Remember the Titans Widescreen Edition
May 30, 2009 by Sports Gear · Leave a Comment
Remember the Titans Widescreen Edition
Academy Award(R)-winner Denzel Washington (Best Actor, TRAINING DAY, 2001) gives a victorious performance in this stirring and uplifting film. REMEMBER THE TITANS is a rousing celebration of how a town torn apart by resentment, friction, and mistrust comes together in triumphant harmony. The year is 1971. After leading his team to 15 winning seasons, football coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone (Washington), tough, opinionated, and as different from the beloved Yoast as he could be. How these two men overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions, plays out in a remarkable and triumphant story full of soul and spirit. You and your family will never forget the Titans.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Awesome !!
The BEST football movie …. EVER !! If you don’t believe it …. SEE IT !!
5 Stars This is probably Denzel’s best and one of my favorites
This is a feel good movie that has a great moral and ethical line. Black and white working together to win. One of my favorite stories and best feel good story to boot.
5 Stars Great movie, even better in Blu-ray!
One of my all time favorite movies now on Blu-ray. Watching and listening to the action makes me miss playing Texas high school football.
5 Stars Love this movie!
My husband and I feel this is one of the greatest movies made. True story base line, action, emotions, super cast with natural acting ability, funny…and awesome music. You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this movie, but if you are, you’ll feel the heart of the story.
5 Stars A Sports Movie and More
This movie works on the level of the general stroy and what was going on during the time and also as a sports movie.
Washington comes in as a coach of a football during troubled times in the South and how he makes the team come together, and watching the team come together, works very well. Denzel is great as he always is, though I would be hard pressed to think of any movie he was in where he was not very good. Though it may have a couple of borderline cliche moments, they are rare and the movie stays away from being too trite.
I like the fact it was based on a true story and did not realize there was some time shifting of the actual events. Since it is not a documentary that part is not critical to making the movie work, but it was interesting to find out the years the story actually occurred, which I did not know.
Becoming Manny Inside the Life of Baseballs Most Enigmatic Slugger
May 30, 2009 by Sports Gear · Leave a Comment
Becoming Manny Inside the Life of Baseballs Most Enigmatic Slugger
Authorized by the future Hall of Famer himself, and written by a clinical psychologist and an award-winning investigative journalist, Becoming Manny is the incredible story behind one of the greatest baseball sluggers of all time. Manny Ramirez ranks seventeenth in career home runs and eighth in career slugging percentage — the only players above him on both lists are Barry Bonds, Jimmie Foxx, and Babe Ruth.
Becoming Manny brings an unusually thoughtful analysis to the territory of sports biography, examining Manny’s life through the lens of larger issues such as mentoring and immigration, while also telling the story of a great career. Manny has perplexed the baseball world for years now with his amazing hitting and his unique approach to life and to the game. Incredibly focused at the plate yet carefree everywhere else, Manny has become a constant topic of discussion on national sports radio and television, on sports websites, and in print.
With unprecedented access, Jean Rhodes and Shawn Boburg have uncovered fascinating stories and family photos spanning Manny’s early years to the present. This is an authorized inside look at the roots, development, and career of an individual and player on his way from the Dominican Republic and Wash-ington Heights to the Hall of Fame.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars EXTRAORDINARY!!
What makes this book so special is that its co-written by a psychologist and an investigative reporter and authorized by Manny Ramirez himself. So it blends psychological insight, with tremendous detail, and uncommon access to Ramirez. So, in other words, unlike so many sports books this one is intelligent and carefully crafted. The writers take us through Manny’s childhood in Santo Domingo, describing Manny’s family origins and earliest years. When we read about his immigration, it’s linked to Dominican immigrations more generally. When we read about him being shy, we learn about shyness and anxiety. When we read about Washington Heights, we learn about what it’s like to grow up in poverty and the importance of mentoring. When we read about how he got drafted, we learn about the whole world of professional scouting. We also learn about the man himself—his personality, work ethic (he took 200 swings a day), his narcissism–but not just about what it means to be Manny, and what its like to be an immigrant ballplayer, but how every life is shaped by many forces.
5 Stars Spring training is boring- read this book instead!
This book is a must read for any self-respecting baseball fan. Jean Rhodes and Shawn Boburg managed to secure unprecedented access to Manny Ramirez, his friends, and family. The result is a page-turner full of insight and perspective.
