Product Description
Explores the origins and development of bull riding as a rodeo event, discussing the rules, the training, the judging, and the animal and human stars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Bullriding
This is a very, very basic book, probably written for K-5 children.However, a high school student borrowed it and hasn't returned it yet.I guess it depends on your interests. ... Read more

Product Description
A Wall Street neophyte describes his odyssey from a small-town upbringing to the world of high-stakes investment, detailing his terrifying year with financial giant Merrill Lynch and the complex financial deals, intrigues, profit madness, and back-stabbing approach to business. 25,000 first printing.Amazon.com Review
After five years at the National Security Agency, Paul Stiles,age 29, finds himself disillusioned with government service andwondering if there isn't a better way to make a life. A few monthslater, Stiles finds himself working as a trader for the world'slargest security firm, Merrill Lynch.

In the year that follows,Stiles sees the Mexican peso, the Orange County disaster, and theintense and brutal politics that dominates Merrill Lynch. Ridingthe Bull is a fast-paced, well-written personal account thattraces Stiles's short-lived career on Wall Street--from his first jobinterview to the day he was fired. During his short tenure as a bondtrader, Stiles watches his life, marriage, and sense of well-beingslowly crumble. If you ever thought that trading bonds might be a goodway to make a living, Riding the Bull may convince youotherwise. You'll also get a good overview of how the bond marketworks and why. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Thriving vs. Balance
I enjoyed the book, empathizing with the emotional struggles of being the low man on the totem pole lacking the clout to make positive changes while somehow your boss is an idiot making stupid managerial decisions based on a narrow self-interested view.At the same time, the final "dialogue" just bled liberal tree-hugger.At the same time, for an interesting read on the idea of America's consumer culture, try reading "The Paradox of Choice" which I thought was just great.

Anywho, I did enjoy the part of the book talking about how one can lose oneself if there's continual go-go-go without time for reflection, which seems to typidfy the Wall Street existence- and more and more the typical American existence.I think my dad said it best:America teaches you to thrive, but has nothing to say about balance.

By the Horns
Every now and then you come across a really inspiring rags-to-riches tale of Wall Street, a story of a streetwise poor kid full of ambition, raw brains, and moxie, who risks it all, works like a demon, and makes big money in the financial jungle.

This is not one of them.

Paul Stiles, Harvard grad, smart dude, worked at the National Security Agency for five years: by about 1994, he'd decided "good enough for government work" wasn't good enough for him. North of his little cottage near Annapolis, the trenches and bunkers of Manhattan, a great battle---fought with derivatives, and tranches of collateralized debt, and high-yield instruments of death and destruction---was being fought: a war with, potentially, far greater ramfications for the United States than all the post-Cold War subterfuge for pennies wielded in Washington DC.

So he did what all of us Wall Street hopefuls have done, once upon a time: he road the shuttle north, an interviewed like a banshee.

The first thing you'll pick up in "Riding the Bull" is the verve of the writing: Stiles has a gift for words, for framing a scene, for setting up Manhattan in the mid-nineties, in the heat of the Bull Market, and Stiles---after the agony of inquisitorial, mercurial, stress-driven interviews masterminded by the newest lords of the manor, the calculus-fuelled quants---secured a plum role in emerging markets debt at Merrill Lynch, whose sigil and symbol---the rampant bull---was emblematic of that intoxicating, wild-eyed age.

Stiles, then, is an alien---or an ape, your choice---in this brave new world of bond trading, the Mexican sovereign crisis, the convergence of High Finance, High Octane, and Super-Duper international skullduggery.

Oh, with a little aside on the craziness of trying to settle down in Brooklyn, New York, 20th century, on a pittance of 100 grand a year. Sheesh.

Now: as I said, Stiles has a gimlet eye: of his work in the trenches at Merrill, as he was handed a nasty, thankless assignment as, effectively, a minister without portfolio, a trader without a country, a hapless Gringo amid the so-called Latin Mafia that ran the South America debt operations---how he tried, failed, tried again, and got sacked---trying to carve out his own little kingdom in the jungle of the Bull.

It's fun reading. It's scandalous, witty, engaging, capable of beoing devoured on a red-eye flight from Boston to LA, and consummately engaging.

Moralistic? Possibly. Stiles nails the pyschology of Manhattan, the city that grows up, not out. An island with skeletal coastal development? Go figure, in a place where the eyes look to the sky, not to the sea.

