Gus Wortham: Portrait of a Leader

Book Description

Football is more than just a sport, it is a way of life.From the grittiness of practice and strategy sessions to the thrill of game days and the power of cheering crowds, football is the glue that holds a professional player's life together. But what happens when you have to face life after football? What happens when the cheering stops? The adjustement to life without football can be traumatic. Some players are prepared and make a seamless transition. Others struggle to make sense of a life that no longer seems to have meaning.

In When the Clock Runs Out, twenty talented NFL players share their private, inspiring stories of football, retirement, and adjustment. Pat Summerall candidly discusses his battle with alcoholism and his triumphant victory over addiction. Dan Reeves takes us on a harrowing journey through heart surgery and an improbable Super Bowl appearance. Thomas "Hollywood' Henderson describes his descent into drug addiction and his soul-cleansing climb to sobriety. These men and other NFL greats are proof of the hold that football can have over a player. They have given themselves heart and soul to the sport, and their lives have been changes because of it. As these stories make clear, football continues to influence them, long after they have removed their helmets and left the playing field for the last time.

Customer Reviews:

INTERESTING AND VERY HONEST.......2003-02-24

THIS BOOK IS A GREAT LOOK AT HOW MEN TRY TO DEAL WITH TRANSITION TO LIFE AFTER THEIR CAREER IS OVER. A LOT OF GREAT INTERVIEWS AND PROFOUND STORIES ARE TOLD. ALSO AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF PHOTOS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS BOOK. THE STORY OF PAT SUMMERALL IS A MUST READ. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS. IT SHEDS MUCH LIGHT ON WHAT AN ATHLETE ENDURES WITH LIFE DURING AND AFTER THEIR CAREERS. THE AUTHOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER ARE RIGHT ON WITH THIS WELL WRITTEN AND EXCELLENT BOOK.

The clock has definitely not run out on this book!.......1999-12-06

I just finished reading "When the Clock Runs Out" and I thoroughly enjoyed every page-turning minute. The stories are captivating and the photographs are outstanding. Kudos to Bill Lyon and Cynthia Zordich on a job well-done. A must-read for any football fan or even those of us just dealing with life's transitions. I hope they consider doing another editon featuring more players and their stories. OUTSTANDING!

AWESOME-INTRIGUING-REVEALING-INSPRIATIONAL.......1999-10-29

THIS IS NOT A SPORTS BOOK,IT IS A LIFE BOOK,EVEN WHEN YOU THINK YOU KNOW THESE PLAYERS,YOU QUICKLY FIND OUT HOW LITTLE WE REALLY UNDERSTAND.I DARE ANY ONE TO READ THE PAT SUMMERAL CHAPTER AND NOT BE AFFECTED IN A PROFOUND MANNER.

Average customer rating:

A man before his time
good autobiography
Out of His League

Out of Their League

Manufacturer: Bison Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0803283148

Book Description

Dave Meggyesy had been an outside linebacker with the St. Louis Cardinals for seven years when he quit at the height of his career to tell about the dehumanizing side of the game—about the fraud and the payoffs, the racism, drug abuse, and incredible violence. The original publication of Out of Their League shocked readers and provoked the outraged response that rocked the sports world in the 1970s. But his memoir is also a moving description of a man who struggled for social justice and personal liberation. Meggyesy has continued this journey and remains an active champion for players’ rights through his work with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). He provides a preface for this Bison Books edition.

Customer Reviews:

A man before his time.......2006-01-21

David Meggyesy is one of America's true unsung heroes. Working as a pro athlete at a time when the pay was less that of a trash hauler, with no benefits or job security, and the only guarantee a lifetime of pain and disability, Meggyesy exposed deep hypocrisy in America's hero worship at a time when the nation was at war, and the rich were getting richer at everyone else's expense, and to speak out was to be condemned as a pariah. In other words, things haven't changed one iota except for the salaries of the players, and this, ironically and significantly, is also Mr. Meggyesy's doing, in large part. As founder of Athletes Against the War back then he took on the establishment. As co-founder and Western Director of the NFL Players Association he continues to take it on to this day. A great book by a great man, for all its rough edges.

good autobiography.......2002-04-21

I just finished reading this book and found it to be quite insightful about the exploitation of professional football players. As a pro-football player, Dave Meggyesy is one of the rare players who not only finishes college but constantly questions everything that's going on around him. ... Dave is pretty articulate and has a lot of character substance. Against the backdrop of the 60s, Dave traces his intellectual and political development which is cool. This is the 6th sports autobiography that I've read for my professor at UH and it's so far my favorite. When is the last time you heard a white football player make a political statement about racism in the 60s?
The book left me wondering what Dave Meggyesy is doing today.