You’ll find out the true stories behind the e-Bay grill, the bathroom breaks in the Green Monster, and the beef with Youkilis in the dugout. But the point of the book isn’t to provide gossipy insider dirt. Rather, the authors create a rich timeline of important relationships in Manny’s life that enabled this mysterious savant to rise to stardom.
5 Stars More Than Just Baseball
I greatly enjoyed this book, in part because it’s about so much more than just baseball. For example, it discusses the importance of having a mentor in life (a special area of expertise for co-author Jean Rhodes) and the history and culture of Washington Heights, where Manny’s family settled. There’s also a section on the pathology of shyness that effects Manny and influences the way we regard him. And then there’s all the baseball, too! I recommend this book highly.
5 Stars RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “TOTAL DEDICATION… SHYNESS & GOOFINESS… IS WHAT MAKES MANNY BE MANNY!”
The first thing any potential reader should be made aware of is that Manny Ramirez *AUTHORIZED” this biography. So many “star” based biographies are written without the subjects’ approval and assistance. The reclusive Manny participated in the creation of this book… even though he was late… or missed… some of the meetings. There are in depth interviews with Manny’s Grandmother, Mother, sisters, teammates, coaches and managers… and so much of the subject matter revolves around Manny’s greatest confidant… his friend to this day… and former Little League coach, Carlos Ferreira… known by all who know and love him… as “Macaco”… Spanish for “Little Monkey”. As all baseball fans know… Manny is a surefire Hall Of Famer… and perhaps the greatest right handed hitter of all-time. His complete baseball career from Little League to YSL to George Washington High School in New York… to his meteoric rise through the Cleveland Indians farm system… to his Major League All Star career with the Indians… Boston Red Sox… and Los Angeles Dodgers… is all covered within these pages. But what makes this book so much more than simply a baseball book… is the outstanding in- depth look… at this world-renowned player… who is so well described by the phrase: “THAT’S JUST MANNY BEING MANNY!”… when he’s off the field.
Manny’s family’s story… before he became a baseball star… could just as easily been about any of the hundreds of thousands of other Dominican families that immigrated to New York. The authors peel back the character traits that now define Manny… and dig deep… historically… culturally… and environmentally… and the reader… perhaps for the very first time… learns how Manny “really” became Manny. Most fans probably don’t realize how shy and timid Manny was. Among other things… the language barrier… heaped on top of his natural shyness… made him stand offish. His Mother worked all day in a factory… and his Father was not an instrumental part of his life. And this next statement will probably make most baseball fan’s head snap back… Manny didn’t have any confidence in himself. Even when he was a teenager with scouts saying he was the greatest player they ever saw. Most of today’s fans just see the funny and controversial Manny. Some wonder how he hits so well? After reading this book… no one will have even the slightest doubt… as to why he’s so successful. MANNY WORKS HARDER… AND IS MORE DEDICATED… THAN ALMOST ANY PLAYER I’VE HEARD ABOUT IN MY LIFETIME… and he’s been that way since childhood. Living amidst the poverty… in Washington Heights New York… he would get up 4:30 in the morning… rain… shine… or snow… and run up Snake Hill… DRAGGING A TIRE FROM HIS WAIST! “Snake Hill rose more than two hundred feet from the western edge of Washington Heights, near sea level, to one of the highest points in Manhattan.” If he had a game at 5:00pm… he was there taking hitting practice at 10:00am. Every coach and manager he has had throughout his career… said he was the hardest worker they ever had. Manny would beg his coaches to work with him after games.
In 1991 when Manny was nineteen he was named New York City Public School High School Player of the Year. His family didn’t even know. It wasn’t until 1993 when Manny was playing for the Canton Indians, Double-A team… that his Mother and three sisters ever saw him play baseball. As one former manager said: “MANNY SPENT HOURS HITTING BALLS. THIS GUY WAS DRIVEN. UNBELIEVABLY DRIVEN TO SUCCEED, FROM DAY ONE. BUT INCREDIBLY HUMBLE. HE ALWAYS DEFLECTED PRAISE AND ATTENTION, AND WANTED TO PRACTICE WHEN NOBODY WAS AROUND.”
