Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks

Amazon.com

Frankly, this literary critic didn't expect Mick Foley's memoir of his life as Mankind (and his other wrestling personas, Cactus Jack and Dude Love) to hit No. 1 on Amazon.com's hardcover nonfiction bestseller list in its first literary bout. The cover is cluttered and confusing, and do we really need 500-plus pages of Foley's boasts? Yes. Foley gives his all for his calling, and he burns to tell his adventures. Take the famous tale of how he lost most of his ear (the bloody result is depicted in the 16-page color-photo section). It was in his 1994 bouts with Vader (Leon White): after getting a broken nose, a dislocated jaw, and 21 stitches in the first match, Foley did his "hangman" routine, wherein he catches his neck between the second and third ropes and spins them into a twist. "The end result is the illusion of a man being hanged by his neck while his body kicks and writhes in an attempt to get out... the man actually is hanging by his neck and the body really does kick and writhe in an attempt to get out." Unfortunately, in the prior match, Too Cold Scorpio had had the officials tighten the ropes, so Foley tore off his ear to avoid death by strangulation, like "a fox that chews off its paw to escape a trap." Foley also wrestles on 10,000-thumbtack mats with barbwire ropes and C-4 explosives, and earns the ultimate compliment: "The fans really like the way you bleed." Many fans also like the way his gory story reads. --Tim Appelo

Book Description

Mick Foley is a nice man, a family man who loves amusement parks and eating ice cream in bed. So how to explain those Japanese death matches in rings with explosives, golden thumbtacks and barbed wire instead of rope? The second-degree burn tissue? And the missing ear that was ripped off during a bout-in which he kept fighting? Here is an intimate glimpse into Mick Foley's mind, his history, his work and what some might call his pathology. Now with a bonus chapter summarizing the past 15 months-from his experience as a bestselling author through his parting thoughts before his final match. A tale of blood, sweat, tears and more blood-all in his own words-straight from the twisted genius behind Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic book!.......2007-07-16

Funny! Heartpounding intense and that's just the cover. One of my favorite non fiction books, of all time. So much thrilling insight into the "buisness". Gold in the form of literature!

Laugh, cry, get blown away with this spellbindingly heartfelt autobiography, with no ghostwriters attached!.......2007-07-11

Amazing that in a few weeks, Mick Foley poured his life and soul into 760 pages of notebook paper that would make it, lightly cut and without any major edits, onto book, and earn it's New York Times #1 Bestseller's List. If only it weren't for that Oprah! (readers of the book will understand)

Starting from childhood, he makes it quick, but sweet as he tells humorous stories about his friends, and the origin of the name "Cactus Jack", and his time in college, including the inspiration for Dude Love and the start of his wrestling career.

Foley's writing is so personal and engrossing that he easily captures our attention with riveting stories ranging from lying to his parents and almost getting caught skipping a bus to college in order to catch a wrestling show (the famous Madison Square Garden match between Jimmy Snuka and Don Muraco), to gaining the respect and friendship of ex-wrestler and trainer Dominic DeNucci and being taken under his wing, knowing Foley couldn't afford classes, by reducing his fee, and then not charging altogether.

Foley's tales of his independent circuit runs are definitely a grungy, and in some cases heartwrenchingly painful experiences, which his natural humor and goodnatured attitude help liven up and spare us the angst he must have felt, but without completely sugarcoating it.

All along the way, Foley maintains a very brilliantly hidden line between kayfabe and shoot, though focusing more on the shoot aspect (for nonwrestling fans, kayfabe means the "fake" world of wrestling, including storylines and gimmicks, shoot is reality) and readily admits his talent isn't in technical or even very good wrestling, but rather in taking bumps and making the other guy and himself look good.

From hellish stories of being stalked by crazed female fans thinking his real name is "Cactus Jack Manson" to wrestling in Nigeria and almost getting robbed by the corrupt government police, to losing out on a 3,000$ paycheck in Africa after the president of the country he wrestled in (who organized the event) was assassinated and the regime overthrown within weeks of his departure, Foley's wit and charm keep the story of his life so lively, you'd think it has to be fiction.

Moving on to his time in WCW, he recounts the horrors of the backstage mechanics, from Ric Flair's awful booking and the backstage team's failure to recognize great potential talent, and hiring college TV production students to man their editing, to Foley's disillusionment as the feud between he and Vader was played down, a massive bump taken by Foley which the commentators could have brilliantly sold was sardonically mocked with a derogatory statement like "that's got to be excedrin headache #9!!", and Cactus Jack being attempted to be turned into a childishly ridiculous heel that would have ruined Foley's career.

Then came Foley's run on the independent circuit, and shows for ECW, including full transcripts of some of his best, and in my opinion some of the best ever, promos, trying to be anti-hardcore and promoting WCW and trying to get Tommy Dreamer to go to WCW and be the pretty boy wrestler again.

From the independent circuit, to stardom in the WWF, Foley is never sparse on details about stories while on the road, his many friends along the way from Mr. Haiti in Africa, to Steve Austin and Steve (William) Regal, The Undertaker, Sting, Owen Hart, Vader, and of course Terry Funk. Virtually every stop from his career, including the Japanese tours, the King of the Deathmatch, etc, and the evolution from "Mason the Mutilator" to "Mankind the Mutilator" to "Mankind" and the use of all three of his gimmicks in the WWF to eventual WWF Championship gold.

Throughout it all, Foley never loses his charm or wit, or the incessant Al Snow bashing, with plenty of pictures scattered around the text and plenty of personal stories (like the time he shared a house with a junkie, a guy who was having sex with his girlfriend's 16 year old daughter, and the 16 year old trying to flirt with Mick) and stories with friends (like "Vader" Leon White's spendthrifting with hotels, or Owen Hart's penchanse for practical jokes) that his story never gets old or repetitive and when the story finally ends, you feel like you've known Mick his entire life.