Some might complain that a one-year tour of duty on Wall Street hardly qualifies for the jeremiad that is "Riding the Bull", but I disagree: in the wake of Enron, Tyco, Worldcom, Adelphia, and countless other Wall Street turmoils, "Riding the Bull" is a merciless little piece of pungent journalism, a fly-on-the-wall in America's boardrooms where the caviar is probably laced with salmonella and the Crystal is jacked up with arsenic.

Here be Dragons.

JSG

Great read for reader interested in financial world
Although the author's knowledge of Finance is fairly limited, the book's focus on the political environment inside a Wall Street firm provides valuable insight to the person interested into entering this field.

Many people pursue a career in Wall St. simply to make money; and this was the intent of the author. Furthermore, the author's background is quite similar to those who are entering the field some years after having finished college. Moving from the slow paced lifestyle to the hectic routine of a Wall st. analyst, the author is able to convey the difficult transition into Sales and Trading.

My only wish is that the author focused less on New York lifestyle and more on how a Wall St. firm works. It would have been nice to delve into the investment banking side and equity side. The author is limited by his lack of experience on the street and most of the writing is based on only a short-term experience. For those interested in pursuing a career in Bonds this might be a good read. Also, it is fairly long considering the author doesn't detail too much information. So you've got to look for the subtle things to make some kind of perception.

This is definitely not a read for anyone experienced in Finance. Solely for those interested in getting into the field.

Author's Update
I wrote RIDING THE BULL to provide a first-hand account of the corrosive effect of extreme capitalism on human society. The book is a true story of a year I spent working at Merrill Lynch in New York City. It has now been seven years since I was hired by Merrill Lynch, and five since the book was published. In that time Merrill Lynch has paid half a billion dollars in fines both for its role in the Orange County bankruptcy and in the fraudulent promotion of dot-com stocks; the phony technology bubble has burst, just as the phony emerging markets bubble burst; and an unprecedented series of corporate scandals has rocked the American economy, causing a historic decline in the stock market that has erased an estimated $45 billion from the GDP. The magnitude of the problem has even led that champion of the Big Apple, the New York Times, to finally see the light: "If you have to choose the primary breeding ground for the various business misdeeds now consuming national attention, New York, I'm afraid, is the place...if infectious greed is the virus, New York is the center of the outbreak." (City of Schemes, NYT Magazine, 10/6/02).
One is tempted at this point to issue a strong I-told-you-so.I won't.

Decent - but there are better books out there
Stiles made it a year in the derivatives business.What I found surprising was that he made into Merrill Lynch at all.Here was a guy who hasn't even taken his series 7 and he's wondering why he's completely lost.

The lack of communication apparent in Merrill Lynch is unfortunate, but no different than other large finance companies (I can attest to that.)I found it hard to understand why the bureaucracy drove Stiles nuts considering his previous job was with the government.Rather than explain it as it was, I couldn't help but think Stiles was looking for someone to point the finger at.It seemed to me the truth behind the corporate culture lies more along the lines of "we don't care what you do as long as it makes money."The "Latin Mafia" and the rest knew this and were playing the game using the cards they were dealt.

What I did enjoy were his escapades (or lack thereof) outside of work.Sorry New-Yorkers, even though I was born there, I cannot understand why anyone would choose to live there and this book reinforces the opinion.Stiles did a great job of conveying life in the Big Apple, from the sense of tension just getting to and from work, the rationalizations that come out when crime hits close to home, to a valid summary of why a dual income family making over $100K a year still has nothing to show for it.(Any Brooklynite reading this is probably thinking, "if you don't like it... leave" which is exactly the point.)

Whereas "Liar's Poker" is probably overly congratulatory, "Riding the Bull" is overly accusatory.I'm not sure if the author needed to sell his soul to continue working at Mother Merrill, but he should've realized he might have to make that decision before he took the job. ... Read more

Product Description
What started as an exhibition to entertain audiences has turned into the most popular—and dangerous—event in rodeo: bull riding. When a 150-pound man attempts to ride a two-ton bull with a killer instinct, it's not a matter of whether the rider will get injured, but when, and how badly. As cowboy Jim Shoulders says, "You can't stop something like an injury from hurtin', but you can damn well not let it bother you." What motivates riders to devote themselves to this challenging sport? Find out in Austinite Gail Woerner's newest book, which covers bull riding from its beginning into the new millennium. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Preliminary review
Haven't finished reading the book yet but the intro says bulls weigh up to 2,000 lbs, or 2 tons. Not a good first impression.

