Reviews

Even though I am a Niners fan my husban is not. Can't wait for Mr. Potato Head to serve him breakfast on fathers day.

As a yankee fan, I have to admit that my purchase was based on loyalty to my team alone. Sadly my reward for such admiration turned out to be a bitter disappointment given the fact that this item hardly resembles what you see on your PC (it's almost half the size of a real potato head figure). So yankee fans out there, stay away from this item no matter how hardcore followers you are and save your money for some real yankee stuff.

N Y Yankees Potato Head? Ha! Everyone thought this was the cutest thing ever, and since we have a Yankee fan in our midst, he was thrilled. A great, fun gift.

I bought this as a collectible shelf piece. It doesnt come in the normal cube packaging so I had to lean it against the wall. Who cares, its a potato head! great fun.

We used to play with Mr. Potato Head all the time as little kids, so this tickled my die-hard Yankee fan brother to death when I got it for his birthday. Great product!

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While it's a genuine Mr. Potato Head, it's a SMALL one... about 4' high. It is not meant for kids to play with like the regular toy; the arms, feet and all the pieces are hard to remove and replace, my 2 years old nephew just couldn't. However, his dad, a true Red Sox's fan, was delighted and the look of the toy is perfect !!

Okay, this is really cute and fun. My husband is a Red Sox fan and loves gadgets. He will truly enjoy this. It has a couple different arms and other items. Don't tell him... it's for Christmas.

Item was sent new, packaged well and arrived on time! Just a little smaller than what I thought it would be, but still very cool.

While this is a cute little gift, it's not made to be played with. It is cheaply made. Ours was loose at the shoulder, almost broken. It seems ready to fall apart. So, if you don't plan to move it at all, it'll be great. Not very well made product.

I purchased two potato heads at different times. They came wrapped very nice and it came fast.........I couldn't believe how fast they arrived. The potato heads are so cute. :-)

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This will be a perfect gift for my 65 year old wife who is a lifetime Phillies fan. Great service and quick delivery. Thank you very much

I wouldn't recommend this for a kid, but my adult coworker adores his Phillies Potato Head. It was a great Christmas exchange gift!

Exactly what I needed to ad to my Philadelphia Phillies Collection. Especially this year since they ended up winning the World Series! Cute and fun!

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This was a GREAT gift! I purchased it for my husband, framed it, and it was the BEST gift ever! Plus everyone that comes over comments on how nice it is!

I got it. I love it. My friends love it. What else would you need to know?

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if your an ali fan, or a boxing fan this one you need. its a classic!

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I have nothing to add to the sentiments others have expressed with regard to the broadcast, all the performers did their best, on short notice, to express common feelings. Watching it , as year 2010 begins, I am impressed by the impact of the musical performers, with none of the paraphernalia and electronic enhancements utilized in concert sites and recording studios, and by the actors, who stepped forward, with little or no rehearsal time, and spoke their few lines with dignity and simplicity. As others have pointed out, the broadcast preserves memories of the disaster, as well as of the response it evoked from the American people. Whether you buy it at the modest price, rent or download it, you should make it a point to see and/or hear this permanent bit of Americana.

I was looking forward to rewatching the tribute, as I saw it back in 2001 when it was first aired. However, the DVD stopped midway through the playing of it. I contacted the seller immediately & because they had no more of this DVD, I was refunded my money. Even though I would have preferred to have the DVD, I was satisfied with the transaction, because I was refunded my money very quickly.

We enjoy this DVD. Watch it often. As advertised. Will go back to this company.

A 9/11 program to try to heal a nation. Maybe if you watch it today, you'll regain the feelings we all felt when we saw the twin towers fall? Patriotic!

I remember watching this telecast thinking America will rise up from the ashes of the 9/11 stronger and more determined to spread the ideals of democracy than ever before. Sadly, due to this horrific event and the panic it caused, Americans have had give up certain freedoms in the name of national security. But that's neither here or there when discussing this stellar concert DVD. Many of the performances are just as powerful and revealing as they were in September of 01'. Some of the highlights for me are: Bruce Springsteen - "My City of Ruin" Beautiful harmonies and classic Springsteen lyrics...full of imagery and faith in humanity. U2 - "Walk On" "You got to leave it behind..." Bono at his anthemic best. Faith Hill - "There Will Come a Day" One of Mississippi's finest...what a powerful voice. First to use the gospel choir to uplift. Enrique Iglesias - "Hero" I know a lot of people dislike/hate this performance, but aside from his dramatic grand gestures, the song is beautiful. I feel like he tried to put a lot of passion into his performance that comes across sometimes as cheesy. Enrique's "Hero" is a lot more geniune than the Mariah "Scary" version. Another good use of the gospel choir. Billy Joel - "New York State of Mind" The quintessential New Yorker pledging his allegiance to his beleaguered city. A saxaphone accompanist (Dave Koz, Steve Eisen?) hits the right note for the melancholy performance. Dixie Chicks - "I Believe in Love" Natalie Maines sings with a plantive wail and the Chicks harmonies are sad and sweet. Martie Seidel's fiddle is a fine 6th man. Dave Matthews - "Everyday" One man, one voice, one guitar. "All you need is love"...indeed. Bon Jovi - "Livin' On a Prayer" I always liked this song but after this performance I LOVE this song, Bon Jovi's arrangement is excellent, Jon Bon Jovi vocals were inspired along with the great musicianship as well. Also another awesome violin accompaniment. Bon Jovi did Jersey proud. All in all this is a outstanding concert DVD to own, although the tone is relective and somber, it is ultimately hopeful as well.