Out of His League.......2000-01-13

I was certainly suprised by this sometimes mindless writing excercise called "Out of Their League". Although I did find the behind the scenes football world interesting. The self study of what makes him continue with a brutal and often times soul destroying game, also made me think. Even at times wondering why I love this game the way I do. However, the polital statements bare no explanation. Bold statements get no follow up, such as "Nixon administration being the most repressive in U.S. History", keep in mind this book was written years before the Watergate scandal. Pure emotionalism is my only deduction to his political alignment and at the time, his demontrations against the status quo.

Average customer rating:

Out of Their League
Dave Meggyesy
Manufacturer: Paperback Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000K0D0YI

Average customer rating:

Meggyesy, Dave
Out of Their League
Manufacturer: Ramparts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K3F8RC

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Out Of Their League
Dave Meggyesy
Manufacturer: Paperback Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000ULN7ZY

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Out of Their League
Dave. Meggyesy
Manufacturer: Warner Paperback Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0446599506

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Out of Their League
Dave Meggyesy
Manufacturer: Paperback Library, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000SKZIPE

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Out of Their League
Dave Meggyesy
Manufacturer: Paperback Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000BNQUIW

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Out of Their League
Dave Meggyesy
Manufacturer: New York, New York: Paperback Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LGMOL6

The Rant Zone : An All-Out Blitz Against Bush-League Politics, Twisted Child Stars, Soul-Sucking Jobs, and People Who Eat Their Dogs

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The Rant Zone : An All-Out Blitz Against Bush-League Politics, Twisted Child Stars, Soul-Sucking Jobs, and People Who Eat Their Dogs
Dennis Miller
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Canada, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HN7JF4

Amazon.com

With a dozen biographies under his belt, the veteran Jeffrey Meyers took a round-up-the-usual-suspects approach to research, unlike the more comprehensive Sperber/Lax collaboration (see above). His much briefer book has more attitude and more gossip--claiming, for example, that Bogart's wife, Lauren Bacall, had an affair with Frank Sinatra while Bogart lay dying. It also boasts a stronger point of view: Meyers opens by drawing parallels between Bogart and Ernest Hemingway, and closes with a consideration of what the posthumous "Bogart cult" says about American values.

Book Description

Now in paperback, the definitive biography of an American icon.

Humphrey Bogart was not just the most popular American actor of the twentieth century but also a larger-than-life icon, whose reputation and influence have, if anything, only grown since his death. Bogart dominated the golden years of Hollywood with his stoic tough-guy image. But behind Bogey the hard-boiled cult hero was a consummate actor, a courageous artist who stood up to tyrannical studio bosses and defied the heavy hand of McCarthyism. The scion of a socially prominent New York family, Bogart played dozens of roles in Broadway plays until he broke through to film stardom after he teamed up with John Huston in The Maltese Falcon and then took his place in the Hollywood firmament with the legendary acting ensemble of Casablanca. He lived a tempestuous private life off the screen, but carefully guarded his privacy from the prying eyes of the press.

Customer Reviews:

Great Biography - Lots of Detail.......2005-11-27

This is a great biography of Bogart that blends his off screen real character with descriptions of his more than 50 movies.

Bogart is a cultural icon that we think of as being remote, a combination cool tough guy, but with a soft heart. It is hard to keep it all in perspective since the Bogart persona was all an act by a skilled and professional actor. At Warner Brothers and elsewhere he liked to follow a strictly 9:00am to 6:00pm schedule, resisted travel to exotic locations, had a habit of learning his lines in the morning, shooting in the afternoon, and then going home at 6:00 pm. He kept regular hours except during periods of crisis or between movies. Bogart had a slightly volatile personality and was prone to outbreaks of profanity, but he was not a rowdy who would start fist fights in bars or similar. Also, he was not impressed with wealth since his New York parents were well off and the money from his fame did not go to his head. He was often the center of attention in public, but also he was a very private person who enjoyed the solitude of his sailing boats in seclusion off the coast of California, or games of chess, or just staying at home. Like his fans, he sometimes confused his on screen and off screen personalities. He was a chain smoker and frequent drinker who eventually fell prey to throat cancer, but he continued to smoke until he died.

