"The only problem with that book, at least the exercise version is, there are no stress marks on any of the texts. Not really good, when you are learning."

Thank you for reminding me of that! I always forget that "minor" detail. (No, I'm not trying to be sarcastic or anything.)

In some ways though, a person can learn to live without it. I just listen to Russian radio/t.v. to learn proper pronunciation, etc. It's a little like all my Hebrew texts; they just ignore the stress marks and have good jokes at one's personal expense. All languages should follow the Hungarians, who for the most part, have the stress on the first syllable. So much easier to remember.