This is THE shining example of a great book about a pro wrestler's life, and I hope his other two books are just as great.

The First and the Best..........2007-05-18

Mick Foley's "Have a Nice Day" is his first and his best. It is a whimsical journey in the life of one of the greatest hardcore wrestlers ever. Foley has always had the gift of gab, and it translates very well to the written page. Hysterical, insightful, and heartwarming.

Amazing insight........2007-04-19

If you are interested in the behind the scenes of wrestling, here's a great place to start. Mick speaks on his rise from childhood fan to wrestling superstar. He even talks breifly about the Boiler Room Brawl and his Cleveland promos! (I wish he would have went more in-depth on these topics, though.)

A Wrestler's Autobiography.......2007-04-12

See a different side of wrestling with this autobiographical book. You'll laugh your way through this brilliant work of art and ask yourself how Foley survived.

Blood Feud: Detroit Red Wings v. Colorado Avalanche: The Inside Story of Pro Sports' Nastiest and Best Rivalry of Its Era

Average customer rating:

AWSOME READ
Interesting Topic; Average Story
Wingnut Residing in Denver
Sad Day for the Written Word
Blood Feud Review

Blood Feud: Detroit Red Wings v. Colorado Avalanche: The Inside Story of Pro Sports' Nastiest and Best Rivalry of Its Era
Adrian Dater
Manufacturer: Taylor Trade Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1589793196

Book Description

In Blood Feud, Colorado Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater not only submits that the Red Wings-Avalanche rivalry was the most feverish match-up in recent years, but also that there was none better played.

Customer Reviews:

AWSOME READ.......2007-06-27

anyone who is a hockey fan would enjoy this read, if your an avalanche or red wing fan its a must read, could not put it down untill finished, have passed on to other hockey fans and have enjoyed as much as I have, I even have read out loud to the guys at work during break bits of the book, anyone who enjoys hockey would find this a great read

Interesting Topic; Average Story.......2007-05-25

'Blood Feud' by Adrian Dater tells the story of the infamous Detroit-Colorado rivalry that was responsible for some of the best hockey during the 1990s.

The strong points of this book include interesting biographical information about some of the rivalry's stars (Roy, Lemieux, McCarty, and Bowman to name a few). Another solid component of this book was the inclusion of some of the 'behind the scenes' chatter among the rivals including the details of the famous exchange between Crawford and Bowman. The material was also presented in a fairly even-handed way (pretty remarkable considering this guy is Colorado media).

This book has its weak points as well. The author attempted to weave in and out of the storyline too much. You'll find yourself reading about a particular playoff series, only to be randomly pulled out of it and thrown into another topic (at times, this really killed the flow of the story). Another notable weak point is the author's statement that the Ray Borque to Colorado trade was possibly the "greatest steal of a deal in NHL history" which is absurd. Finally, there were far too many awkward personal interjections by the author (often unrelated to the story itself).

Overall, for this price, I'd recommend reading this book if you have an interest in the rivalry. Don't buy it with the hopes of it being a literary work of art; just enjoy it for what it is: an insider's recollection of an exciting NHL rivalry.

Wingnut Residing in Denver.......2007-05-23

As a 27 year Detroit native living the last 13 years in Denver, I was in the emotional vortex of this great rivalry. This book was a great read and brought back all the polar feelings from these incredible games and bloody fights. Mr. Dater retells this story in a bioptic fashion, delving into the important characters and the stories behind the story. He points out the strange ironic twists that festered into this Hockey hatred. His fact finding was thorough and impressive on both teams. His writing style is casual, easy to read and similar to Jon Krakauer's "Into thin Air." Anyone who suggests Avalanche bias is way off base. This Denver newspaper writer is arguably tougher on the Av's than the Wings with most negative ink heaped on Lemieux and Crawford and some not too flattering episodes by Patrick Roy. Luckily this was an easy read because I had a hard time putting it down after page 1. Sent a copy to my brother in Detroit and he was late to work the morning he cracked it open. He showed the book to his boss and his tardiness was quickly forgotten and his book quickly borrowed.

Sad Day for the Written Word.......2007-04-21

Whether your an Avs or Redwings fan (I am the former) this book is a disgrace to readers everywhere. While I appreciate the subject matter, which kept me from tossing this book into the flames before I was finished, Adrian Dater's inability to write with any depth or clarity is evident. Perhaps there is a bit more background on the relevant events, but the bios focusing on Bowman, Lemieux, Roy and McCarty are pure filler. Half the book is in quotes so I hope Woody Paige and Mark Kiszla are getting royalties from this. There are also sections about Dater himself and self realizations he has. I don't care! I didn't pick up this book to learn about Dater drinking high protein shakes and mentally pounding his HS tormentors. The editor over at Taylor Trade should submit his/her resignation. This should be a pamphlet, but with misc. facts that stray from the subject combined with 12 point font make it two hundred plus pages of dribble. This "book" is a failure on all levels and it's a shame Amazon forces one to give any stars.

Blood Feud Review.......2007-04-14

First of all, this book is worth the price just for, as other comments have attested to, the screaming match that Crawford had with Bowman in 97; vulgar, but albeit priceless stuff. Second of all, it would be nice to see a Detroit reporter put together a similar account because I don't know how everyone can take this account as "unbiased". This guy is an Avs reporter for the Post for crying out loud! He includes numerous excerpts from the apparently unabashed homer Avs radio man, while providing nothing from Ken Kal, the Wings radio man who, apparently with his middle-of-the-road approach, is too boring for this book. Look, I am an honest Red Wings fan and appreciated the rivalry between both teams, but there are definitely pro-Avalanche slants in this book. Granted there are few, but they are still there. I would appreciate a counter-offer from the Detroit perspective, maybe from Bob Wojonowski, who is probably one of the top three Detroit sports writers.