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Ali Shaheed Muhammad's debut solo album was "Shaheedullah and Stereotypes" (2004). I have always been impressed with the outstanding production Brooklyn Producer/DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad made for A Tribe Called Quest's albums. Ali enlists some help from Chip-Fu, Stokley Williams, Kay Jay, Sy Smith & Wallace Grace on this seventeen track release. Ali's production on this release is good, as the album is full of memorable beats, from start to finish. After the intro, Ali Shaheed Muhammad teams up with Chip-Fu for "Lord Can I Have This Mercy" - and the two talk to the new generation backed by an outstanding chorus. Ali's lyrics on "Industry/Life" are on point, Ali kicks knowledge about violence, materialism, and life. Ali lets his production speak for itself on "All Right" (Aight)/Stay Interlude, a positive track. Singer Stokley Williams (lead singer of Mint Condition) makes the first of two appearances on "Put Me On" a track dedicated to a special day. Female Singer Sy Smith is featured on "Honey Child" a decent track which I expected to grow into something more. It's easy to relate with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Kay Jay as they provide a tribute to "Family" - an heartfelt dedication to loved ones. Sy Smith returns for the ballad "(They Can't) Define Our Love". The album's first single has Stokley Williams and Ali rhyming over some harder sounding production on "Banga" - Ali seems a bit out of his element on this track and I wonder why this was made a single as it does not reflect the album. Ali experiments with the beats on "Matches - Don't Play!!! & "All Night". The later track is a feel good jam for the late night which features singer Wallace Grace. Production wise this release is tight. Ali is not the most gifted MC, but he's a grounded individual who know's what is important in life. The messages in his music are positive and worthwhile. "Shaheedullah and Stereotypes" is a relatively unknown release worth checking out. 3.5.

I thought this CD was definitely different from what's out now...and that's a GOOD thing!! For those who are concerned whether it's more A Tribe Called Quest or Lucy Pearl...I would lean towards Lucy Pearl in terms of experimentating...and it's good to see someone do something original and something that WORKS!! Even Kanye West is biting off of his OWN stuff ("Get By, "I Try", That John Legend song....aint that all the same tune??) I think Ali Shaheed Muhammed did a great job at letting folks know that there is more out there than just old school samples these rappers can buy, rhyme over and call a hit...he's got original music that makes ya move your feet and nod to the beat... I listened to the "Shahedullah and Stereotypes" snippets above before I bought the CD and I'm glad I did cuz the CD is worth the money!! I'm SO tired of all the artificial/process cheesy music out there... Thanks for your home-cooked gumbo Ali...hopefully others who are really TALENTED will follow your path!!!

Honestly, I can't give this album a good rating. I'm a huge A Tribe Called Quest enthusiast, but this album isn't worth your hard earned money. In fact I like tons of albums that get mad hated on, but this one just doesn't cut it at all. I like some of the beats and instrumental music on this album (but not all of it). However almost all of the tracks are ruined by some very wack vocals. There are 2 or so MCs that put in ok performances, nothing remarkable at all, but there are also some of the cheesiest R&B singers I have ever heard featured through-out this album. Lets not even mention that Ali pulled an Eric B. and thought he could actually rock the mic. Not surpisingly he can't, and his wack vocals and weak lyrics ruins all of the tracks he appears on. Even his spoken word segments come off as incredibly hokey and forced. I wish this album was instrumental, maybe I would give it a better rating. Take my advice and go pick up the new De La Soul album or something else instead.

October was a refreshing month for Hip-Hop releases...so far we got Talib Kweli, Mos Def and now Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Tribe Called Quest and Lucy Pearl fame) whose "Shaheedullah and Stereotypes" CD was released under the radar. It should be considered an energizing and at times politically conscious contribution to music in general. And this is what Ali offers us--with open arms--MUSIC. It's been a while since that gift has been presented without the bells, whistles and misguided allusion of a Trojan Horse. Though Ali comes to us as a world renown DJ, he isn't just the "beat guy" for this CD. From the first track ("Social Reform") we understand who this album belongs to and at the same time we see Ali generously and brilliantly expose talented individuals from his fold. Their contributions to the CD help polish the goldmine he has unearthed for us. Ali easily takes the forefront as a lyricist and singer(who KNEW?!?!)--two skills he obviously had up his sleeve for a long time and wasn't revealing until the time was right...and for real y'all...the time is NOW. The stellar group of lyricists on his team include...Kay Jay from Houston, TX. ("Tight", "Family"). Kay's fresh style flows naturally off the tongue and easily to the ear. Sy Smith is a songstress whose sweet flavor in your ear gracefully plies and pirouettes on three tracks ("Honey Child", "<They Can't> Define Our Love", "Part of the Night"). Stokely Williams from Mint Condition (SWOON!!) is rediscovered--and singing like he ain't been no where but here--does his thing on two tracks ("Banga" and "Put Me On"). A brotha with a beautiful voice named Wallace Gary adds to the variety of this CD by blessing us with a trippy house track("All Night"). And last but CERTAINLY not least...Chip-fu formerly of the FuSchnickens (where the heck THAT cat been?!? Hip-Hop has missed him TERRIBLY!) breathed a huge lung of fresh air all over track two of the CD ("Lord, Can I Have This Mercy"). Before Chip-fu even lets us know he flips his lyrics like a sick gymnast, we can invision him rubbin' chalk on his hands and runnin' at top speed for the uneven bars. I know I said a lot...but what puts this CD over the top for me is everyone sounds like they are having a fan-tabulous time with their contributions. And as I read the notes on the CD itself, plenty of live instruments were used. It looks like this CD is virtually SAMPLE-FREE--who in the game can claim THAT fame? Everyone's input on the CD feels like they've all craved real Hip-Hop and real music (like I have) for a very long time. So if you feel the same way, you need to pick this one up--and QUICK! Peace!

Reviews

The reviews say it all. The series is very comprehensive and well balanced, showing all aspects of the Cold War, with a lot of unique film material, telling interviews with witnesses and a competent commentary. An incredible amount of money, research and thought has been invested into this series, comprising 24 sequels. If only Warner Bros. or whoever now owns the rights would reissue this fantastic series on DVD! There's so much crap being reissued on DVD while this masterpiece lays buried in the archive. It's a shame! CNN, Warner Bros. or whoever it may concern - PLEASE MOVE!

This is an excellent series, done in a similar style to the WWII documentary "World at War" (both were produced by Jeremy Isaacs--Ted Turner had seen that earlier program and asked Isaacs to produce a cold war documentary). Unfortunately it's never been put on DVD, and the VHS version has long been out of print, with used copies typically fetching over a hundred dollars. So if you want to see it and don't care too much about video quality, I recommend going to video dot google dot com and doing a search for something like "cnn cold war", or "cold war" plus a specific episode title--most or all can be found online.

WE NEED THIS TO BE RELEASED ON DVD, THE WORLD IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT THIS GEM OF HISTORICAL FILMMAKING! PLEASE RELEASE IT ON DVD!!!!!!

