated into one of professional sports' greatest fraternities.
The players know that if they break the rules of the Code, then there will be hell to pay. You see, hockey is all about respect and disrespect, and that is ultimately why these frozen warriors don't wear facemasks. Each and every act of disrespect out on the ice must be accounted for, the Code says so. If that means dropping the gloves and getting dirty, so be it -- even if that means having to fight your former roommate or best friend. Players understand that if they cheap shot a guy, or run him from behind, or carry their sticks high, then they are fair game to in turn get punched in the face. It is a very simple, yet effective, deterrent. There is a chain of accountability in pro hockey and it's been that way for more than 100 years. In a militaristic sense, it is intimidation based on the theory that a good offense can be established by having a good defense.
Hockey's rules of engagement come down to players protecting one another, factors of intimidation, and plain ol' retaliation. If a player challenges another player, then that player must answer the bell, and "show up," or face the humiliation of being considered dirty, or even a coward. Worse yet, if that player refuses to right what was wronged and defend his actions, he risks having that incident escalate to a higher level, involving additional teammates. That is when the big fellas come off the bench to keep the peace, and that is also usually when the crowd goes wild. Would you believe that by the time two heavyweights drop the gloves, that there may have been up to a dozen events between several different players that led up to that fight? That is all a part of the intricate matrix that makes up the Code.
To fully understand the significance and history behind the Code, Ross Bernstein, the author of more than 30 sports books, interviewed more than 100 current and former NHL tough guys, as well as a handful of coaches and media personalities. Their insight and memories help weave the story of why fighting is allowed in professional hockey and how the Code allows the players to police themselves both on and off the ice. It is truly a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the only true gladiators left in the world of professional sports. When they step onto the ice, it is all about the Code... all about respect, accountability, pride and honor.

Read it if you're curious, but get it from the library. .......2007-04-11

If you want to know why fighting in hockey is not only accepted, but necessary, or if you want some privy information from some of the game's top heavyweights, then read this book. But don't spend your money for it.

There are numerous errors of fact throughout this book. One is tempted to give Bernstein the benefit of the doubt, and think it's a keystroke, like when he reports the standard size of an NHL rink as 100' X 85'. Later he lists the correct dimensions of 200' X 85.
By the time I was reading how Mike Vernon led his team to two consecutive Stanley Cups from 1996-1998 though, I knew they weren't typos. Mike Vernon wasn't the starting goaltender for the Detroit Redwings in `96-97, but he did build his stock up enough in the playoffs to get a fat contract from San Jose the following year, when Chris Osgood (and Kevin Hodson) backstopped the Wings to the Cup in '97-98.

It is impossible to type "Ontario" though when you mean "Alberta". Bernstein refers to the rivalry between Calgary and Edmonton as "the battle of Ontario", and I know he knows the difference, because he later refers to it as "the battle of Alberta". After a while of reading other completely irresponsible factual mistakes, the book would seem to be much less credible. The only thing that salvages it is that quite a bit of the text is verbatim interviews with former and current players, referees and other hockey personalities.

Here are some other items that will make a hockey fan furrow their brow -
Listing Mario Lemieux as at least 6'5", 230. Well, he ended his career at 230, but came in weighing much less at 6'4". I am quite sure he didn't get taller.
Comparing Muhammad Ali, the world's most recognizable athlete to Tie Domi.
Spinning the 1987 Canada / USSR junior bench clearing brawl as a head-to-head championship game. (The Soviets were out of contention.)
Claiming the biggest rivalry of the six-team NHL was Chicago / Detroit. Not to disrespect that for what it was, but read any Canadian's book that has anything to do with hockey, and you will know the best NHL rivalry of all-time is Montreal / Toronto.
Calling Derian Hatcher fast.

After all of that, the book is not well organized or written. I did not buy this book to read the author's personal testament to his favorite players or endure pages of redundant opinion. And you shouldn't either. If you want to read some great anecdotes, or really are curious about the necessities of fighting in hockey, then you'll find it here. But check it out from your local library.