Hey Rube: Blood Sport, the Bush Doctrine, and the Downward Spiral of Dumbness--Modern History from the Sports Desk

Average customer rating:

Buy "Kingdom of Fear: Loathsome Secrets of a Star-Crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century" instead
Ouch
Thompson's Swan Song - Fans Decide for Yourself
This was my first...
A good, but not great read

Hey Rube: Blood Sport, the Bush Doctrine, and the Downward Spiral of Dumbness--Modern History from the Sports Desk
Hunter S. Thompson
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Journalism | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0684873192

Book Description

SPORTS, POLITICS, AND SEX COLLIDE IN HUNTER S. THOMPSON'S WILDLY POPULAR ESPN.COM COLUMNS, PROVING THAT THE GOOD DOCTOR IS IN -- AND AS INSIGHTFUL AND INCENDIARY AS EVER.

For decades, Hunter S. Thompson has galvanized American journalism with his acerbic wit, radical ideas, and gonzo tactics. He continues his reign as "The Unabomber of contemporary letters" (Time) with Hey Rube. Fear, greed, and action abound in this hilarious, thought-provoking compilation as Thompson doles out searing indictments and uproarious rants while providing brilliant commentary on politics, sex, and sports -- at times all in the same column.

Filled with critics' favorites, as well as never before published columns, Hey Rube follows Thompson through the beginning of the new century, revealing his queasiness over the 2000 election ("rigged and fixed from the start"); his take on professional sports (to improve Major League Baseball "eliminate the pitcher"); and his myriad controversial opinions and brutally honest observations on issues plaguing America -- including the Bush administration and the inequities within the American judicial system.

Hey Rube gives us a look at the gonzo journalist in his most organic form -- unbridled, astute, and irreverent.

Customer Reviews:

Buy "Kingdom of Fear: Loathsome Secrets of a Star-Crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century" instead.......2007-03-18

This book (2004) and "Kingdom of Fear" (2003) appear to be the last of HST's books. While "Hey Rube" contains lengthy discussions of gambling on professional football and basketball (including "March Madness"), "Kingdom of Fear" is more far-ranging, containing everything from Thompson's reminiscences of his youth to his (highly negative) thoughts on George W. Bush.

The quality of the writing of the recent pieces in both books is not quite up to that of his best from the past, but is still infinitely better than the mindless slop produced by other contemporary "writers." The man was an artist.

As always, one of the disturbing things about Thompson is his ability to assess politics correctly in real time. Reading back, you think "Why didn't people take this man seriously at the time?"

"Indeed," as Doc would say.

Ouch.......2007-02-06

I'm heartbroken. I admit it. I'm not a year around sports nut. I don't watch games all the time. I don't even get ESPN. And I've never allowed myself to get sucked into the uber-geeky world of fantasy leagues. But the Bears are special for me. And if you let yourself care enough, you'll get hurt. It's unavoidable. You can't experience the thrills without being vulnerable to the pain. Especially the way it happened. With the Bears jumping to a lead within the first 14 seconds, and having a nice action-packed first quarter, I couldn't help but believe. But the Colts managed to dominate. And what hurts the most, what's got me down, is that the Colts won by out Bearing the Bears. They played good hard-nosed defense and then wore down the Bears defense with a relentless running attack. Oh well. I still think Peyton's a bit of a goober but the Indiana coach seems to be a real class act, so I'll try and be happy for them. And I know it's just a game. There are bigger crises in the world. There are bigger crises in my life for that matter. Still, it hurts. This goes down in my top five for losses that hurt, along with the Bears of the late 80's being eliminated in the playoffs by the Redskins and then the Niners, and maybe along with some of those Nebraska victories over Colorado. Particularly those real close ones in that painful, smarmy Neuheisal era.

So when the soul is truly in pain, where else would I go for comfort but Hunter S? I didn't even know about this book until recently. I didn't know he was writing a regular column for ESPN's web site. But he was and these columns are among the last writings we'll have for him. And what better a topic for Mr. Thomson than gambling? Hunter was at his best when writing about those little vices, those things that can be wonderful, even enlightening, in the right doses, but much more entertaining to read about when they are pushed to and beyond the limits of self-destruction. Great stuff.

By the chance of timing, almost a twisted kind of serendipity, this collection contains a generous allotment of Mr. Thomson's political writings as well. The collection spans a period of time containing the Presidential coup in which Bush stole the election from Al Gore and then 9-11 and its aftermath as well. There is an essay written by Thomson dated September 11th, 2001, written that evening following the attack, with classic Thomson vitriol, filled with his trademark fear and loathing, as well as some paranoia that history reveals to be more prescient than delusional, warning that the power that be would use the tragedy of the terrorist attacks to justify further tragedy of an even grander scale. That may be near universal sentiment in hindsight but remember back to that time to realize how deranged and treacherous that would have sounded to the average citizen. Certainly to the chattering hens in the mainstream news media, who couldn't give the American public credit for anything more sophisticated than black and white thinking.

A great voice is gone. I suspect he may have been trying to commit suicide by lifestyle for decades, but when that repeatedly failed, he finally had to take more direct action. And the Chicago Bears are not the world champions. Maybe I should admit that the NFC really is a weak division this year. Or maybe the Bears got what they deserve for playing the entire game with their safeties twenty yards back, trying to win by being the more conservative team. With that mentality, not even the point spread could help Bears benefactors. What would Hunter have said?