GOOD BOOK FOR THE RODEO FANS
THIS WAS FOR MY HUSBAND.HE IS A BULL RIDER FANATIC, AND REALLY ENJOYED IT. ... Read more

Product Description
All it takes is eight seconds . . .

Cam O'Mara, grandson and younger brother of bull-riding champions, is not interested in partaking in the family sport. Cam is a skateboarder, and perfecting his tricks—frontside flips, 360s—means everything until his older brother, Ben, comes home from Iraq, paralyzed from a brain injury. What would make a skateboarder take a different kind of ride? And what would get him on a monstrosity of a bull named Ugly? If Cam can stay on for the requisite eight seconds, could the $15,000 prize bring hope and a future for his big brother? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great Book!
This book was one of the best books I've ever read. Once I started it, I couldn't stop, it was very inspirational, and very fun. I totally recommend this book!

The above comments are from my 11-year old daughter who had to read this book for school (picked from a list) for her summer reading project.She loved it!

Bull Rider
This was a great book for my grandson who is just beginning to bull ride.The description of thebook was very good.I would order another book anytime.

Blue Star Mother of a US Army Medic 2 tours
When I received word from our Lt Governor's office about this book, I immediately searched for it on Amazon.I am the mohter of a US Army Medic who has served 2 tours on the War on Terror.I ordered the book as Christmas gifts for my son's son (11) , who knows the stresses of War and deployments, and for my 9 year old grandaughter, who is patriotic to the core and a cowgirl. I am positive they will enjoy it. Amazon, thanks for the quick shipment, as they live accross country and I was able to receive it and ship it to them in plenty of time.
Paula - proud Army Mom

A Story of Strength, Courage, and Survival
I picked this up at my local library because I'm a fan of the sport. I found this story to be moving and full of character. It was a quick and easy evening read for me. It was about a ranching family's struggles after their oldest son is injured severely in Iraq.He was a bull rider before he went to Iraq and his younger brother falls into the sport after his brother is injured for various reasons. The book follows the family's struggles as their son heals both physically and mentally from his injuries and you watch the family struggle with their own issues during this lengthy process.

I felt a sense of realism with Suzanne's writing that made me not want to put the book down until the end. Most importantly I felt this was a book of healing for all characters involved and that leaves the reader full of hope. There's something to be said when a book leaves you feeling hopeful and good.

Gripping and moving
It's hard to put this book down. Both stories--Cam's inward journey toward maturity and his changing relationship with bull riding--are told with honesty, and are equally gripping. Each ride that Cam takes is different, and the reader is right with him as he sticks with or is tossed off his bull. Cam's adoration of his big brother rings true, as do his reactions to the tragedies and triumphs of his life. A great boy's book that will appeal to girls too. ... Read more

Product Description
Praise for Riding THE BULL, Beating THE BEAR

"I have spent years researching market timing and I believe Eds methods are the best I have seen. At last, no one has to ever again experience the market losses like the year 2000. Everyone now has a simple way to maximize their 401(k) performance without spending hours each week trying to be well informed." —Eulon F. Purvis Jr., Registered Investment Advisor, Purvis Investments

"Riding the Bull, Beating the Bear introduces a solid market timing method that will help new or experienced investors reduce risk and maximize investment returns. Ed Yanis describes the Y-Process® market timing strategy that avoids all the pain and agony of a stock market correction. The Y-Process® is the best and simplest investment tool available for market timing; I encourage you to use it and profit from it!" —Lucy Reckleff, CFP, MBA

"I have been using the Y-Process® for several years. It gives me the buy/sell discipline that I never had. It protects my downside risks while letting the profits grow. Anyone can do it. Riding the Bull, Beating the Bear presents a clear road map to success in an easily understandable and interesting format." —Harrison Frank, President, HFA

"While I have read numerous books and articles and studied about investing in business school, only Mr. Yanis has succeeded in summarizing everything you need to know in one place. The format is logical and easy to read with practical advice for everyone, from the beginner investor to the professional. On top of that, the Y-Process® has really worked to help me preserve my capital and maximize my investments." —Sherry Greenfield, MBA, Group Marketing Manager, Boston Scientific Japan

"As a retired aerospace industry manager, Ive subscribed to and tested a dozen investment letters. Two of the twelve letters have been effective sources for stock selection. The Y-process®, developed by Ed Yanis and described in Riding the Bull, Beating the Bear, has been the most effective source for market timing." —William A. Waddington, Lockheed Martin Business Development Manager, Retired ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Elementary errors
The previous two reviewers are absolutely correct. Mr. Yanis has taken one of the most elementary concepts in technical trading -- an exponential moving average -- and written a whole book around it. Worse, he has made assumptions which completely invalidate his claim of a compounded return north of 20 percent.