Outstanding Book.......2007-04-04

As a 25+ year hockey veteran, this book taught me a lot about the game behind the game. The commentary by many ex-players had me laughing out loud and my wife looking at me funny. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks hockey is a brutal or barbaric sport since it definitely teaches the reader lessons on what provokes enforcers in the NHL.

Muay Thai: The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting (9th Re-Print, Revised Edition)

Average customer rating:

"The book"

Muay Thai: The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting (9th Re-Print, Revised Edition)
Panya Kraitus , and Dr. Pitisuk Kraitus
Manufacturer: Asia Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Muay Thai Unleashed

ASIN: 8303086839

Product Description

Muay thai is everything combined into one, as it is a sport, a form of martial skill, a king of science, and undeniably an art form. It is an art of fighting with hands, feet, knees, and elbows. It has been handed down through generations for over 2,000 years. It is a science, which could be practiced by the anyone. It could introduce them to the world of courage and the will to fight. This text book has been considered by many as the bible of Muay Thai. It collected together the history, the principles, the tactics, and the science of hand-to-hand combat. The most comprehensive book on the most distinguished art of fighting. This is the 9th re-print (2006), with the lastest revisions. Hardcover: 29 chapters, 244 pages. All fighting techniques are accompanied by photos.

Customer Reviews:

"The book" .......2007-01-06

I bought this book in a local market in Pataya Beach, Thailand. The locals all gathered around as I bought "the book". The author wrote it as a pledge to his teacher who "imparted (to me) all his knowledge of Thai boxing."
Great overview of Muay Thai: Origins, Initiation Ceremony, Daily Training, Warming up, massage, exercises, weight reduction, targets on the body, boxing tactics, equiptment, wraping the hands, thai boxing musical instruments, physical and social values, guard and movements, Wai Khruu dance. The techniques are broken down into chapters: fists, elbows, knees, and feet.

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Fightin Irish the a Z Notre Dame Trivia Book

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The greatest Notre Dame book ever written!

Fightin Irish the a Z Notre Dame Trivia Book
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Book Description

Who is the only Notre Dame player to have in NFL stadium named after him?
Who was Notre Dame's first All-American?
How did Notre Dame speed the development of the forward pass?
Who was Notre Dame's first notable receiver?

Notre Dome's storied football history is filled with many remarkable facts, figures and personalities. They're all here in Fightin' Irish -- the best book for honing your knowledge of Notre Dome football, and the perfect complement to any Notre Dame game viewing party. This authoritative, one-of-a-kind book boasts exclusive contributions from such former Notre Dome players as Willie Fry and Ross Browner. And it features an entertaining question-and-answer formal arranged alphabetically by subject for easy reference. You'll find detailed, in-depth coverage of:

The great players, from the Four Horsemen to Joe Montano
All the Fighting Irish coaches, including Knute Rockne, Are Parseghian, and Lou Holtz, many of whom have left an enduring mark on the college gridiron
The big games, big plays, and big moments in the history of Notre Dome football

Plus, you'll learn about Notre Dame's appearances in the movies and on television, hear legendary stories from inside the locker room, and learn everything else -- from All-Americans to Ziggy Czarobski -- about the team that put South Bend, Indiana, on the map!

Customer Reviews:

The greatest Notre Dame book ever written!.......1997-09-03

This book is fabulous. The humor section is so funny I had tobuy a case of side glue. (The fact that I wrote the humor sectiondidn't cloud my judgement at all. What really affected my judgement was my hitting my head with a sledge hammer after USC beat ND in 1996!) Please don't judge the rest of the book by this chapter. The rest of the book is great! The author of the humor chapter is deeply disturbed.