Thompson's Swan Song - Fans Decide for Yourself.......2006-12-08

"Hey Rube" is Thompson's least interesting book. About 95% of it involves sports and gambling, mainly on football, and a lot of typical name dropping (Ed Bradley, Douglas Brinkley, Johnny Depp, ad nauseum). Jack Kerouac. The book is boring as all get-out, but hey, see for yourself. Thompson brought us many fine works, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "The Rum Diary", "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail," you name it. His meglomania knew no bounds; his persona was largely one of his own mythological making. It remains indelible fact that he was an important founder of the so-called "New Journalism" which surfaced in the mid-sixties, though in a recent conversation with Gay Talese, this other dignified writer refused to even mention his name in connection with the "New Journalism" when questioned at an appearance at Faulkner Books in New Orleans. If you like stupid football predictions and wreckless sports gambling as your two primary intersts, this is the book for you -- don't miss it. Otherwise, it is the last sad blatherings of a brain-dead paranoiac determined to follow in the footsteps of Hemingway, whose macho at an early age he emulated with a visit to Papa's gravesite in Ketchum, Idaho. Rest in peace, Hunter. Your great works far exceed this piece of worthless trash.

This was my first..........2006-04-11

Hunter S. Thompson book. I loved every word of it, sports and politics alike, I just wish it would have had a bit more of an even balance between sports and politics. His thoughts make me feel okay about my own views - blended and difficult to define. I'm sure we would have disagreed on some things but agreed on many more.

Since reading the book, I find myself wondering what he would have had to say about certain things: Boston winning the World Series, the new immigration laws, the second Bush presidency/what happened to Kerry, Johnny Damon leaving the Sox and the Dick Cheney hunting mishap!!! The list goes on....

I feel as though I'm only now getting to know him. I look forward to reading more very soon...

A good, but not great read.......2006-01-21

I loved "Fear and Loathing in America." And while I think there is some decent stuff in here, it is just too sports oriented. I mean the book is based on columns from ESPN, so don't be surprised. And I like sports as much as anyone. But the crazy energy of Thompson and blinding insights are diluted by information about betting against the spread. Still there is enough in here to like. He wrote this before and after 9/11/2001. Some of his earliest thoughts on the fascist tendencies of some of the early post-9/11 policies. A good, but not great read.

Ghosts of Manila: The Fateful Blood Feud Between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier

Average customer rating:

Ali and Frazier: a welcome revisionist view
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (please read)
Fascinating read
The Thrilla from Vanilla...
Not a Thrilla

Ghosts of Manila: The Fateful Blood Feud Between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier
Mark Kram
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

African-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0060954809
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Amazon.com

Muhammad Ali once admitted to former Sports Illustrated writer Mark Kram that he and Joe Frazier went to Manila for the third of their three epic fights "as champions and we came back as old men." Boxing is a particularly unforgiving sport for old men, especially those--as Kram tells us in Ghosts of Manila, his thoroughly riveting account of one of the Sweet Science's greatest rivalries--"with too much pride, heart, and unexamined confidence for their own well-being." Which defines Ali and Frazier's essential characters in a nutshell.

Kram begins his saga in the present, looking at the different kinds of isolation that currently surround each man's life, then dances back and forth through time to spar with just who these warriors have been and how they came to be the icons, for better or worse, they became. Ghosts of Manila is more than a twin biography, though; it is an often haunting meditation on how much we project onto our athletes, and how destructive the projections can be. As much as any punishment sustained in three of the most brutal title fights in heavyweight history, the baggage--personal and societal--that Ali and Frazier carried into and out of the ring changed them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Did Ali earn all the love? Did Frazier deserve all the scorn? To answer the questions, Kram bravely goes toe to toe with Ali worship and Ali's myth. His daring rewards us with knockout profiles of two legends more complex and real than mere iconography might allow. --Jeff Silverman

Book Description

When Muhammad Ali met Joe Frazier in Manila for their third fight, their rivalry had spun out of control. The Ali-Frazier matchup had become a madness, inflamed by the media and the politics of race. When the "Thrilla in Manila" was over, one man was left with a ruin of a life; the other was battered to his soul.

Mark Kram covered that fight for Sports Illustrated in an award-winning article. Now his riveting book reappraises the boxers -- who they are and who they were. And in a voice as powerful as a heavyweight punch, Kram explodes the myths surrounding each fighter, particularly Ali. A controversial, no-holds-barred account, Ghosts of Manila ranks with the finest boxing books ever written.

Customer Reviews:

Ali and Frazier: a welcome revisionist view.......2006-12-29

It's human nature to look for heroes. Few candidates for this level of acclaim, however, especially in an age where little of a public figure's life remains private, can withstand scrutiny and still come out shining. Muhammad Ali's shortcomings have been glossed over during the last thirty plus years and his actions have been recast in a more complimentary light by his many hagiographers to turn him into a sacred cow, a heroic figure who can do little wrong.

Mark Kram's "Ghosts of Manila" is essentially a revisionist view of two great heavyweight champions of the 70s, one whose character has perhaps been overvalued, the other who has never received his due. The tension between the two men, an exploration of their psychologies and their historic trilogy of battles are the subject of the book.

Hardly anybody is shown in a positive light in Kram's book and one can't help but feel that the author has some mysterious axe to grind. Yet much of what is described here can be found in other books about Ali. What makes Kram's book unique is that he analyses the actions of the key figures and the context they lived in to give an alternate picture that leads one to assess both men differently, or more accurately in Frazier's case, to assess him at all.

The Ali who emerges in Kram's book is an opportunist who happens to be in the right place at the right time and whose every proclamation and gesture is spun to take on a level of significance to which he is essentially ignorant. The icon we hold as a model of courage is dismantled to reveal a man who repeatedly turned his back on those who supported him, either because there was risk attached to remaining loyal (Malcolm X) or it was inconvenient to do so (his numerous ex-wives as well as a few of his children).

Frazier is presented in only a slightly more sympathetic light because he is seen as the victim, the target of Ali's most offensive insults. The man who emerges is an embittered figure who has sacrificed his dignity (as well as his friends and family) to his rage.