This is beyond a shadow of a doubt the best documentary I have ever seen on the Cold War, but it will never be released on DVD, at least not for the forseeable future, much to the chagrin of many. This film series first aired in 1998 and was released on VHS after DVD's came into vogue, but before the explosion of movies and documentaries released on DVD in 2001-2002 -- so CNN at the time would have been in no initial rush to get it out on DVD since prior to 2001, documentaries on the new medium were an anomaly rather than the rule. Then 9/11 occured. After 9/11, the Bush Administration had many documents and much declassified film footage reclassified -- specifically those documents and clips which potentially compromised U.S. military operations then underway in Afghanistan (Nov. 2001) -- incidently the same month in which the CNN Cold War series went out of print on VHS, although a few copies remained in stores for purchase out of warehouse stocks until mid-2002. Episodes 19 and 20, "Freeze" and "Soldiers of God," contain footage and evidence of the U.S. as a result of Cold War tensions supplying the Mujahadeen (a.k.a. Taliban & Islamic Fundamentalists of which Osama Bin Laden was a part of) with hundreds of millions of dollars of military aid through Pakistan as an intermediary. Mujahadeen leaders, soldiers, as well as ordinary Afghan citizens are interviewed, and many clips of Afghan warriors, including the way and style in which they fought the Soviets, were shown, with an explanation of just how they defeated them time and time again in those rocky mountains and the deserts down below -- those same rocky mountains that in 2001, as now, Osama Bin Laden is presumed to be hiding out with the help of those like the people interviewed on these episodes. Incidently, "Soldiers of God" includes a scene with Former Sec. of State Zbigniew Brezizinski in 1980 telling the Islamic Fundamentalists that "God is on their side," urging them to fight on with the assurance that America was behind them. State Department officials are interviewed as well to confirm that the United States turned a blind eye (like it is now) to the human rights violations, Islamic radicalism, and totalitarian regime within Pakistan for the sake of its own interests in Afghanistan. With the Middle Eastern film footage reclassified, CNN quit manufacturing the series because it would have meant selling an incomplete product to a potential consumer who it was assumed would not otherwise purchase it unless complete (kudos to this faithful and traditionalist outlook). Who would want a VHS series on the Cold War in which two episodes covering the years 1977 to 1988 had to essentially be deleted? They couldn't really be redone properly without the reclassified footage, but since Ted Turner -- the reason the Cold War was made in the first place -- was no longer at the helm of CNN in 2001, why would the Time-Warner Board of Directors want to waste the time and effort to make two replacement episodes to "glorify" the narcissistic tendencies of the guy they had just pressured to resign from the V-P slot? Considering that only recently there has been talk that Ted Turner might be trying to gain the Board Chairmanship through backchannel means, one can only guess that, assuming its either untrue or he fails, the Time-Warner Board is not particularly interested in reissuing, even in part, a series that was the brain child of the man they are trying to fight off a potential takeover bid from. So you see, there really is little chance that this documentary will be released on DVD anytime in the near future, not unless the "War on Terror" is miraculously won and the film footage from Iran and Afghanistan declassified, which probably won't happen anytime soon. The point of all this is, BUY THIS SET USED OR HOWEVER YOU CAN OBTAIN IT. IT IS WORTH VIEWING AND WILL BLOW YOUR MIND EVEN IF THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T WANT YOU TO SEE EVERYTHING ON IT.

This is a superb series that details the entire Cold War begining just after WWII through the Gorbachev years. I remember watching it on cable almost a decade ago, and have been waiting for it to be released on DVD, but unfortunately it is only available on (useless) VHS. Time-Warner, please release this on DVD!!!1

Reviews

One of the questions which puzzled the ancient Arabs was, "Where did the sun go when night time came?" The Qur'an gave them Allah's answer. He [i.e. Zul-qarnain] followed, until he reached the setting of the sun. He found it set in a spring of murky water. (Surah XVIII ( Kahf) vs. 85-86) We agree with Muslim scholars that Zul-qarnain refers to Alexander the Great (see Yusuf Ali's appendix on this subject in his translation of the Qur'an). According to this surah, Alexander the Great traveled west until he found out what happened to the sun. It went down into and under the murky waters of a pond. When it was completely covered by the water, darkness fell upon the earth. To the early Muslims, this surah gave the divine answer as to why darkness fell when the sun set in the West. They assumed that the sun, like the moon, was the size perceived by the human eye, about the size of a basketball. Darkness came when with a mighty hissing roar it went down under the dark waters of a pond. They boldly and proudly proclaimed that this marvelous answer proved that the Qur'an was indeed the Word of God. Today, modern Muslims are quite embarrassed by this passage and try to ignore it or to quickly dismiss it as poetry. But the passage is not part of a poem. Thus it cannot be dismissed as figurative language or poetic license. In the context, it is part of a historical narrative which relates several historical incidences in the life of Alexander the Great. The mistake was based on the erroneous assumption that the earth was flat. The authors of the Qur'an did not know that the earth was a sphere which revolved around the sun

This is probably the best translation. No doubt in my mind. If you are going to buy one, this is the book and easier to read for younger readers.

After the success of the dreary and verbose "The Bible", God (under the pen name Allah) has dished out another fantasy novel. The main characters are different, but the whole thing is really the same. Allah bosses some people around, nonbelievers should die, women suck, blah blah. To be honest, I fell asleep a few times reading this book. I always make myself finish what I'm reading, but I almost stopped to read my new copy of Balloon Farm (5 stars) about halfway through. Maybe the Qur'an fanfics will be pretty cool. I would suggest checking some of those out to get a feel for the characters and universe before purchasing this.

Very good trasltion Allah get's his points across check chapter 63 out Chapter 63: Al-Munafiqun - The Hypocrites In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 1. When the hypocrites come to thee, they say: We bear witness that thou art indeed Allah's Messenger. And Allah knows thou art indeed His Messenger. And Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are surely liars. 2. They take shelter under their oaths, thus turning (men) from Allah's way. Surely evil is that which they do. 3. That is because they believed, then disbelieved; thus their hearts are sealed, so they understand not. 4. And when thou seest them, their persons please thee; and if they speak, thou listenest to their speech. They are like pieces of wood, clad with garments. They think every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them! How they are turned back! 5. And when it is said to them: Come, the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you, they turn away their heads and thou seest them hindering (others), and they are big with pride. 6. It is alike to them whether thou ask forgiveness for them or ask not forgiveness for them -- Allah will never forgive them. Surely Allah guides not the transgressing people. 7. They it is who say: Spend not on those who are with the Messenger of Allah that they may disperse. And Allah's are the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites understand not. 8. They say: If we return to Madinah, the mightier will surely drive out the meaner therefrom. And might belongs to Allah and His Messenger and the believers, but the hypocrites know not. 9. O you who believe, let not your wealth nor your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah; and whoever does that, these are the losers. 10. And spend out of that which We have given you before death comes to one of you, and he says: My Lord, why didst Thou not respite me to a near term, so that I should have given alms and been of the doers of good deeds? 11. But Allah respites not a soul, when its term comes. And Allah is Aware of what you do.