Global Showdown: How the New Activists Are Fighting Global Corporate Rule

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A Commentary by David Orton

Global Showdown: How the New Activists Are Fighting Global Corporate Rule
Maude Barlow , and Tony Clarke
Manufacturer: Stoddart
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

A Commentary by David Orton.......2005-02-21

By David Orton, July 15, 2001,
Published in the September 2001 edition of the online magazine of the New Brunswick Environmental Network, "Elements"

This commentary will outline why I think this book is important, explain the critique in
Global Showdown,and bring out what seems to me to be some of the important questions,
which reading this book raises for the radical, deep ecology-influenced environmental
movement.

First, one has to say that this book is an excellent source of information on the various
corporate structures which are trying to make the world safe for international Capital - for
example the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank -
and the ideas of the mainstream groups in opposition to this. I agree with the authors when
they note that "civil society politics are the politics of the twenty first century." (p. 5)
Although most of us reading this commentary share an opposition to the belief that trade is
the supreme good, there is an ongoing discussion on what will be the nature of such politics.
This book advocates a mainstream view of civil society politics that ultimately can be
accommodated within industrial capitalism. (The People's Summit in Quebec City in April
of 2001, was partly financed by the federal and Québec governments.)

Global Showdown shows the historical emergence of global economic institutions and,
following the ending of the Second World War, how United Nations supervision of such
institutions was replaced by US control, with what has come to be called "The Washington
Consensus."
"Led by American business interests, the free-market doctrine would
eventually force most governments in the world to give up controls on
foreign investment, liberalize trade, deregulate their internal economies,
privatize state services, and enter into head-to-head global competition."
(p. 57)
Because of the necessary exposure of the labyrinth corporate and bureaucratic structures
which underpin the ever expanding globalization of Capital, this book is not easy, although
it is essential reading.

Maude Barlow is the chairperson of the Council of Canadians. Barlow has played a major
role in educating and arousing Canadians to fight back against the forces of globalization and
increasing corporate governance. Anyone who has heard her speak, knows she is a very
effective and knowledgeable speaker, who "eats up" the apologists for more unrestricted free
trade. Tony Clarke is the director of the Polaris Institute of Canada. This institute, which
emerged in 1997, describes itself in its mission statement as seeking "to provide a compass
for social movements", in order "to bring about democratic social change" in this era of
corporate driven globalization. Both authors know their stuff, and reading this book brings
about a growing rage at the sell-out, and its extent, of the interests of the Canadian (and the
world's) people to a transnational corporate agenda.

Barlow and Clarke do not basically oppose globalization; they seek "fair" trade, not free
trade. The authors want "Canada to help bring democratic governance to the operation of
the global economy." (p. 176) They want to democratize, not dismantle, the institutions of
global economic governance. Taken for granted is the spread of capitalist industrialism all
over the globe. Barlow and Clarke want to control globalization from below, not the
corporate control from the top. So they do not oppose global trade, foreign investment or
capitalism. They support "compensating" corporations when the state expropriates. (p. 193)
Their book reflects the Declaration of the Second People's Summit of the Americas in
Québec City (April 19, 2001), which said:
"We want socially productive and ecologically responsible investment.
The rules applied across the continent should encourage foreign investors
who will guarantee the creation of quality jobs, sustainable production
and economic stability, while blocking speculative investments."

Barlow and Clarke do not share the anarchist critique of the state, which they essentially
dismiss without discussion. They even give support in the book to arresting anarchists involved
in property damage at the Seattle demonstration in 1999! (p. 13.) (Anarchism advocates
some type of stateless society, that is a society without government, or at least extremely
limited government, and sees attempts to work within existing states as futile activity.)

The authors' view seems to be that we once had "democracy" in Canada and that the state
was in control of the economy. I think this assumption is false. They want the nation state to
become strengthened and "redemocratized".