Imagine that the market closes just above his sell stop. Some bad news comes out after the close. Next morning, stocks open much lower. The sell stop is triggered, but the sell price is nearly one percent below the stop. The same thing can happen on the subsequent buy stop. These are not unusual events; nearly every open has a gap from the previous close.

With a short-term, frequently-trading system such as a 16-week exponential moving average, slippage between theoretical and actual trade prices will reduce the real-world return by several percentage points a year, compared to the theoretical returns calculated by Yanis. He may have believed that the resulting errors would be minor, but they are not.

Ample evidence exists that moving average trading systems can offer some risk reduction through being out of the market part of the time, but rarely are they able to improve on the compounded return of buy-and-hold by more than a percentage point or so. It's unbelievable that publisher John Wiley would put their imprimatur on such a fundamentally flawed, overblown treatise. Caveat emptor.

Fudging the numbers
Yanis, with an impressive bio listing time at GE on defense contracts and the Navy's AEGIS system, pitches his personal (Y-anis) system to beat the market. Problem is, he is so focused on backtesting the system, he fails to realize that he never defines the rules for using his system in real time. Y-factor is an exponential moving average of Friday's closing price for the S&P500 for the last 16 Fridays. Yanis finds buy and sell signals when the daily S&P index crosses the interpolated moving average between Fridays. Of course, the investor will not be able to compute the buy or sell signal until the following Friday's numbers are posted! Yanis never says how the real time investor is supposed to get his buy/sell signals. If Yanis's buy and sell signals are used when they can actually be computed, that is after the following Friday's numbers are in, the backtested results lose major money. One wonders how this got past the editor and publisher.

Net result? This book makes me wonder what has been going on between GE and the Navy with all that defense money during the author's career there.

Sorry, but the strategy is flawed
I read the book with great interest and I was initially really excited about the trading strategy proposed, i.e. to use a exponential moving average to trade S&P 500 (i.e. SPY, which is listed on AMEX). The author concludes that the strategy will help you to increase returns AND reduce risk. The problem is that the author has made, explicitly or implicitly, a couple of crucial simplifying assumptions that are flawed, e.g. no transaction costs, prices move in a straight line from one Friday to the next (the author backtested his method only on weekly data although the strategy should be executed on a daily basis), no intraday or intraweek whipsaws, no spreads, perfect market liquidity etc.

I backtested the strategy on a daily basis (using the daily closing prices) for the last 62 years and concluded that even with no transaction costs/spreads you cannot increase your return compared to the buy and hold strategy. However you can reduce your risk by being out of stock market roughly 1/3 of the time. I also backtested the strategy for the last 14 years taking into account the opening, high, low and closing prices during the day to better account for intra-day swings. The conclusion was the same.

To sum it all up - it seems to be possible to reduce the risk of your SPY holding (i.e. the S&P 500 ETF listed on AMEX) if you are prepared to do extensive trading (i.e. at least one trade a month, which is twice as many trades as the author predicts is necessary), but do not expect any extra returns. In fact, I conclude it's more likely that you'll achieve slightly lower returns than a buy and hold investor over the long term.

A Simple and Useful methodology
My background is as an auditor and computer programmer. I read every book I find on stock market timing and run them through personal computerized back testing. Very few market timing systems work - at least the ones that are published.

Mr. Yanis uses a simple moving average to time the market but with a couple technique twists. Most moving average systems used by themselves cause excessive trades and false signals. The Y-Process system also suffers from that but to a lesser extent. The meat of this book is all in one chapter.

The book is well written and the system's weaknesses honestly reported. The actual returns are documented. He uses a hard to understand method to show buy/sell points and to calculate returns - it should have been done differently.

The timing process requires tracking a few numbers but nothing complicated and it has beaten buy and hold by avoiding major downturns. What's more, this book was published in 2000 prior to the worst of the market collapse and would have gotten you out close to the top. As of September 2002 it's still signaling to stay clear of stocks. If nothing else, this may provide a way to determine when the current bear market has spent most its energy. I'd say that's worth the price of admission, wouldn't you?

Basic Book on Market Timing Using Moving Average Approach
Market timing is a subject of great controversy among investment professionals.Over 98% of these individuals profess that market timing is useless and that no one can do it profitably on a consistent basis.They continue to push the buy-and-hold mantra that has failed miserably since March 2000.