Kram is a skilled, but occasionally undisciplined, writer. Some of the metaphors are overblown and some of his digressions seem to go nowhere, suggesting that the book could have used more editing. In general though his prose is sharp and devoid of cliche.

This book has aroused a fair bit of controversy, as some of the other reviews here illustrate (some of which, interestingly, go to some length to discredit the author). Yet it is a well written book, which provides an interesting antidote to the popular view of the two fighters. The author's courage in taking a critical stance toward one of our sacred cows is to be lauded. Where the book could have gone deeper is in exploring the reasons Ali's many obvious failings have been ignored in the public's eyes to give him the saint-like stature he currently holds.

"Ghosts of Manilla" should have obvious appeal to those with an interest in boxing in general and Ali and Frazier in particular; it should especially interest anybody who wants to get an alternate view of one of the most famous public figures of our time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (please read).......2006-11-29

Before making a decision on whether or not to purchase this book, I feel I should share some important information about its author, one Mark Kram, so that you can make an informed decision on whether this is the kind of honest man who is going to write a fair and even handed account on anything regarding boxing:

In 1976 Don King arranged the infamous US Championships Tournament for ABC television. This was a tournament involving fighters signed with Don King or his cohorts only. Bribery was used to corrupt ratings to justify the inclusion of undeserving King fighters/exclusion or far more deserving non-King fighters. The more worthwhile fighters who wanted to participate were told they would have to kickback a chunk of their purses to King, whilst also leaving their current manager and signing with King. Those who refused this blackmail were left excluded. And thus a bogus tournament was created with a clutch of retired preliminary fighters and obscure journeymen, dressed up as contenders with fake records and paid for rankings.

Where was Mark Kram in all of this? This `journalist' accepted gifts and gratuities from Don King and penned a puff piece article promoting the tournament for the January 1977 Sports Illustrated. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, this `journalist' was bought and wrote a four page article extolling the virtues of this "great tournament" and "the honesty of Don King"! Of course the tournament fell apart half way through and its massive corruption was exposed, as well as Kram's. This `journalist' took money under the table to humiliate the most respected sports publication in the US. No surprises the magazine fired Kram and had to write a full expose/apology by Robert Boyle in the May 1977 Sports Illustrated, atoning for Kram's article of lies.

And now all these years Kram resurfaces from under his rock, attempting to destroy the character of Muhammad Ali. Perhaps a look in the mirror may have been more appropriate. Muhammad Ali is loved by millions worldwide, and accorded major respected by fighters, both amateur and professional. Mark Kram however, is an exposed crook and isn't even accorded respect by fellow journalists, let alone fighters. Maybe if Kram had ever had the guts to lace on a pair of gloves he would have more of an understanding of just how hard it is to do what Muhammad Ali does.

Fascinating read.......2006-11-05

Kram goes beyond much of the shallow coverage that passes for sportswriting these days to deliver a first-rate package that won't disappoint anyone with a modicum of interest in boxing's golden age. He provides fascinating insights into the two central characters and many others in the business. Thoroughly recommended.

The Thrilla from Vanilla..........2006-07-11

Muhammad Ali has received hagiographical treatment for the past thirty years or so. This book has a different perspective, however. Kram was there the whole time, saw everything, knew everybody, and lays out his take, to use an apt metaphor, without pulling any punches. Kram does occasionally lose himself in pretension--using the word "rodomontade" in a boxing book?--but, hey, he was an old guy, close to death, and I guess he wanted his last work to be more profound than the subject matter permitted. For everyone who thought Ali was a keen intellect, or a political visionary, or, indeed, a saint, here is your bucket of cold water. He certainly was a talented athlete--a heavyweight with the speed of a middleweight--and he may have been a symbol of pride to blacks...but that's about it.

Not a Thrilla.......2006-06-26

This book was a major disappointment. If books could be returned for a full refund because of disappointment with the contents, then I would immediately return this one. I liked the title and I am a fan of both Ali and Frazier and I was interested in reading more about their great third fight. Plenty is written about Ali, but I was interested in reading and learning more about Frazier. Well, 90% is about Ali and race. 6% is about Frazier and only 4% is about the fights themselves, including the third fight that the book is based on! This book could have been a short magazine article, instead it is needlessly expanded. I only finished this book because I paid full price for it and I knew that I couldn't get my money back.

Average customer rating:

Butkus is #1
Butkus Rules
Dissapointing
Great Read about the greatest Football player ever..
Best Ever at Linebacker

Butkus: Flesh and Blood
Dick Butkus
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0385486480
Release Date: 1997-10-13

Amazon.com

Like his no-nonsense tenure as one of the dominating linebackers in NFL history, Dick Butkus's no-nonsense autobiography covers plenty of ground, offers no excuses, scares the hell out of you (you will never look at your knees--or your doctors--in quite the same way again), and, in the end, entertains with his candor and verve. Butkus has axes to grind, and he grinds them wonderfully, but he also is capable of examining his own behavior. What emerges is a portrait of an athlete willing to explore--roots, warts, and all--the aggression and rage he rode to glory on the field, and the challenges he faced trying to harness those same emotions off the field.

Book Description

From 1965 to 1973 Dick Butkus was the most revered player in professional football. Although he never played for a championship team, and one can't say he set all kinds of records, no other defender in the entire history of the NFL has so electrified the game. The stories about Butkus are legendary. They make him sound so intense, so ferocious, and for the most part they are frighteningly true. Yet underneath the layers of mythology resides a man who is as thoughtful and emotional as he is intense.

In Butkus, Dick Butkus tells his entire life story, from growing up and getting into trouble in Chicago, to his uncomfortable yet glorious years at the University of Illinois. He reveals what it felt like to be the ninth child of two hardworking Lithuanian parents--one of whom was born in a Illinois coal mine, the other never fully learned to speak English--and the camaraderie and contentment he experienced while playing football. He recounts the historic nine seasons with the Chicago Bears where he played with and against such immortals as Gale Sayers, Jim Brown, Brian Piccolo, Mike Ditka, and Joe Greene.