This is a progressive book, but it stays within a "human" context. The Earth itself and the
millions of nonhuman organisms are largely excluded from the authors' human-centered vision
of democracy. The primacy of the Earth is absent. There is no fundamental ecological critique
in Global Showdown. There is no sense of having exceeded the ecological footprint of
industrial humankind. The "democratic rights" put forward as desirable, presuppose a high
standard of living. There is no understanding that socially worthy measures may be just as
ecologically harmful and unsustainable as socially unworthy ones. There is no understanding
that the ecological question is deeper, and of a different nature, than trying to democratically
control the global economy. Human history shows much waste and ecological destruction, so
a politics of controlling globalization, or for that matter a politics of anti-globalization or
anti-capitalism, while important, is not sufficient. There is no sense that there are too many
people and that the existing lifestyle "role model" in North America or Western Europe is
a recipe for ecological disaster for the rest of the world. There is no sense that economic
growth and consumerism need to be ended, for a sustainable planet to exist for all species,
not just humans. Finally, there is no sense that, even from a social perspective, for us to
achieve global sustainability means focusing on redistributing wealth nationally and
internationally, not promoting more "investment" and economic growth.

The radical ecocentric activist who is also socially aware sees that the forces of
globalization and increasing world trade attack all the social buffers from the marketplace as
"impediments" to trade, but also sees how these forces undermine the ecological integrity of
the planet. In Global Showdown and in the anti-globalization movement in Canada, it is the
first concern which is overwhelmingly dominant.

Final Reflections
I think it important to try and think outside of the existing paradigm and the self-
destructive industrial growth society that seemingly overwhelms us. We do not have to
accept thinking within the framework of the current society. (This is what Arne Naess referred
to as "shallow" ecology.) A major issue is how to deal with "property" - a human- and
class-centered concept. Governments and corporations want to turn everything into private
property, as in the fishery. (Yet even many inshore fishermen, while they oppose ITQs
[Individual Transferable Quotas], see no apparent contradiction in "selling" lobster licenses
for hundreds of thousands of dollars.) To preserve Nature's "Commons" we need to move
to "usufruct rights" and to see the concept of private property as a social fiction used to
justify Earth exploitation. Usufruct rights, in a society that is Earth-centered and socially just,
would be accountable to an all-species community of life forms and not privately transferable.

To corporations and the governments which serve them, anti-globalization activists have
become the new subversives and are being defined as "nonpersons" against whom very
severe measures can be used. "Democracy" can always be withdrawn in the interest of Capital.
If rubber bullets and tear gas do not suffice, then live ammunition will be used, as was the
case recently in Sweden, the home of social democracy. Corporations want consumers not
politically active citizens.

Global Showdown ignores the dilemma that long-time activists face, that as the world
becomes increasingly complex, most citizens do not seem to want to spend the time to
understand and work to change it. Yet democracy requires such an involvement.

In a recent book by Hugh Brody, The Other Side of Eden: Hunters, Farmers And
The Shaping Of The World, he points out that until 12,000 years ago, all of us lived as
hunter-gatherers, and that in such societies the material wellbeing of people depended on
knowing, rather than changing their environment. Such societies were spiritual, with
worldviews of respect for Nature, grounded in animism. Somehow we must reorient to this.
It is quite a task that we face, more encompassing than the theme of this edition of
Elements: "Localization versus Globalization." Rather than trying to tame industrial
globalization, as in Global Showdown, with its underlying destructive belief that all of
Nature is subject to human control and exploitation, we need to mentally revisit and reorient
towards those cultures which for 90 percent of our human history served us well.

Global Showdown presents a social democratic "nonviolent" model for reigning in the
global economy, with a major role for labour unions. The overall thrust of the book is
reformist but with hints of a more radical agenda. The deep green and deep ecology
alternative to this model, urgently awaits conceptualization.

Orange You Glad It's Halloween Amber Brown?

Average customer rating:

Two stars, with reservations

Orange You Glad It's Halloween Amber Brown?
Paula Danziger
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Amber Brown has come up with a fantastic costume, but it's a secret. She won't even tell Justin, no matter what he bribes her with.