This book by Edward Yanis takes on the subject by offering up a mechanical approach (dubbed the �Y-Process�) to timing using a 16-week exponential moving average of the S&P 500 Index to make weekly buy and sell decisions.Moving averages have been used for many years and there are many newsletters and market timing services that use this approach as part of or as the main element of their timing service. Yanis has back-tested his results for 71 years and concludes that the 16-week exponential average has the best results compared to other time periods.For the year ending 2000, according to Yanis, his approach has yielded an annualized return of 20.7% compared to 11.8% for the buy-and-hold approach.Moreover, this performance reduced risk by 28% of the time since the investor is in cash after a sell signal is given.

Yanis provides extensive information on his moving average approach including the formulas to obtain the weekly average and a risk level, spreadsheets of data to work on to test your ability to work the numbers, appendices of past results of 6 decade years (1940, 1950, etc), and a 23 page glossary of investment terms.The author also provides a forecast formula for the upcoming week that tells the investor the exact point at which a signal change will at hand.

Although the Y-Process is the focus of the book, other topics covered include:
- basic tenets of accumulating wealth
- comparison of stocks to bonds
- why mutual funds are ideal for beginners
- importance of psychology
- finding the appropriate benchmark
- advantages of using index funds
- statistics on prior bear markets
- brief discussion of fundamental and technical analysis
- how to profit from Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

In summary, this book is suitable for novice investors who need a non-emotional mechanical approach to investing that requires little time or effort.The moving average approach is not unique to this book, and investors can find and test their own moving averages on charting software or view them on charts (daily, weekly, and monthly) on such sites as [website] and [website]. Also, investors can subscribe to a market timing newsletter that using this approach. Check out [website] for potential newsletters.The book�s author also provides an investment letter to provide signals for the market and sectors, if the investor does not want to do his own calculations. ... Read more

Product Description
A journey inside the hearts and minds of the best bull riders in the world as they compete for their greatest prize--the championship gold buckle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great Book to Read.
I've rode bulls for quite a while and thought this book was great.

Simply the best I've read!
I just finished the book and I have to say this is the best I've ever read.If you watch the PBR, you have to buy this book.Donnie Gay, Tuff Hedemann, Ty Murray, Charles Sampson, they are all here.

roughstock riders point of view
Just finished the hardback version. As a bullrider and saddlebronc rider I have never read anything as painfully accurate about our sport as this book. The only drawback is I couldnt put it down and as i finished I wanted MORE. I hope he writes a second book..because Jeff Coplon knows more about rodeo than some cowboys. NICE JOB.

more than a sport
Highly recommended, excellent book about a misunderstood sport. While Rodeo and Bull-Riding fans will enjoy this book, it is a great book for folks not familiar with Rodeo/Bull Riding and the culture that gave birth to it and sustains it.As the PBR circuit grows in popularity it will be interesting to see if the PBR stays true to it's Western Values and Culture. I hope so...

Finally, a great book about the world's greatest sport
This is a very good and captivating book and something every rodeo fan should read. If you want to learn more about bull riding legends like Don Gay, Myrtis Dightman, Wacey Cathey, Tuff Hedeman, Lane Frost, Jim Sharp andTy Murray, this is probably the only place you can find it told socolorfully and honestly. It is also nice to read about the days when theworld's top bull riders were cowboys and actually competed at rodeos, andnot the pretentious PBR events. It also takes a look at how bull riding'spopularity surged in the 90s.I just hope a similar book on bronc riderscomes out soon. ... Read more

Product Description
This is not a rodeo. They don't rope calves or chase barrels. This is bull riding, and the first rule is to just stay alive. It's one man, one bull, and eight precious seconds.

This book is your ticket to the action. All of the blood, sweat, and dirt is here in a full-color collection of breathtaking, action-packed photographs from the Professional Bull Riders.

The PBR is one of the fastest-growing sports in history, boasting multimillion-dollar purses for its athletes and more than 100 million television viewers in 70 countries across the globe. That's no small feat when you consider that less than two decades ago the PBR was nothing more than a dream shared by 20 cowboys.

Longtime fans of the sport will get a behind-the-chutes look at their favorite riders and bulls. All the greats are here, from Adriano Moraes, Justin McBride, and Chris Shivers to Little Yellow Jacket and Mossy Oak Mudslinger.