The true baseball fan will enjoy the discussions of the All-Star Seasons… the Championships won… and yes the base running blunders… and the fielding mishaps… but the true essence… of the experiences… of Manny’s personal life… is what will deeply permeate… your heart and soul. This is where you will truly learn… and appreciate… why… *Manny is just being Manny!*
P.S. As a true-fanatical-statistical-baseball-fan… one thing that disappointed me is the mistake that was made on the page near the end of the book dedicated to Manny’s lifetime statistics. It listed his lifetime batting average as .341 instead of the correct .314.
P.S.S. There is also an historical mistake on page 271 when the authors state: “He now had 495 career homers and had just passed Ted Williams and Lou Gehrig on the all-time list.” This is a mistake. Ted Williams had 521 career home runs… so Manny didn’t pass him until later on. These statistical mistakes in no way take away from the overall book, and I recommend it highly.
5 Stars Deeply Insightful
How did Manny become Manny? The authors take a variety of lenses–psychological, cultural, and yes, of course, a sports perspective– to shed light on what makes this baseball genius–sometimes exasperating but always intriguing–tick. Beautifully written, this is a must read for both sports fans and anyone who appreciates a good biography.
Razor Pro Model Scooter
May 30, 2009 by Sports Gear · Leave a Comment
The Razor Pro Model Kick Scooter, designed and tested by Team Razor pro-riders with durability and performance in mind, features full deck grip tape designed by Team Razor pro rider Ricky Wernicke, double stacked head clamp for extra head tube strength, extra thick foam grips for additional palm protection, and is 3 inches taller than the Razor A Series Scooters. Features: Patented folding mechanism Patented rear fender brake Full length head tube Aircraft-grade aluminum Reinforced urethane wheels equipped with high speed bearings Easy fold and carry Handle Bar height when fully extended is 3″ higher than the A Series scooters. For ages 6 and up
The Inner Game of Tennis The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance
May 29, 2009 by Sports Gear · Leave a Comment
The Inner Game of Tennis The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance
The Inner Game of Tennis is a revolutionary program for overcoming the self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses of concentration that can keep a player from winning. Now available in a revised paperback edition, this classic bestseller can change the way the game of tennis is played.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars The Inner Game of Tennis
Great book to help you get intouch with your own inner game in whatever field you’re in. It’s all about getting in touch with you and focusing on your results.
5 Stars My Tennis Bible
I have been a student of the Inner Game of Tennis for over 30 years now and Tim Gallwey’s book is still the best book ever written describing how the mind and body work so that we can play at our very best. Tim has completely changed not only my playing but my entire tennis life and as a result, I have written my own book called Tennis: Play the Mental Game which will teach you the practical applications to playing the inner game. I recommend to all my book owners and students that they read Tim’s book. There are many other so called sports psychologists out there that try to say the same things Tim is saying but they just don’t succeed. Tim’s book is and will be a classic for as long as people play tennis. David Ranney, www.maxtennis.com.
4 Stars The Inner Game
This is a very helpful guide that allows you to 1. recognize when the mind and your inner thoughts are conspiring against you and 2. help control the negative thoughts, so that your game can improve. Tennis is very much a ‘mind game’ and this book gives great insight into that inner game.
3 Stars Good thing its short
I read this book after reading an article about Pete Carroll. The ideas behind the book seemed right on and I can completely understand why it is seen as such an insightful book. That being said the premise is play with out thinking, react, and play on your sense. In the first two chapters this strategies is laid out in front of you then the rest of the book is dedicated to try to make sure you don’t think. That’s a lot of reading about not over thinking. I found it to be funny that you were reading so much about trying not to think it actually made it harder not to think. But it is well written and has some valuable tools for coaches to use when teaching young athletes.
4 Stars Good for all athletes
While this book has tennis undertones, the implications range well beyond the tennis court. The lessons are useful for all athletes that are “in their own way” of performing at their best. The mental training suggested is simple, yet effective. As a coach, the simpler the better for my players. I’ve used the ideas with my players already.
Goal 2 Living the Dream
May 29, 2009 by Sports Gear · Leave a Comment
Goal II: Living The Dream continues the dramatic and exciting journey of Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker), a small town kid who continues to live his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. When he is traded to Real Madrid and must deal with the trials and triumphs of playing on one of soccer s biggest stages. Also starring Rutger Hauer, Anna Friel and featuring exciting action footage with some of soccer s biggest stars including David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Is this day ever going to come!
This movie is out on DVD everywhere else in the world two years ago. I am still waiting for it here in the U.S.