But one thing worries Amber all day. Her parents had a fight before school. What if they don't make up before their traditional Halloween dinner (macaroni and cheese, carrots, and orange juice)? What if they are in bad moods during trick-or-treating? Halloween is one of Amber's favorite holidays, and of course this one turns out to be as wonderful as all the rest.

Customer Reviews:

Two stars, with reservations.......2007-09-14

Published in 2005, this Amber Brown story follows the protagonist, Amber, through an eventful Halloween day.

Amber and her brother Justin are getting ready for school, excitedly packing their pumpkins which the kids decorated as book characters. So far, so good. Then on the very next page is a color illustration of her parents arguing and the whole page of text is about her parents not getting along and how Amber hopes they make up soon -- if not it will be "a sad Halloween".

The remaining events in the day are each colored with Amber's comments, such as, "She (mom) doesn't kiss my dad", "what if my parents get a divorce", etc. It's only 3/4 of the way through the book that her parents make up.

Amber's teacher, Ms. Light, is a light in the story, a breath of fresh air. The description of the class and the Halloween activities that day are fun, although peppered with Amber's negativity, "This is supposed to be fun, but it's really math". Her sense of humor is mostly negative throughout the book.

I don't really mind gross-out humor, but some parents do, so I thought I'd mention what's in this book -- a booger joke, comments on dirty diapers, pimples drawn on pumpkins and musings on what a pumpkin would look like with a pimple squeezed, calling someone a pumpkin pimple.

The reservations I have are mainly about the expression of Amber's parents failing marriage and Amber's worry. If a child has that situation at home the book might actually be a comfort to them; BUT for readers with stable home environments it may cause unneeded fear and worry. No need to plant seeds of disaster in little minds just before bedtime in my opinion. Our two 8 years olds' response was one of confusion (as to why something like that was in one of their books).

Thankfully we were able to check out this book from the library instead of buying.

Freedom Is Worth Fighting for (America Responds)

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Freedom Is Worth Fighting for (America Responds)
Tony Evans
Manufacturer: Oasis Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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Average customer rating:

Honestly by the other review I am wondering what you read
Keeping the Shadows at Bay
Quick to criticize but will never understand
Beating on Tony
Interesting

Fighting for Tony
Mary Callahan
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Honestly by the other review I am wondering what you read.......2007-07-19

Did she slap the kid one time that I read in the book...yes. Was it wrong...yes. Should they have worked on a better marrriage and environment for the kids...yes. Should their kids be taken away because they could not afford to live in a better neighborhood...no. The saying "People in glass houses should not throw stones" comes to mind. It is always the self-righteous who fall the hardest.

This book explores through a very human story the nature of autism and its destructiveness. I only wish more folks knew of it. It reminds us of the importance of at least ruling in or out allergies and the need for biomedical and/or dietary intervention to assist in recovery, be it full or partial, and hope, be it full or partial, for a group of children that society, and sadly, often doctors, don't really understand and refrain from helping...not so much from a place of spite as a place of fear. Whether the autism or the root cause of ut in Tony's case affects you and yours, his story is likely relevant, moreso some 20 years after it was written. I just wish there was a sequel.

Keeping the Shadows at Bay.......2005-08-15

When Tony Randazzo was born in February 1978, he smiled within hours after his birth. However, even as an infant he did exhibit overtly autistic behaviors.

His sister Renee was born a year and a half later in August of 1979. Tony, still nonverbal was by then enrolled in a special needs pre-school program. He and Renee plainly bonded from the start and, upon returning from pre-school, Tony bestowed his sister with a spontaneous kiss.

Problems with behavior management arose; Rich and Mary Callahan eventually separated for two years. A chance viewing of the now defunct Phil Donahue show in 1980 led Mary Callahan to believe that Tony's problems were allergy based. It was during this time that Tony was taken off certain substances, milk included. While he showed improvements, milk was then not targeted as the culprit.