Newcomers will get a clear and concise introduction to the sport--its origins, the rules of competition, and what it takes to become a champion--and an overview of the Western way of life.

This collection of lavish photographs is a visual treat for anyone interested in the world's toughest sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

fabulous book !


I bought this book for my husband so I asked what he thought of it and he thinks it a GREAT book!
The pictures are absolutely wonderful and the book is interesting and informative. He said that if he had only one
nitpicky thing to say, it would be that he wished the pictures had more captions. He's very happy with it and
highly recommends it to the bullriding lover in YOUR life.

PBR is amazing - so is this book of basics
This book is fabulous.Not only will PBR fans enjoy it but anyone who likes exploring new sports and seeing awesome photographs will be delighted.And if you get to a PBR event, it can be a great autograph book for these courageous and very personable bull riders et al.

THE NEXT 10 YEARS
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP ON THE PREVIOUS PBR BOOK: RING OF FIRE, THE GUTS AND GLORY OF THE PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS TOUR. BY KENDRA SANTOS.
THE TIME BETWEEN THE TWO HAS BEEN TOO LONG. THE AUTHORS HAVE DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB OF COLLECTING PHOTOS AND STORIES OF THE PBR. IT'S HISTORY AND STORIES ARE WHAT MAKE UP THE PBR. THERE ARE PHOTOS CAPTURING HEATBREAKING AND THRILLING MOMENTS.
THE STORIES WILL EXCITE THE FANS AND LEAVING THEM TO WANT MORE.
IT IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO THE PBR LIBRARY AND FOR THE TRUE FAN. DON'T MISS IT.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Rodeos and Bull Riding
About this book ( Bull Riding and Rodeos ) I think this book sounds excellent, and challenging to read and for others. I am a student and I have to do a paragraph about bull riding and rodeos. I actually feel that this book will be a great resource to use.

Also the book itself sounds amazing and full of interesting facts about bulls and their position as they do their dance in the ring. One thing that I do know is that bull riding is the one dangerous sports to do, but their is a huge commitment in doing this, and you have to know in what you are doing. ... Read more

Product Description
Layne must face his greatest fear. (20030901) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Having a dream
" What is it?" "An entry form for the rodeo next month." We all have dreams.Everyone should get a chance to fulfill his or her dreams at least once. That's the way a young man named Layne thinks. He has a dream to be a bull rider in the rodeo. But there are some problems to his dream coming true.Some people don't want him to accomplish this dream. Although this book is short it makes for a quick and easy read. It sure was a joy for me to read.

Layne's father was a bull rider in the rodeo, and he was a great bull rider. But a tragic accident happened. Layne wants to be a great bull rider in the rodeo like his father was. But Layne knows how his mother feels about the bull riding. His mother will not let him ride the bulls because she is only trying to keep him from getting hurt.

In spite of his mothers words and feelings about the bull riding. Layne has been sneaking behind his mothers back and has been riding the young bulls at his friend's farm. But in order to make it to the rodeo he will need some practice. So his friend's grandfather is willing to train him and get him ready for the rodeo.

There is a couple set backs in getting to the rodeo, but he finally gets there.
He gets a tough bull to ride but he does well. As he gets done with his ride someone shows up, a little mad but also very proud. The crowd goes wild. He had a great ride.

People have life long dreams, but you should also in mind your friends and your family. Do they approve of what you want? Is your dream something that could worry them?And will it hurt them in the end. These are some things that you should think of before you go through with it.

If you want a book that is a quick and easy read, but one that gives you some action, this would be a great book for you. This book is great for a person who likes a little action and drama. Also if you like animals this book would be great.

Matt's review
I read Bull Rider by Marilyn Halverson. I liked the book because it had a lot of cool parts in the book.I liked when Layne got bucked off a bull named Rhino and when they loaded the horse up in the back of the truck and the horse fell out because these party animals drove and shouted out the window. This story is about a boy that wants to become a professional bull rider but his mom won't let him. His mom won't let him because his father died riding. I think the person who would like this book is someone who likes action and bull riding.