His story is aptly told here by a well know biography author Jeffrey Myers and it is a good book. It is well written, seemingly well researched, engrossing, and an entertaining read. I read the 400 pages cover to cover. It is very entertaing for Bogart fans. The book is slightly uneven but it is mostly great reading. There is a lot of detail in the book including many quotes from old letters, memos, and recollections of telephone calls. The presen book fills in a lot of detail on the early years, the behind the scenes action with the dynamic director Howard Hawks, his love affairs and girl friends, the first three marriages, then Lauren Bacall, fellow actor James Cagney, Bette Davis, writer and director John Huston, Edward G Robinson, relations with Warner Brothers and Jack Warner, and on and on.

The book progresses roughly in chronological order and it has chapters that cover different periods and different movies, including lots of details on conflicts and collaborations, and what Bogart thought of the factory like production of the Warner lot B movies with his name attached - that he was forced to make under contract and under protest. We learn about his approach to acting, and what he was like to work with by fellow actors such as Mary Astor, and how Ingrid Bergman was in awe. We learn how he handles success, his insecurity with Bacall, the drinking, his complex and talented abilities, and his volatile personality. The book has lots and lots of stories.

The author walks us through a number of major films almost scene by scene and gives summaries of less well known films. He explains the double meanings of some lines that are insider jokes, and what particular actors thought of their lines, or where the lines came from. Some of Bacall's most famous lines came from her first screen test. Other famous Bogart movie lines were written just moments before shooting, or they contained subtle and hidden jabs at Warner management, or were inspired or almost copied from earlier movies. It is hard to believe that the movies such as Casablanca were made in 8 to 10 weeks essentially factory style, movie after movie, and that this could produce such on screen magic. In any case many of the productions are described including the filming of African Queen on its remote river setting - with one photo of that production.

The chapter on the movie Petrified Forest is revealing. It describes his first big success with the big 1930s star Bette Davis in that movie and his subsequent success as a tough guy in a movie market craving tough guys such as Edward G Robinson. Also, the opening part of this chapter contains a wonderful description of Bogart and his father at the time of his father's death. Similarly there is an excellent chapter of John Huston, one of Bogart's best friends, a man who was also married many times and had a similarly complex life and was overflowing with talent.

It is all compelling stuff for Bogart fans and by the way there are a number of black and white photos of Bogart and his family and friends, plus the book has an extensive 30 pages of notes including a

Lots of errors..........2005-05-11

As a long-time Bogart fan, I was very disappointed in the sloppy research in this book. The best thing about the book is the pictures.

Bogart: A Life in Hollywood.......2002-04-26

A very well written biography of the legendary Humphrey Bogart? Sounds like a daunting task, but Meyers brings the man behind the myth to life, beautifully.Meyers draws from a vast array of factual material and accounts (with excellent footnotes chronicling what was said when, where and by whom), and sometimes even adds his own caustic wit into the mix (just as Bogie would have liked it!) but he always manages to stay objective and to the point. He avoids gossip, but does not shy away from exploring the very interesting personal facts and details about Bogie's off-screen life--all of those things that bring the legend to life and portray him for the man that he was--very human--and rare. The book also features a great bibliography. A very informative and intelligently written biography that I know I will keep refering back to again and again through the years, as I catch up on all of his films, (which are also described--and explained here in great eye-opening detail on the studios at the time, directors actors...and the infamous Jack Warner of Warner Bros.) A terrific read--I highly recommend it!

A "hard case" from childhood through death........2001-01-25

The uniquely direct style of Jeffrey Meyers is a most suitable tool for examining this uniquely blunt man. Some startling parallels exist in the lives of Bogart and Hemingway. Bogart's bravery in facing a painful death is remarkably well-told and provides the most important insights into the man's inner soul. Bogart would no doubt be pleased, amused and enraged at this in-depth treatment of his life and legacy.

Book Description

Every episode of the first four seasons of equipment oddities, weird science, strange but true observations, and nutty technical difficulties for discriminating fans of Deep Space Nine.

Commanders Log, DS9: Star Date 46379.1:  Bajor below.  The cosmos above. Bloopers Everywhere!

How long is the wormhole?
  In "Emissary," it is 70,000 light years.  Four episodes later Sisko says it is 90,000.  Better check the odometer, Sisko!