Reading of how Renee and Tony interacted was heartwarming; indeed, these siblings were quite good for one another. Once milk was identified as causing Tony's problems, he was switched to a soy product. From that point on, he showed no trace of autism, which led Mary Callahan, a nurse, to believe the boy had a cerebral allergy.

Tony's shadows were kept at bay until a family trip in 1983. He had two cartons of milk in his class, which led to a sad backslide into autism. Once he had a chance to sleep it off, literally, he showed absolutely no trace of autism.

Renee and Tony were kept in the same grade because of Tony's auditory processing difficulties. This turned out to be a good move because they looked out for one another and worked well together. In fact, they worked so well together they staged a coup at a day care center! That was so funny! I just loved that part!

It would be interesting to hear an update on Tony's continued progress and of Renee's work in a special needs center. It sounds as if Renee had on-the-job training the first few years of her life. This in turn, no doubt, I believe, made her more effective in her line of work.

I recommend "There's a Boy in Here" by Judy & Sean Barron along with this book. Sean, like Tony had autism and both young men were blessed with younger sisters who were extraordinary teachers who loved them unconditionally.

Quick to criticize but will never understand.......2005-01-23

Having lived through the diagnosis of my son -- I can relate 100% with this book. The mother's feelings, the ability to press on while others are in denial..... It can be a lonely road at times. You become so desperate that you feel that one day your child will snap out of it. I read the reviews and thought it is easy for a reader to criticize not having gone through this. Mary, I apologize for their ignorance.
As a result - in addition to the chelation therapy I also removed dairy from my son's diet. At first I saw little change until I put him back on milk and boy I saw the self stimming go out of control. His dad and I were at the verge of separation a few years ago as well. He was in denial while I was fighting the system -but thank God he is has come on board and is the most dedicated Dad and supportive husband - even among my friends that have autistic kids - my husband is a Godly Gift.

We are doing a lot better - I feel so encouraged and hopeful. I no longer feel guilty about my frustrations or anger - I now know it's a natural feeling and I know I have over come it. BUt I did feel guilty for having the initial feelings If only I had met someone as truthful and honest - I thought I was going mad with my thoughts and reactions to my son's diagnosis. Now my son is 6 years old. He is high functional - there is still a long journey ahead. This book has made me even more determined to seek more help.

I've had the opportunity to meet Renee Randazzo, (Tony's sister in the book)- she works at a center helping children get services for their special needs. She took her family's journey to help others. I APPLAUD Renee's work and her mom's determination to see through this whole ordeal. I wish I could meet Mary Callahan in person and let her know that I was encouraged and determined to also fight for my son, Cristian.

This is a great book for someone who has had a diagnosis in their family. Years later - therapies and treatment change to the better - but initial feelings are just as real and painful. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WRITING YOUR STORY!!!!!!

Beating on Tony.......2004-10-20

Everyone has a story to tell, but after reading Fighting for Tony I have to say that the author, Mary Callahan has some nerve to use this title. This was one of the hardest books as a parent I have ever read through. The time period covered is late 1970s through the 1980s, when life was much different raising an autistic child.

Tony was born in 1978 to Mary and Rich. After one week home from the Hospital Tony had crying spells that lasted hours. His six-week checkup showed nothing wrong, yet the crying would continue nightly for hours. Mary thought that nervous mothers made nervous babies and cringed each time the crying would start. Rich was not interested in having kids but Mary prevailed and they agreed to have two children. Mary found out she was pregnant when Tony was just seven months old and still crying four hours out of each day. The crying would start with interruptions like when a plumber entered the house or a barking dog while taking his nap.

Although hard to believe, Mary was a Registered Nurse working in the Pulmonary unit. As a result of several ear infections Tony was on antibiotics often and at fourteen months old had an operation called a myringotomy.