If one wants a detailed commentary of the Qur'an with matching Biblical references, here it is.

Reviews

arrived on time and in better nick than i thought Thanks heaps

The book has shipped on august 13th, 2009 and I received in September 10th. The book arrived in perfect condition, like new, all good in the delivery and submission. Thanks!!

When boxing mattered, boxers were more than pugilists trying to break each other's wills; they were symbols that attracted the attention and aspirations of the masses. Like gladiators in Rome, these courageous men allow us to project our hopes, fears, and insecurities. David Remnick tells the story of Cassius Clay's growth from a skinny, mercurial, but morally upright boy, to a hero and symbol of resistance and hope for millions of anti-establishment figures. Ali captivated the hearts and minds of fans unlike any athlete before or since. Remnick does a beautiful job of explaining why and how this happened. No matter how dominate Michael Jordan was, or Tiger Woods is, neither absorb our emotions like the sponge known as Muhammed Ali. His grace, speed, and power thrilled, while his words, political stances, and humour enthralled. Everyone in America should learn the story of this hero. There is no better place than Remnick's book to do so. Highly recommended.

It is, as many have said, one of the great sports biographies of all time -- but it's also one of the great history narratives of all time. It's not just Muhammmad Ali profiled here, but the trio of heavyweights who dominated headlines in the early 1960s: also Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston. And in many ways, those two are more fascinating because, before I read "King of the World," they weren't accompanied by the same pre-fight hype. Here's Liston, a dangerous and sullen felon who's achingly lonely; there's Patterson, a great athlete but at the same time so thoughtful and intelligent he was plagued by a boxer's worst enemy, self-doubt. And that's not to say anything of the portrait of the time, of Black Muslims, Malcolm X, Norman Mailer, the media, John F. Kennedy... Trust me, even a non-sports fan will be mesmerized.

Bertz / Randall "Almighty god was with me! I want everybody to bear witness! I am the greatest! I shook up the world! I am the greatest thing that ever lived! I don't have a mark on my face, and I just upset Sonny Liston, and I just turned twenty-two years old. I must be the greatest! I showed the world! I talk to god every day! I am the king of the world!" shouts Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) to the sporting press, after defeating Sonny Liston in 1964. This statement enraged boxing fans all over the world. Here was a twenty-two year old nobody with a big mouth, and he just defeated Sonny Liston. At the time, Liston was viewed as invincible. Liston was an experienced fighter who was known for defeating his opponents in two rounds or less. Not only did he lose the heavyweight championship to Ali, but he quit without being knocked down once. This declared Ali the king of controversy. "King of the World" by David Remnick is the story of the rise and fall of Muhammad Ali. Remnick does a fantastic job of showing us the different sides of racism. He focuses greatly on Ali's devotion to the Nation of Islam. The book showed many similarities between the Nation of Islam and the Klu Klux Klan. Remnick explained that both the Nation and the Klan were for segregation and that they both use methods of violence and terror to enforce their beliefs. After reading this book, I realized that the similarities are uncanny. Remnick's numerous references to these similarities proved to me that Remnick is a non-violent integrationist. I believe that one of the main points of the book is that segregation is wrong. The book greatly describes how the Nation of Islam had interfered with Muhammad Ali's personal life. For example, Remnick noted Ali's marriage to Sonji. He went into great detail how strong Ali's love was for Sonji, but he couldn't accept her inability to conform to his religion. This became a problem for them and they eventually got a divorce. Remnick also noted the emotional distance between Ali and his father being caused by his decision to join the Nation of Islam. Remnick goes even further in describing the way Ali turned his back on his best friend Malcolm X. He also wanted to let the reader know that religion should never get in the way of your personal life. The book said that the only thing in Ali's life that Ali regrets is "his cruel and hasty rejection of Malcolm." Now days, Ali looks back at Malcolm X with great respect. The main point Remnick was trying to communicate with his audience was that Ali stood up for what he believed in. Not only in the boxing ring but, also with his religious and political beliefs. In 1966, Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted to fight the war in Vietnam. The government threatened to take away his heavyweight championship and throw him into a federal prison for the next five years. Ali still refused. When they asked him why he refused to fight in the Vietnam war, he replied "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong." Eldridge Cleaver described Ali as a "genuine revolutionary" and the "first `free' black champion to confront white America." Writer, Jill Nelson, called Ali's refusal of the draft a "supreme act of defiance." However, not everyone supported Ali's refusal of the draft. Conservative boxing fans called him an unpatriotic bum. They thought he was hiding behind his religion because he was lazy. Remnick took a much more liberal stance on the situation. The author seemed to support Ali's decision. For many years, Muhammad Ali would be both loved and hated by boxing fans of all races. Some people believe that Ali should not have been allowed to be exempt from the war because of his religion. Others looked at his exemption as an amazing defeat. The only thing anyone could agree on was his amazing abilities in the ring. In 1997, during the summer Olympics, Muhammad Ali was invited to light the Olympic torch. In my opinion, this proved Ali to be a very patriotic man. It proved that the world had never forgotten about Ali, and it never will. Lighting the Olympic torch is one of the highest honors any athlete could be given. "King of the World" was published in 1998. Exactly one year after he lit the Olympic torch. I think that's why this book was written when it was. The ignition of the 1997 Olympic torch was Ali's return to the public eye. And this book was written to honor him.

Reviews

This book has been "bathroom reading for me." It was given to me over the holidays and I have slowly read it. Fortunately or unfortunately, I have a stomach flu and spent a lot of time in the "john" yesterday night. Well, I finished the book, and most people did not need the extra information about the context of reading. This book is motivational. Ali was a great man, we would disagree about religion but we agree on how to treat people. His stories are interesting and powerful. It is a reflection of his life with poems and short accounts of major events. One of the most touching accounts is the time he carried the torch into the Olympics. He has a huge heart and a desire to do what is right. This is a good little book for some light reading. This book was very touching.