Bull Rider
This is an awesome book.We are currently reading as a family.My son who has reading difficulties and doesn't like to read, can't seem to put the book down.It has really got his attention.I would recommend it to anyone! ... Read more

Product Description
"A technical tour de force, destined to become the thinking bull's bible."-Kathryn Welling, Barron's

Renowned for her analytical brilliance and extraordinary forecasting ability, LOUISE YAMADA examines the forces that will shape the markets for the next ten years

"Few on Wall Street can match Louise Yamada for analytical ability as well as insight on the big issues affecting investors. We are fortunate she is willing to share the results of her thoughts and research with us."-Mark Haines, CNBC

"Louise Yamada has a special talent for anticipating future financial trends. Market Magic is a must read for investors as we prepare for the exciting decade ahead."-David Cork, F.C.S.I. author of The Pig and the Python: How to Prosper from the Aging Baby Boom

"Market Magic demystifies the voodoo of technical analysis and relates technical indicators to the real world of stocks and bonds and demographic and economic trends worldwide."-Oscar S. Schafer, General Partner
Cumberland Associates; Member, Barron's Roundtable

For updates on new and bestselling Wiley Finance titles: wiley.com/wbns ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A journey beyond the daily headlines, and stock of the day.
This book carries you beyond daily headlines and the siren song of the stock of the day. Ms. Yamada seeks to identify the underlying enduring trends, rather than tout a cookbook style prescription to current fads.This is a history lesson, making extensive use of comparisons with priorbull markets. As a result, the reader should expect to be an activeparticipant by reviewing the the detailed charts and data. A page turner itis not. The core thesis and eventual conclusions are well worth the effort.After all it is your money.

PRINCIPLES TO INVEST BY
Reading this book teaches the reader that demographics play a vital role in this "new" economy. The future is completely predictable if we focus on logic vs emotion. A must reading for all long term investors.

A fascinating guide to the next ten years of investing
I was turned on to this book by theStreet.com's review which gave it five stars saying "Salomon Smith Barney technical analyst Louise Yamada has written a monumental book, one that all serious and professional investors should read." After a couple of times through Market Magic I couldn't agree more. The first part of the book reads like an analyst's detective story as Yamada exlains how she came to publish her 1994 prediction of 7680 for the Dow even though the average was then stalled at 3600. Yamada then takes on the future and describes the global macrotrends that are already shaping the world economy, and will continue to do so despite interim setbacks. This is not a beach book. It challenges readers to think anew and question outdated concepts. I can't imagine a more rewarding guide to the future.

Very disappointing work from a wonderful analyst
Louise Yamada is an interesting analyst. Although the book contains a lot of data, the data do not come together to form information or wisdom.

Thankfully, each chapter has a summary. The summaries make me feel like I covered the book and didn't completely waste my money. ... Read more

Product Description
An intimate look at a fascinating subculture, its star personalities, and the death-defying confrontation between man and beast that has made bull riding the fastest growing sport in the worldJust as spectators flock to a NASCAR race because of its inherent danger, bull riding possesses a blood-and-guts excitement that sells tickets. In Fried Twinkies, Buckle Bunnies, and Bull Riders, award-winning sports journalist Josh Peter takes readers along on the 2004 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tour to witness the sports exploding popularityand discover why athletes in spurs, cowboy hats, and colorful chaps are hooking millions of fans across the country.The 2004 season begins like all PBR seasons, with 800 cowboys competing for a chance to be in the top 45 who ride in 29 major events during the season, with the best of the best taking home a $1 million bonus. Success is measured in secondsmanaging to stay on a bull for 8 seconds without getting tossed is likely to secure a rider a big score. Most riders fail. Many get seriously injured; some die. Josh Peter captures the high drama of the sport and introduces readers to a culture thats rife with colorful characters: the courageous riders chasing their dreams, the scouts, breeders, love-struck groupies, and a few of those very angry bulls. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

The business of bull riding . . .
The one thing wrong with this book is the title. It's strictly about pro bull riders and the multimillion-dollar business that has raised bullriding from a feature rodeo event to a cross between NASCAR and the WWF. You'll learn little about fried Twinkies, buckle bunnies, and whatever they're supposed to represent.

Sports writer Josh Peter follows the 2004 PBR tour that crisscrosses the U.S. and ends with the finals in Las Vegas, drumming up excitement and suspense as he goes. He brings to life the widely divergent personalities of the riders, ranging from seasoned champion and family-man Adriano Moraes and the stereotypical drinking, cussing Justin McBride, to the withdrawn, almost spookily religious Mike Lee. Among them are a diversity of others, including rookies, old-timers hoping for a comeback, and competitors from countries as far away as Australia and Brazil. We learn that one out of 15 rides results in injuries requiring treatment, and much time is spent in the sports medicine room.