Tony was seventeen months old when Rene was born and not playing with other kids appropriately. Rich thought Mary was looking for flaws and hoped that with caring for Rene the problems surrounding Tony would subside. Tony showed no interest in Rene and Rene helped boost the parenting confidence that Mary lacked.

The child development specialist was the first person to mention autism to Mary, who experienced terror after hearing this and some sort of psychic pain. The diagnosis was early infantile autism and functionally retarded. It was at this point in Fighting for Tony after the diagnosis that the profanity and abuse started.

Mary described her family as one wounded cub, one normal baby and a depressed husband. Mary was overcome with sadness while Rich retreated deeper into his depression. Rene was the salvation and the one that Mary turned to when she needed comfort. Mary started doing more for Rene even though these adventures were feared by Tony who did not need the break in his routine. She packed the kids up and went to New Mexico to visit a friend. Tony screamed all night and the verbal abuse was evident in front of her friend who did nothing.

By page 58 of the 170 pages the abuse was hard to read because this dialogue was so disturbing to me. I needed constant breaks from the tone of these parents and could not comprehend these thoughts shared on the pages of the book.

It seemed that the light went on way past when it should have for Mary and she should have been focusing on learning and reading books much sooner than she did. One summer when Rich took one month break in the summer things spiraled out of control with Rene and Tony. Mary found a day-care center that was open around the clock so she could work the night shift. Turned out her kids kept the other kids up all night and Mary in turn paddled their bottoms on two occasions.

There were some disturbing incidents of breakins from the teenagers in the area that Mary moved to after the divorce. I felt this was really confusing and detracted from the book. It was quite evident that Tony took a backseat to everything. Soon after they stayed at Rich's apartment and their lives resembled a regular family. They both decided at the same time to give marriage another shot so they remarried.

It is amazing that no one ever reported Mary for abuse to her children. She had her children living in a bad neighborhood, all their items were being stolen and it took a long time for them to finally move or as she wrote they were driven out of town.

The back cover states this is a book about misdiagnosis and how a Mother brought her child back. That is a bunch of bull based on the book I read. There was no real evidence to this reader of Fighting for Tony. There is obvious distress by both parents in learning about autism and their fears and guilt play a big role in their daily lives.

I would not want someone who just received a diagnosis to read such a book or to think such horrid thoughts just because their child is autistic. Fighting for Tony includes eight pages of black and white photos of the family through the years. The most important lesson from reading this book is to love your child and treat them kindly.

Interesting.......2004-01-22

This book was about a boy, Tony, who was diagnosed with autism. In the book, his mother discovers that he has a cerebral allergy to milk. He is taken off dairy products and seems to be cured of autism. The book also talks about the author's marital problems caused by the strain of taking care of such a difficult child.

The author is very honest about her feeling towards her husband and over taking care of her son, plus the run ins with various professionals who just don't get it. She describes her anger and frustrations very well and doesn't sugar coat anything. I found myself getting very angry at her husband and other family members for blaming her for everything that was wrong with her son.

As a book reviewer for a family friendly site, I must say that there is profanity in the book that is always distracting. If the language was cleaned up some, that might make the book better. Plus, some scenes are kind of tough to read. Some of her behaviors, although they weren't frequent, were abusive. I know those incidents come out of frustrations from dealing with a difficult child, but maybe she could have pointed out that how she was dealing with the situation at times was not necessarily right and could have hurt her son.

All in all, this was a very interesting, informative book. I was glad that she and her husband remarried towards the end. The book does have a happy ending. But not all stories like this have happy endings.

Dr. Tony Perrone's Body-Fat Breakthru: 10 Personalized Fat Fighting Plans for Mega-Health
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Dr. Tony Perrone's Body-Fat Breakthru: 10 Personalized Fat Fighting Plans for Mega-Health
Tony; Laska, Mark Perrone
Manufacturer: Regan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000TD6MVE

Fighting Back
Average customer rating:
Fighting Back
Tony Benn
Manufacturer: Hutchinson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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