I grew up with Muhammad Ali and only knew of his character from what the press was showing us. I have a new found respect and gratitude for reading about the true person behind the persona. Muhammad Ali is truly a spiritual being and a role model for all.

This beautiful summary of Ali's life is not just a gift to his kids but to all of America as well. In his own simple words, Ali shares with us his greatest triumphs and his worse agonies. It is all done with the same Ali, verve, upbeat spirit, and of course with smatterings of his homespun poetry. It is a superb collection of wisdom and witticisms that greatly enriches all who read them. The arc of the amplitude of his life is breathtakingly wide in scope. And I am fortunate in having had the good luck to have met him on three different occasions, and to have been touched by his style, grace and confidence on many others. All have been memorable experiences for me personally. Some of the things he shares in this short volume come as a surprise even to me, one who kept up with his career almost religiously. For instance, I never knew that the Nation of Islam was against his refusal to go to Vietnam, and that he was expelled from the sect as a result of it? Nor did I know that he was refused a seat in a Louisville restaurant in 1960 while holding both the key to the city and while wearing his Olympic Gold Medal? Nor did I even know that he had actually denounced Malcolm X and "sided" with Elijah Muhammad in the feud between his two spiritual leaders: the feud that ended in Malcolm's death? Nor did I know that he was a Sunni Moslem? Or that he had thrown his Olympic Gold Medal into the Ohio River? Although the book only reflects it indirectly, Ali is proof, that, whether black or white, we are all still part of the "American racial holocaust": A part of the Big American racial lie. The truths that Ali could not reveal directly in this book is common knowledge to all the world, that: America hated Ali the same way it hated Dr. Martin Luther King, not for his arrogance, nor for his refusal to go to the war, but for being a proud black warrior in a "white only world." And then he used his pride and his boxing skills to take over the stage of America's drama of heroism, formerly reserved for white males only (or occasionally for others designated American "sanctioned Heroes," of which Ali clearly was not one). America's highly touted religion freedoms ceased to apply when this "proud black warrior" at center stage in the American drama, where he was not supposed to be, chose to exercise that freedom to, first become a Muslim, and then to refuse to go to war to kill others at the U.S. behest. For exercising his religious freedom in these two ways, many interpreted both of his actions as the supreme insult to the nation's sensibilities. As a result, America tried to take away everything he had: his livelihood, his title, his fame, his money, the best years of his youth, his pride, his confidence: I know, I visited him in his home in Chicago during the Christmas of 1969 when he was in the deepest part of his "in country exile." But even though they took away everything else, they could not take away his pride or his confidence or his belief in his new found God. America was most gleeful about dragging him off center stage, but even off center stage, his quiet strength grew to even greater proportions than his physical strength: Ali became larger than life outside the ring, not within it. When America saw that his quiet strength was greater than his pugilistic prowess, they knew they could not defeat him, in or out of the ring. Thus, there was no choice but to capitulate: After the Supreme Court Decision, America "ate crow" but they did not apologize for stealing the best four years of his youth, or taking away his title. They just cheered wildly when Joe Frazier beat him. This humbled him enough for white America to embrace him, but still without apologies. It was done as much to continue making money off of him, and so that they could now claim him as their own, and then be able to bask in his larger than life aura, as to redeem America's much embarrassed soul. Because America's past is so ugly, it is very much the American way to pretend that nothing at all has ever happened in the past. The "bad Ali tape" was simply erased from the collective cultural memory banks: no apologies necessary, the same as it was done for Dr. Martin Luther King: one day King was a villain, the next a martyr, the next day a hero? Such is the nature of true "Black" heroes in America: Muhammad Ali, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charley Parker, Sugar Ray Robinson, Malcolm X, Paul Roberson, WEB Du Bois, Eldridge Cleaver, Stokley Carmichael, Fanny Lou Hammer and on and on. But the racist American system can never "own" Ali, no matter how many Olympic torches they allow him to carry around the stadium, because he beat the American system in the same way he beat all of his opponents in the ring: fair and square. He looked it in the eye and refused to buckle. And this book proves that Ali won, this, his most important bout, with the strength of his character

A third of this book is pure junk, purely awful. A third of it is okay, interesting in spots. A third of it gets you inside the soul of a great man, and you come away with a new idea of who he was and what it takes, in the heart, to be like that. Most great athletes are interesting because they're great athletes, though, objectively, reading about them, reading what they have to say, their athletic greatness, you have to say, is coincidental to who they are as men. With Ali, it seems different. You're tempted to believe he was a great fighter because he was a great man. This book helps one understand that.

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players" said who? William shakespear. I say the world is a boxing ring and we are the fighters, fighting for everything, everyone even ourselves. well knitted by Hana yasmeen Ali "The soul of butterfly" reveals the true character of Muhammad Ali, three time world heavy weight champion, who conquered the world with his skills and now conquering it with his wisdom. The book is all about Ali's journey through life, about events that tested him and his virtues, and how everytime he stood by his words like a true fighter.

Reviews

arrived on time and in better nick than i thought Thanks heaps

The book has shipped on august 13th, 2009 and I received in September 10th. The book arrived in perfect condition, like new, all good in the delivery and submission. Thanks!!

When boxing mattered, boxers were more than pugilists trying to break each other's wills; they were symbols that attracted the attention and aspirations of the masses. Like gladiators in Rome, these courageous men allow us to project our hopes, fears, and insecurities. David Remnick tells the story of Cassius Clay's growth from a skinny, mercurial, but morally upright boy, to a hero and symbol of resistance and hope for millions of anti-establishment figures. Ali captivated the hearts and minds of fans unlike any athlete before or since. Remnick does a beautiful job of explaining why and how this happened. No matter how dominate Michael Jordan was, or Tiger Woods is, neither absorb our emotions like the sponge known as Muhammed Ali. His grace, speed, and power thrilled, while his words, political stances, and humour enthralled. Everyone in America should learn the story of this hero. There is no better place than Remnick's book to do so. Highly recommended.

It is, as many have said, one of the great sports biographies of all time -- but it's also one of the great history narratives of all time. It's not just Muhammmad Ali profiled here, but the trio of heavyweights who dominated headlines in the early 1960s: also Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston. And in many ways, those two are more fascinating because, before I read "King of the World," they weren't accompanied by the same pre-fight hype. Here's Liston, a dangerous and sullen felon who's achingly lonely; there's Patterson, a great athlete but at the same time so thoughtful and intelligent he was plagued by a boxer's worst enemy, self-doubt. And that's not to say anything of the portrait of the time, of Black Muslims, Malcolm X, Norman Mailer, the media, John F. Kennedy... Trust me, even a non-sports fan will be mesmerized.