Meanwhile, we follow the drama of big business as differences between the men who run this show create a number of conflicts that lead to firings and the threat of a boycott by riders who feel they are being under-appreciated by their employers. Peter's revelation of these behind-the-scenes maneuvers will enlighten fans familiar only with the glitz and glamour of the sport and the men who are its stars. We learn about the stock growers and investors who raise, train, buy, and sell bulls. There's even a side trip to Brazil, where we visit the ranch Moraes has bought with his winnings. Readers will also enjoy the DVD "Rank," which is a compelling record of the 2004 season finals, focusing on Moraes, McBride, and Lee.

Dad liked it!
Gave this book to my dad who is a rodeo fan.He enjoyed it.Said it was a good read and he finished it in about 2 days.

I'm biased
OK, I must admit right off that I am a friend of the author's.He's a nice guy.More importantly, he's a good writer.I was deeply moved by some parts of this book, and that was before I met Josh.

I suspect the high ratings for this book might be because PBR fans tend to be awfully enthusiastic about the sport.If you are not a PBR fan but are curious, check it out.

Everything PBR
As an avid PBR fan, I greedily tore through the pages of Fried Twinkies.This book answered all of my questions about bull riding and provided information that I didn't know to ask about. Anyone who enjoys the marvelous sport of bull riding must purchase and read this book.

Real Good
Good reading about the PBR if your a bull rideing fan you'll love this book. Good behind the seen coverage. This book one that is hard to put down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Ring of Fire - Last of the Rodeo Roots
I enjoyed reading Ring of Fire.Having been in and followed Rodeo for a great many years, Ring of Fire, is a look into the World of the Bull Rider, before it became a slick, Madison Avenue packaged production.At that time, the Rodeo roots were still alive and well and Hollywood had not yet taken over.The Book is well worth the money if you have your roots in Rodeo.

Quality Lacking
Essentially a picture book w/ limited text. Printing and design are dated and of average quality at best. A few great pics but lots of filler.Some day they will come out with a book that does justice to this fantastic sport...

Ring of Fire
This is a great book.It shows that bullriding is one of the most thrilling and exciting sports that there is.Even though bullriding has long been overlooked by the sports world, thePBR organization has made this sport one of the most popular and this book shows you why.The pictures are a fan's dream come true and the book is beautifully put together.I would recommend this book to anyone that likes excitement.

Great Book
This is one of my all time favorite books! It has so many pictures of bulls like Dillinger, Red Wolf, and Promise Land.

Beautiful
If you like Pro Bull Riding, this book is a must, a very beautiful, moving edition.If you aren't a fan, you should check it out anyway.The photography is truly fantastic and makes the sport look even more dramatic, intense, and personal than it already is. ... Read more

Product Description
Luke Perry (8 Seconds, Beverly Hills 90210) narrates this intense, riveting look at modern-day bull riding; a pulse-pounding sport that grows in popularity and constant danger. Even as riders push their limits, courage still defines these remarkable champions to ride a 2,000 pound bucking machine. Bull riding is the only sport where the athletes life is in jeopardy every time he participates. Broadcast on The Outdoor Channel, winner of 8 film festival awards. * Running time: 95 Minutes ... Read more

Product Description
Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding, Campdrafting, Steer Wrestling, Whipcracking, Chuckwagon Racing, Calf Roping, Pole Bending, Team Roping, Cutting, Pbr World Cup, Rodeo Bareback Rigging, Steer Roping, Mutton Busting, Breakaway Roping, Chute Dogging, Camas Prairie Stump Race, Goat Tying, Nez Percé Stake Race. Excerpt:Western riding item Pole bending item Stake race (Figure 8) item Keyhole race item Flag race item Barrel racing at the Calgary Stampede Barrel racing is a rodeo event in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a clover-leaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. Though both boys and girls compete at the youth level and men compete in some amateur venues, in collegiate and professional ranks, it is primarily a rodeo event for women. It combines the horse's athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of a rider in order to safely and successfully maneuver a horse through a clover leaf pattern around three barrels (typically three fifty-five gallon metal or plastic drums) placed in a triangle in the center of an arena. In timed rodeo events, the purpose is to make a run as fast as possible, while the time is being clocked either by an electronic eye, (a device using a laser system to record times), or by an arena attendant or judge who manually takes the time using a keen eye and a flag to let a clocker know when to hit the timer stop; though this last method is more commonly seen in local and non-professional events. The timer begins when horse and rider cross the start line, and ends when the barrel pattern has been successfully executed and horse and rider cross the finish line. The rider's time depends on several factors, most commonly the horse's physical and mental condition, the rider's horsemanship abilities, and the... ... Read more