Dick Butkus looks deeply into his own psyche to find the source of his passionate style of play--a style that has often been described as violence and intimidation on the football field. With honesty and emotion, he recounts his battles with George "Papa Bear" Halas, the NFL, and the media.

Customer Reviews:

Butkus is #1.......2005-11-10

My first word as a child was: Butkus. There was a football game on TV at the hospital where I was born. The Bears were playing the Lions. Butkus had five sacks and an interception. I like cookies and milk.

Butkus Rules.......2005-10-26

This book is the best book I ever read. Dick Butkus is the greatest human being who ever bit of a refs ear. I would recommend anyone thinking of becoming a serial killer read this book. I like cookies and , milk.

Dissapointing.......2005-10-10

A very comprehensive study of each and every season Butkus played with the Bears. But I was hoping for much more about Butkus's life off the football field. I would have liked to have heard more anecdotes about players he played with and against. Also would have been interesting to hear personal insights from Dick regarding what he felt about the awe-like reputation he inspired on the field from fans and players alike.

This reads too much as a season-by-season and game-by-game account of his career. Interesting at first but repetitive and dry over time. I was hoping for more.

Great Read about the greatest Football player ever.........2003-06-09

I loved it!

But then again I am a huge Bears fan and a huge Butkus fan,good ol 51 played the game like nobody ever did and I enjoyed reading about how he grewup and about the Bears on and off the field and its mangement,I always thought Bears mangement has always been skummy and this book proved me right,I loved this book though as it was great to hear stories about the players and how they spent there time and about picciolo and sayers etc,
I met Butkus about 4months ago and he looks great and seams to be doing well.

Best Ever at Linebacker.......2000-02-06

Never been a Bears fan, never will. But who amongst us growing up in the '60s and loving football, did not admire Dick Butkus? Whatta' player! I loved the cover of this book! What a menacing figure! Let's talk about the book. Overall, a good, insightful book but a couple of items disappointed me. First, the ramblings about his falling out with the Bears. After many pages, I felt like saying, 'Get over it!' but considering who I would be speaking to...well. Second, I was curious what his kids grew up to be like. Not much mention of his wife nowadays either. But, this is a book about Butkus and his life was football. Fun to read...

Average customer rating:

Husband Loved It
An enjoyable treasury and giftbook especially for horse racing enthusiasts
Solid book for new and experienced fans of horse racing

Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments
Staff of Blood Horse Publications
Manufacturer: Eclipse Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History of Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1581501390

Book Description

Some of horse racing's most respected authorities looked at feats of greatness, world records, legendary rivalries, and innovations to rank the sport's top 100 moments. They weighed individual accomplishments against industry initiatives, innovations against lucky breaks to come up with the definitive list. They pondered Secretariat's 31-length Belmont Stakes victory, Smarty Jones' elusive Triple Crown, the creation of the Breeders' Cup, and advancements in equine surgery. Racing's top 100 list will generate debate for years to come, just as did the ranking of Man o' War over Secretariat as Horse of the Century. Richly illustrated with historic and modern photos, Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments also contains comprehensive lists of leading earners, fastest times, highest prices, and most races won.

Customer Reviews:

Husband Loved It.......2007-01-09

My husband is an avid horse race lover and this book provided him with alot of enjoyment and facts. He thoroughly enjoyed it.

An enjoyable treasury and giftbook especially for horse racing enthusiasts.......2006-09-07

Compiled by the staff of Blood-Horse Publications, Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments is a nostalgic compilation of great instances in the history of the sport of kings. Each two-page spread of this trade paperback is devoted to memorable occasions ranging from Cigar's historic victory of the first Dubai World Cup, to the very first race call as conceived by George Schilling in the mid-20's, to the broadcast of Man o' War's funeral, each great moment is described in clear prose and illustrated with vintage black-and-white and color photographs. An enjoyable treasury and giftbook especially for horse racing enthusiasts.

Solid book for new and experienced fans of horse racing.......2006-08-07

In this review of the top 100 moments of Thoroughbred racing you will find all of the captivating moments you would expect. However, you also get a glimpse into some other, less publicized events and how they have affected the game. The inaugural Breeder's Cup, for example, was much more important that I had imagined. The chapters are well written by educated and experienced individuals who make strong points for their 'moments.' This book can be at home on a coffee table, or in my bookshelf with 50 other horse books.

Average customer rating:

The Greatest Kentucky Derby Upsets
Blood-Horse Publications
Manufacturer: Eclipse Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

History of Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

All Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 1581501560

Book Description

When Giacomo charged across the finish line in the 2005 Kentucky Derby at odds of 50-1, the select few who had bet him to win received a whopping $102 for having the luck or audacity to pick him. Giacomo's shocking win earned him a spot in The Greatest Kentucky Derby Upsets, which explores the tales of some of the Derby's most improbable victors. In 1904 Elwood became the first starter owned by a woman, one Laska Durnell, who failed to tell her trainer husband she had even nominated the colt. In between Elwood's winning and Giacomo's, Donerail returned a record price that still stands, Sir Barton made the Derby his first victory, Dark Star defeated the seemingly invincible Native Dancer, Iron Liege capitalized on a rival jockey's miscue, Canonero II went from laughing stock to hero, and Genuine Risk won one for the girls.