Bertz / Randall "Almighty god was with me! I want everybody to bear witness! I am the greatest! I shook up the world! I am the greatest thing that ever lived! I don't have a mark on my face, and I just upset Sonny Liston, and I just turned twenty-two years old. I must be the greatest! I showed the world! I talk to god every day! I am the king of the world!" shouts Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) to the sporting press, after defeating Sonny Liston in 1964. This statement enraged boxing fans all over the world. Here was a twenty-two year old nobody with a big mouth, and he just defeated Sonny Liston. At the time, Liston was viewed as invincible. Liston was an experienced fighter who was known for defeating his opponents in two rounds or less. Not only did he lose the heavyweight championship to Ali, but he quit without being knocked down once. This declared Ali the king of controversy. "King of the World" by David Remnick is the story of the rise and fall of Muhammad Ali. Remnick does a fantastic job of showing us the different sides of racism. He focuses greatly on Ali's devotion to the Nation of Islam. The book showed many similarities between the Nation of Islam and the Klu Klux Klan. Remnick explained that both the Nation and the Klan were for segregation and that they both use methods of violence and terror to enforce their beliefs. After reading this book, I realized that the similarities are uncanny. Remnick's numerous references to these similarities proved to me that Remnick is a non-violent integrationist. I believe that one of the main points of the book is that segregation is wrong. The book greatly describes how the Nation of Islam had interfered with Muhammad Ali's personal life. For example, Remnick noted Ali's marriage to Sonji. He went into great detail how strong Ali's love was for Sonji, but he couldn't accept her inability to conform to his religion. This became a problem for them and they eventually got a divorce. Remnick also noted the emotional distance between Ali and his father being caused by his decision to join the Nation of Islam. Remnick goes even further in describing the way Ali turned his back on his best friend Malcolm X. He also wanted to let the reader know that religion should never get in the way of your personal life. The book said that the only thing in Ali's life that Ali regrets is "his cruel and hasty rejection of Malcolm." Now days, Ali looks back at Malcolm X with great respect. The main point Remnick was trying to communicate with his audience was that Ali stood up for what he believed in. Not only in the boxing ring but, also with his religious and political beliefs. In 1966, Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted to fight the war in Vietnam. The government threatened to take away his heavyweight championship and throw him into a federal prison for the next five years. Ali still refused. When they asked him why he refused to fight in the Vietnam war, he replied "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong." Eldridge Cleaver described Ali as a "genuine revolutionary" and the "first `free' black champion to confront white America." Writer, Jill Nelson, called Ali's refusal of the draft a "supreme act of defiance." However, not everyone supported Ali's refusal of the draft. Conservative boxing fans called him an unpatriotic bum. They thought he was hiding behind his religion because he was lazy. Remnick took a much more liberal stance on the situation. The author seemed to support Ali's decision. For many years, Muhammad Ali would be both loved and hated by boxing fans of all races. Some people believe that Ali should not have been allowed to be exempt from the war because of his religion. Others looked at his exemption as an amazing defeat. The only thing anyone could agree on was his amazing abilities in the ring. In 1997, during the summer Olympics, Muhammad Ali was invited to light the Olympic torch. In my opinion, this proved Ali to be a very patriotic man. It proved that the world had never forgotten about Ali, and it never will. Lighting the Olympic torch is one of the highest honors any athlete could be given. "King of the World" was published in 1998. Exactly one year after he lit the Olympic torch. I think that's why this book was written when it was. The ignition of the 1997 Olympic torch was Ali's return to the public eye. And this book was written to honor him.

Reviews

This was my first time reading Mailer, and I'd never really read something written with that kind of self-important style before, and I didn't even know what to expect going in. But I enjoyed the book quite a bit for what it was and what it wasn't. The description of the fight was tremendous and Mailer's take on both fighters was so distinct and fantastic that you really felt as though you were there. There's something to be said for being able to persuade the reader toward the view of Foreman being the heavy favorite so long after the events have already been written in history. Mailer writing himself in the third person seemed perfectly fine to fit in with the African religious themes he describes, and it just gives a flavor to the book that I didn't expect going in. Definitely recommended if you have an interest in classic American authors, combat sports, or feature-length in-person journalistic accounts.

If ever two egos needed to meet, these were the two. Only Norman Mailer could've made a Muhammad Ali-centered event like "The Rumble In The Jungle" so much about himself. And yet in his way, Mailer makes one want to read and re-read every page. He crafts a tale that makes it easy to sense the chaos preceding a heavyweight title fight, as well as the almost universal expectation that Ali was simply going to get himself killed by George Foreman. I loved Mailer's attempts to draw out Ali, and loved Ali's constant tug-of-war with Mailer, "the press" and the Foreman camp. Were the small cracks in Ali's confidence real, or was it part of the show? Did he use Mailer, or did Mailer use Ali? Having watched the fight many times over the years, I knew how the book would end. And yet I was enthralled by the ebb and flow of Mailer's thoughts as the fight approached and unfolded. No newspaper account...this is a marvelous take on a legendary sporting event, and well worth reading as a fight fan or a literature fan.

Norman Mailer died today. He was my first and maybe largest influence as a writer. (Those who admire and dislike my books have often compared my voice to Mailer's.) THE FIGHT was my introduction to Mailer. It's certainly among the best writing about Ali and about the act of boxing. I wish I'd made the opportunity to tell Mailer of his influence on me. And, heck, I wish I'd had the chance to box with him. I'm sad this afternoon. I'll miss this outsized, ridiculous, singularly talented person. Davis Miller (author of THE TAO OF MUHAMMAD ALI, THE ZEN OF MUHAMMAD ALI AND OTHER OBSESSIONS, THE TAO OF BRUCE LEE: A MARTIAL ARTS MEMOIR)