Does the Space Station rotate?
  Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't!  Look at the stars in the windows...

Now that NextGen is history, the time has come to take a leap through hyperspace and land on Deep Space Nine.  It's unexplored territory for nitpicking, the ultimate challenge for discriminating fans.  This guide brings you the scoop on Deep Space Nine--the good, the bad, and the Ferengi. Author Phil Farrand (with a little help from his Trekker friends) has had his VCR in warp drive and surveyed every DS9 episode of the first four seasons for the glitches, gaffs, and goofs that neither the station's engineers nor the show's writers have solved.  Sit yourself down with this guide in one hand, your remote control in the other, and see for yourself what the wormhole has wrought:

Plot oversights
Changed premises
Equipment oddities
Continuity and production problems
Strange but true fun facts
Trivia questions
Characters for every show in the first four seasons of Deep Space Nine
And more!

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Funny and Fun.......2004-05-16

Overall, this a fairly entertaining resource of some intriguing mistakes to watch for on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." There are lots of sections, containing everything from continuity errors to plot oversights. Each one is very detailed so that you can take a look for it yourself on the show. The author has a tongue-in-cheek style that makes for fun reading.

There are only couple issues I can think of. Sometimes when comparing some nits to the official companion book, you see that it isn't really a mistake. Also, occasionally the author will harp about something that could have a reason explanation, for example, the "varying mass" of Odo. The extra mass could simply going into and coming from a subspace pocket or something. One other thing is that the trivia questions can be rather obscure at times, ranging from anything to drink or food orders, to immemorable planet names. It seems they serve more as informational, rather than a testing of knowledge.

Overall, any flaws are far outweighed by the book's strengths. It's a shame that the author never did a guide for the remaining three seasons of the show. It would have been fun to see the nits for those seasons, but I guess there's always watching and observing to take care of that.

The best trivia book on Deep Space Nine.......2000-10-08

This is my favorite book about DS9. The nitpicker points out many details and incongruencies about the show without bashing any of the characters. He has a real talent for trivia, but it is fun reading since he writes from a personal point of view. I have gotten so much more out of the show than I would have without this book.

Humorously informative!.......1999-05-14

I was never a nitpicker- All of the flaws in the show I really never noticed. This book puts you in touch with the story lines of the show and actually helps you appreciate the show with a little giggle here and there.

Great!.......1998-02-21

Great book, I love reading his comments on the shows, detailed and sometimes hilarious. For the true Star Trek fan. I look forward to the next one...

Funny, detailed, and it lasts a while. Great Book!.......1997-08-01

I found this the most enjoyable Nitpicker's Guide yet! A must read!

Customer Reviews:

Decent set of quiz problems.......2007-08-10

The book uses ACOL and MUD leads so I had difficulties with a few of the problems. Overall a solid Intermediate level book.
Worth buying.

Book Description

This is the exclusive, official guide to Dungeon Siege II, the sequel to Microsoft's best-selling role-playing game (RPG). Expected to be one of the biggest PC games this year, Dungeon Siege II promises the same hack-n-slash action with more involved character development options, a more fully developed story plus three times as many quests. Cover-to-cover, this guide is packed with comprehensive walkthroughs, detailed maps, in-depth strategies, and complete statistics straight from the game's designers. Its attractive, high-quality, full-color design will truly capture the spirit of the game.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book.......2006-11-04

I loved this strategies and secrets book. It was easy to understand and gave me the information and walkthroughs to play Dungeon Siege II. Dungeon Siege II is a larger game than Dungeon Siege I and the book gave me useful tips and secrets to enjoy playing the Dungeon Siege sequel. I highly recommend it.

Are You Ready?.......2006-09-05

Once you start playing you cant stop. Get this if you liked the first one.

Gaming.......2006-08-23

I found this product to adequately fulfill the purposes for which I ordered it.

A Decent Book, but missing some things.......2006-07-25

Overall its a decent book. It misses some things that you can find online that would make it more valuable. Overall for maps, info on quests and spell info its great.

Dungeon Siege 2, The Book To Buy.......2006-03-10

I recently began playing DS2 and was looking for a bit of aid specifically in the Map department. The walkthroughs i found online were great and all but this book just can not be beat. It provides all the info, diagrahms, and maps needed to really get into this game and love every second of it. Thanks for the book that saved my Game. -Nick

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