Blue Blood: Duke-Carolina: Inside the Most Storied Rivalry in College Hoops

Average customer rating:

Chansky's definitive take on the Tobacco Road rivalry
No Insights, No New Stories, and No Need to Buy
Balanced view of the rivalry
Tar Heel Sports History Revealed
Updated Paperback Even Better

Blue Blood: Duke-Carolina: Inside the Most Storied Rivalry in College Hoops

Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

History of Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Basketball | Sports | Subjects | Books

College & University | Basketball | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312327870
Release Date: 2005-10-20

Book Description

In Blue Blood, veteran journalist and author Art Chansky examines the Duke-Carolina rivalry as it has evolved over the last fifty years. This is not the worn formula of a season inside a program; rather, its a detailed and colorful study of the greatest competition in college sports, which now pits two of the best coaches in the nation against each other. Its also a look at a maniacal subculture that has fans who camp out for weeks just to get tickets to the seasonal match-ups. And most important, its the story behind the story, with never-been-told details that could only be written by an insiderwith unparalleled access to both schoolswho has covered the rivalry for more than thirty years. Blue Blood is the first and only book to ever chronicle the past, present and future of what has become a cultural phenomenon in this country.

Customer Reviews:

Chansky's definitive take on the Tobacco Road rivalry.......2007-07-22

This completes Chansky's trilogy-of-sorts on North Carolina basketball; he had previously written "The Dean's List" and "Dean's Domain," both about former UNC Coach Dean Smith. In the time-honored tradition of "never throwing anything anyway," Chansky includes many of the same anecdotes that graced his earlier books, but, to be fair, he goes into more detail in most cases. He also surveys a wider field than previously, tracing the history of the Duke-UNC rivalry from the earliest times to the present (2004-05 season). There are some factual errors that might have been eliminated with greater editorial diligence, such as the misidentification of Jim Nantz as the lead announcer on the famous Duke-Kentucky East Regional final of 1992. (It was actually Verne Lundquist, and no, it's not that hard to check, since clips from that game appear constantly during CBS' broadcasts of Tournament action.) The book is very thorough and, though it displays a slight bias towards UNC, does do a reasonably even-handed job of detailing the highs and lows of the love-hate relationships between the geographical and athletic rivals. It's definitely a good choice for the college basketball fan's permanent library.

No Insights, No New Stories, and No Need to Buy.......2007-03-25

Recommendation: If you're shopping for a "starter" book for new basketball fan (say, an 11 year-old daughter or nephew), then Chansky's book covers all the bases. However, if you are familiar with the basic narrative, this book offers nothing of value. John Feinstein's Last Dance: Behind the Scenes at the Final Four touches briefly on the rivalry, but provides spectacular insight, interviews, and analysis in the NCAA Tournament.

Mr. Chansky missed an opportunity to chronicle the evolution of players, coaching philosophies, fans, and high profile college athletic departments with his pedantic recycling of the intertwined Duke and UNC basketball histories. This book reads like a college freshman term paper; the same formula for every chapter, no original source material, and an utter lack of analysis. With most the impact players from both programs still alive and lucid, Chansky could have interviewed Amaker, Bilas, both Capels, Cota, Hurley, Fox, Reid, Parks, Montross, etc and harvested their memories or impressions of how those two (or three) games per year changed the atmosphere of campuses, the adjoining towns, and their seasons for a given year. Instead, Chansky quoted a few program secretaries and called it a day. Those player insights would have provided added depth and detail to this shell of statistics and old Sports Illustrated stories. Instead, the reader churns through fluff and "classic" stories, but is left unfulfilled.

Balanced view of the rivalry.......2007-02-08

Even though it's written by a UNC grad, "Blue Blood" is a very interesting and seemingly balanced book on the UNC-Duke rivalry. As a Duke fan, I was afraid that this would be just another "we are superior because we are carolina" book, but it's not. Great insight.

Tar Heel Sports History Revealed.......2007-01-12

Blue Blood: Duke-Carolina by Art Chansky was requested by my husband for Christmas. He is really enjoying this book and even reads it aloud to me when some amazing facts unknown to us about Carolina and Duke are noted. We both have gleaned some very interesting information, laughed at funny situations and marveled at the actions of the people written about. Most all Carolina fans will truly enjoy reading and owning this book. Duke fans and other ACC schools can also experience the history and lore of these two great college basketball rivals!!!

Updated Paperback Even Better.......2006-12-06

As good as the original (hard cover) Blue Blood is, the paperback edition is even better because it updates (with a new Chapter 1 and Postscript) everything that happened in the rivalry since the book first came out in November, 2005 -- the entire 2006 season, including Carolina's stunning upset of Duke in Durham, the most recent recruiting news at both schools and an insightful explanation of how the Duke Basketball brand impacted the lacrosse scandal. Even for those who have the hard cover, the paperback is well worth the purchase and the read.

Thoroughbred Champions: Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century

Average customer rating:

very helpful
Racing Industry Killed Its Brightest Star; Then Commits Suicide for Next 32 Years
Interesting Debate Topic
Dark Tiger
Not Thorough Enough

Thoroughbred Champions: Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century
The Blood-Horse Staff
Manufacturer: Eclipse Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1581500246

Book Description

Follows The Blood-Horse's Top 100 list, beginning with Man o' War in the No. 1 spot and ending with Blue Larkspur at No. 100.

Customer Reviews:

very helpful.......2007-09-30

I thought this book was very helpful. I used it for a report that I had to do last week, and I got an A. Not only is it helpful, but also fun to read. The pictures are great!