Norman Mailer delivered a classic in his coverage of the October 30, 1974, "Rumble in the Jungle," in the May 20th Stadium in Kinshasa, Zaire, when heavy underdog Muhammad Ali shocked the world one more time with his 8th round knockout of champion George Foreman. Referring to himself in the third-person, Mailer captures the various angles of the fight that was oftentimes more interesting with the personalities and controversies outside the ring. There are interviews with George Plimpton and Hunter S. Thompson - the Gonzo journalist who could go toe-to-toe with Mailer in the world ego championship - along with the bitter Joe Frazier and vastly underrated contender Ken Norton. This was Don King's first boxing promotion, who got into the game with a boost from Ali. While Mailer gives perhaps the best sketch of Ali's famous cornerman, Drew "Bundini" Brown, it is nearly a throwaway comment on what appeared to be Ali struggling at times with his quick quips that may have been one of the earliest signs of what became permanent neurological damage. Going into the fight, Foreman - who earlier in his pro career enlisted Sonny Liston as a sparring partner - was considered unbeatable, with fears that Ali would get severely hurt in a heroic, but losing effort. After the loss, Foreman claimed - though later recanted - that his water bottle was tampered with & he was drugged. Foreman also claimed - but also recanted - that members of Ali's had loosened the ring ropes, so his punching power was negated by Ali leaning his upper torso & head far outside the ring. The Fight is not the typical coverage of a sporting event, but Mailer proved to be up to the task and delivered some of the best writing in his storied career.

Kinhasa Zaire...1974...One of the most publicized and adored fights of the 1970s, and what better writer to depict the settings than Mailer. This book was a tough find until '96 when the legendary documentary, "When We Were Kings" was released. Mailer's descriptions of the fight throughout the film were compelling enough to make me search out his read. Many people forget that the fight was postponed for two weeks by Foreman's camp, and the fight almost didn't go off, which leads to chaotic story. Mailer's settings in the Zaire heat and his descriptions of icons such as Hunter Thompson, George Plimpton, Jim Brown, and Don King roaming the lobby of Zaire's Inter-Continental Hotel are so good that you'll feel as if you've been thrown back for two weeks through a time-machine to 1974. A true time period when sports was straight-up for men's men Now, I'm not so into the romaticized Ali depictions seen through the eyes of Michael Mann, 'limo liberals' and other misinformed academians, and I will never adopt the modern day pre-fabbed tributes to Ali. Accompany this read with a viewing of "When We Were Kings" or with a read of Thomas Hauser's "King of the World" and Mark Kram's "Ghosts of Manila", and you'll catch my drift. Avoiding a Ali tribute, Mailer loves the sport of boxing, and it shows throughout the book. "The Fight" is a great read that depicts a chaotic time, Zaire, the characters and the life surrounding the classic fight.. Lead with a right-hand jab, and pick this read up. -BD 5/03

Reviews

One of the first tai chi books I ever read. have read it many times over the years. one of the few tai chi books ive read that is very good at all . tai chi is pretty hard for most people to really grasp. you dont need a book with a bunch of fancy words. when you are playing with tai chi you need a book that tells you what you need to know and this is one of the books that does exactly that. it the fist book i reccomend to begining students.

First and foremost, this is not a text for a beginner. If you are looking for a book that teaches the form, this is not what you are looking for. For an intermediate student, this little book will become a valuable sources of reference. Contained here, are translations of the Taiji Classics. Mainly: -The Tai Chi Chuan Classic, -Wang Chun Yueh's Mental Elucidation of Thirteen Postures, -Wang Chun Yueh's Tai Chi Chuan Treatise, -Song of Substance and Function of the Thirteen Postures, Each passage contains comments seasoned by T.T. Liang's many years of experience. The writings describe the appropriate weight distribution, posture, breathing, and sensations which a practitioner should feel if doing the form properly. Definitely an eye opener for anyone who is serious about their study of Tai Chi Quan, and wants a deeper understanding of the forms and their applications.

The amazing T.T. Liang gives the reader the benefit of his 80 years (or possibly more) of studying and teaching tai chi. Very detailed discussion of tai chi history, and many important concepts such as jin, chi, many tips and important points relating to doing the form and its applications, and more. Liang had an amazing life with many adventures, and he experienced and witnessed many horrors and tragedies during the war, but it never soured his outlook on humanity, and in fact Liang's approach to life is quite light-hearted and humorous. Studying tai chi enabled him to overcome early health problems, and it has been a constant source of inspiration in his life. In case you're interested in further information, here are some other recommendations for further reading with brief descriptions of the books, including another one by Liang: 1. Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications: Advanced Yang Style A good book by master Yang but only shows applications against punches. To get the other applications such as chin na, you'll need to supplement this with his Tai Chi Chin Na book. 2. T'ai Chi: The "Supreme Ultimate" Exercise For Health, Sport And Self-defense, by Robert W. Smith and Cheng Man-Ch'ing Historically important early work in English that is still useful, has good photos of the impeccable Cheng Man Ching's form. 3. The Complete Guide to T'ai Chi by Stewart McFarlane A good introductory guide with an emphasis on the "outward shape" or body mechanics for each posture of the short Cheng Man Ching short form, which has become the most popular. Detailed pointers and very clear photos tell you how to perform each movement. 4. Tai Chi Connections : Advancing Your Tai Chi Experience by John Loupos This is the best book I've seen so far in discussing the body mechanics, including balance, how to create and transfer power, the role of momentum, how to step, how to create power, and many other topics. 5. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Priciples and Practice by Wong Kiew Kit Sifu Wong's book is the most eclectic and complete book so far I've seen on tai chi. It lives up to his goal to present the complete art with all its facets. The book presents all the main aspects of tai, from the physical representations of the forms to the more abstruse spiritual matters, which I'd never seen really discussed much before. 6. Steal My Art: The Life and Times of T'Ai Chi Master, T.T. Liang, by T.T. Liang Humorous, entertaining, and well written story of T.T. Liang and his art and many life adventures, which make absorbing reading. 7. The Tai Chi Two-Person Dance: Tai Chi with a Partner by Jonathan Russell This was a groundbreaking book in that I believe it was the first ever in English on the two-person form. Very clearly written text and photo sequences detail how to perform the form. Also, very good explanations of some tai chi martial theory relating to the form, such as the concepts of adhering, listening, neutralizing, etc., which must be learned in sequence as each level builds on the one before it. These are also the important principles to be learned and applied in the form. 8. Compact Tai Chi: Combined Forms for Pratice in Limited Space by Jesse Tsao This book presents an unusual but practical approach to the tai chi form, turning it into a circular stepping pattern instead of the traditional pattern in order to save space, so you can do it at home or in a limited space. Although I know the traditional long Yang form, I have no problems with this and find it an excellent approach and of value. The book also takes and combines techniques from the five main styles of tai chi. 9. Yin-Yang in Tai-Chi Chuan and Daily Life by Simmone Kuo, John Bratten A very complete, one might say, encyclopedic treatment of the concept, drawing from diverse sources, including history, Chinese philosophy, and even poetry, besides its importance in tai chi. Although I found some of the material only peripherally relevant, such as the discussions of Confucius, if you think of this as a treatment of the subject in the context of Chinese culture as a whole you'll have a better idea of the book. 10. Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power: Advanced Yang Style, by Dr. Yang Jwing Ming Like Dr. Yang's other books this is a gold mine of good information. Dr. Yang's book goes beyond the basic principles and gives quite specific instructions on the more advanced ones. As far as good, practical, and detailed advice on many aspects of tai chi energy, power, speed, posture and body mechanics, form practice, martial applications, and so on, this is probably the best I've seen. 11. T'ai Chi Classics, by Waysun Liao After a brief consideration of the history and origins of tai chi, the author proceeds to explicate the most important principles of tai chi through a presentation of the three most important tai chi classics, along with modern commentary written by the author. I found his elaborations on the more condensed and sometimes cryptic sentences and paragraphs in the original classics very helpful, and in fact, most of the text in these chapters is actually his, not the classics themselves. The chapter on jin theory and its many types and their nature and applications was also excellent. Overall good explanations about tai chi but note that sometimes the author's discussions of the physics are wrong. 12. T'ai Chi According to the I Ching: Embodying the Principles of the Book of Changes, by Stuart Alve Olson Very detailed discussion of tai chi concepts, linking the techniques explicitly to the 8 trigrams, the five activities and five elements. The book is chock full of diagrams and illustrations that show these relationships, which makes it good as a reference, as you'll find few other books that lay it all out like this one does. Also discussions and presentations of the pre-heaven 16-movement form for both yin and yang parts, and the 64 move post-heaven form, the 8 hands, and the 8 stances as well. Hope you find my little list helpful. Good luck and happy tai chi practicing and reading!