Racing Industry Killed Its Brightest Star; Then Commits Suicide for Next 32 Years.......2007-07-17

What a joke--Ruffian ranked number 35! Whitely stated she was the best ever and he had Forgo in his stable. Laurin said she was greater than Secretariat. Remember the headlines she would beat Secretariat in head-to-head competition? I do. I also remember the industry hailing her as the greatest ever. Certainly one would have to go back to Eclipse to match her past performances. The whole industry hung their hopes of saving racing on her. And she brought legends of new fans to the track. Of course that was before the Great Match Race (one has to wonder what would have been so great about #35 vs #97). After that an industry embarassed by what its own greed had done reverted to making Ruffian the scapegoat for her own death as well as that of the industry. They also reverted to their old sexist ways. As a result they have been trying to destroy and belittle the legacy of this great horse (do you see her monument at KHP?). Sad thing is the racing industry never understood what brought her fans to the track. It had nothing to do with gambling (no one would get rich given her odds) but everything thing to do with a love of beauty and an appreciation of sheer perfection. Of course, no one expected the show of tremendous heart, courage and determination she exhibited in the match race. That made her immoral to her fans and proved an added embarassment to the industry. If ever the industry would give Ruffian her just due, they just might see her type of fans return to the tracks (and related sites such as KHP) in legend.

Interesting Debate Topic.......2007-05-19

A kindly rebuttal of the Secretariat bashing taking place by some reviewers. 16 victories in 21 career starts, record time in all three Triple Crown Races (his Preakness time was properly edited in 1999 representing the record). As for Hawkster who ran 1 1/2 mile in 2:22 2/5 on TURF in 1989 at Santa Anita on what the announcer described as an "unusually fast surface" (check YouTube), shows the adominable nature of 2:24 in the Belmont. No horse has come within 9 legnths of Secretariat's run in 73' on the dirt. I agree that Secretariat was not the greatest horse in racing history but on that day in 1973 at Belmont Park, he would have obliterated any other horse in the proud history of the sport of kings. Buy the book however and let the debate begin. We have been led to believe that the greatest horses travelled the dusty track in the 1970's, I believe this book challenges that assumption quite well.

Dark Tiger.......2007-02-25

I loved this book. Man O' War is indeed the greatest. There was one thing wrong though. Ruffian is ten times greater then Secretariat! She should be number two!!!! By the way, Kali. Man O' War had 3 world records!! Sec only had two. Get your facts straight before making a comment like that. Also, Sec was always let out while Man O' War never was!!!!!!!!!!!

Not Thorough Enough.......2007-01-07

In my view it is ridiculous to choose a horse to be numero uno if none of the staff ever saw him run. And I was dismayed that they voted for the way overrated Secretariat as second place. When he was three, he lost 3 stakes races out of 12 starts with no excuse (a 75% win record). Many horses in the top twenty had better percentages. And Kali, they, too, set speed records (Swaps has several to his record, so does Spectacular Bid). As Ben Jones said "Time only counts when you are in jail". Contrary to what you wrote, Man o' War broke many speed records in his day. The problem is that speed records are meant to be broken, and they are constantly. Even Secretariat's phenomenal 2:24 in the Belmont has been broken (2:22 and a fraction by a good horse named Hawkster).

In my view, Citation should be number one instead of number three for many reasons. It's almost impossible to compare horses from two different eras, but Citation was Man 0' War's equal in many respects. If he had been retired after his third year, he would have had a lifetime record of 29 starts with 27 wins and two excusable seconds. No horse in the book comes close to that. Against older horses (neither Secretariat or Man o' War raced against older horses as many times as Citation did).

Well, enough of that. The bios of the horses vary in quality, from average to very good. The photos are wonderful though, some even in color. I agree that the fillies are given short shrift here, and some should be much more highly ranked than they are.

But if you are a racing fan, this is a fun book to have. You can re-rank the horses to your own liking. I have.

The Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Betting

Average customer rating:

An absolutely essential read for novice gamblers
Pretty nice run around the track but slips up at the end

The Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Betting
The Staff and Correspondents of Blood-Horse Publications
Manufacturer: Eclipse Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1581501196

Book Description

This step-by-step guide takes the intimidation out of betting at teh racetrack.

Customer Reviews:

An absolutely essential read for novice gamblers.......2007-06-09

Written and compiled by the staff members and correspondents of Blood-Horse Publications, the "Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Betting Thoroughbreds" is a superbly organized and presented step-by-step instruction manual that will teach the reader how to effectively wager on 'the sport of kinds'. "Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Betting Thoroughbreds" covers how to place a bet and cash a ticket, understand what odds mean, read the tote board, study past performances, and generally gain invaluable insights into the world of race horses as it is relevant to determining and placing bets in terms of their workouts, medication, and equipment. An absolutely essential read for novice gamblers, "Blood-Horse Authoritative Guide to Betting Thoroughbreds" has a great deal of value for even the more experienced gambler on thoroughbred horse racing.

Pretty nice run around the track but slips up at the end.......2007-01-11

I am a casual race goer and pretty much a novice when it comes to knowing how to seriously sit down and handicap a race. The problem I have is that knowing how to read the information is one thing, applying it to understanding exactly who and how to bet is something completely different. In my judgement, that is where some of the beginning books frustrate me, they just don't close the deal by detailing a specific application. The same is true for this book.

Overall, this book is nicely written and assumes zero knowledge of the horse racing game. You might call this the "Cliff Notes" of handicapping. The jargon of horse racing is defined pretty well, perhaps as good as, if not better than, "Handicapping 101" or the "Dummies..." book, two other popular introductory handicapping books. The sections on speed figures, pedigree, how to read the form, and track bias provide enough detail to get the concept across but you are not overwhelmed with the endless exceptions and deviations that may come into play.

The downside is the last chapter when you are given a list of horses to handicap as a way to apply what you've learned. The horses are listed(though not sure of the source since the Beyer speed figures are not included) and then the results of the race are displayed. It is up to you to use your tools and handicap the race. Yet there is no discussion of the process. I for one would have liked the chapter to step you through the highlights (or lowlights) of each horse. Perhaps some thoughts as to why the top two horses might have finished as they did would have been a nice touch as well.

Outside of that, if you are a beginner, this is a nice entry book to start with but I would still suggest you read one of the other two books mentioned earlier as a compliment to this; especially before getting into more advanced handicapping books.

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