This book is not intended to teach you tai chi. This book tells you more of how to approach tai chi and where your mind should be during the practice. I have been taking tai chi for about 6 months now. This book is highly recommended by my instructor. Reading it really helped me to understand some of the things my teacher was telling me and it helped me figure more than a few things out on my own.

In this "For Dummies" era, the market has been saturated with New-Agey, cartoon Tai Chi books with pictures and drawings, but that have very little actual substance to them. As more and more people become curious about this art, it is imperitive that material be made available that is true to the art, and not just a vehicle for some so-called "master" to publish pictures of himself practicing a form.To that end, inside this unassuming, little, white book is some of the best writing on the subject of Tai Chi Chuan that I have seen.To begin with, there are no step-by-step instructions here. This book is designed to pique the interest of the layman, or to deepen the learned man's love for the art.The history lessons alone are worth the price of the book. The commentary, anecdotes, and insight come from a place of subtlty and quiet wisdom which you may not get the first time through. Time has only made my appreciation for this book's layout widen.But the real selling point is the translations of the Tai Chi Classics; of which most books about Tai Chi refer to but never provide.So if you want to learn Tai Chi, find a good teacher. But if you want to learn about Tai Chi, then let me recommend this book. It's one of the good ones.

Reviews

My son was very happy with this poster. It came and great condition and I was pleased too.

Reviews

The CD was delivered in a timely manner. The condition of the entire package, including the sound quality were all as promised.

I love the music, Yo-Yo Ma's artistry and the diversity. I particularly enjoy CD1. I first heard a selection on a young friends iPod. I purchased the CD as a gift for my father - but my ulterior motive was so I could load it onto my iPod! Hey, we both benefitted!

Though this is my first YO-YO Ma CD, it wont be my last! This is a very nice 2 CD set with a wide range of classical, cultural and contemporary work. Hard to say which CD I like the most, both are excellent

I just love him... I love his music.. Just a fact that CD case was all broken, it's all good as long as I can hear his music.

My nephew mentioned his desire to hear some classical music (Yo-Yo Ma, especially) on the boring trips back & forth from college. He really seemed to enjoy receiving the CD for Christmas!

Reviews

Gentle but yet amazing, this music grabs at your heart and does not let go. Listening to it changes the way I think, it moves the creative process. Absolutely delightful!

As usual, this YoYoMa album is outstanding. If you enjoy instrumental/vocal, outstanding Brazilian music, you won't be disappointed with this one! mk

I was excited to get this as a gift. Then I played it. I expected some fun and Sambas. Pretty dull, very little cello, not even pleasant as background music. I put my copy in the pile for Good Will.

Frankly, I was a bit disappointed with this cd. I probably should stay with "just cello". This cd seemed to contain very little YoYoMa in the foreground, which is what I love. Also, it irritates me when a song is repeated on several different cd's. I want all new!

Brazilian music at it's best, with a great artist's interpretation! I am giving it for Christmas to my Brazilian friends.

Reviews

It's not a bad quality CD but the music is variable and different. Even though I like most types of music, I think the composition is just average.

This is suberbly enhanced performance CD that captures Yo-Yo Ma and friends at their musical heights. The accompanying musicians, the Assasds, Paquito you-know-who, Kathyrn Stott and others add beautiful textures to the compositions of Piazzolla and Jobim to create a Latin influenced classical painting. This is music to play, go about your business at home and enjoy the different influences coming together. The sadness and happiness blend to reveal the emotions of life. Favorite songs include D'Rivera's "Afro" that sneaks up on you like breaking dawn to reveal the sunshine and life anew. Also Piazzolla's "Tango Suite" is a frenzied Yo-Yo Ma performance with suttle breaks on cello giving way to the Assadd's beautiful quite work on guitars to spike and peak your interest numerous times.This is good background music but it grabs your attention and makes you listen carefully so it can turn on you and be very demanding. Good for those quite times of work or reading.

Keep in mind that The studio version of this performance is nothing short of brilliant. The material includes pieces from the likes of Astor Piazzolla, Jobim and Paquito D'Rivera. Then you come to discover that there is a live concert version (and Dvd) of the disc. There is nothing like having your cake and your ice cream in the same bowl. Well that is what the release of this disc is, Cake and Ice cream with the cherry on the top. Peace: The*Hot*Wax*Kid

I bought the disk after hearing about the colaboration on NPR. The songs and performances are impecable, the variety is satisfying and fun. My only complaint is that the quality of the recording leaves something to be desired. Several times the recording level is not balanced between the instruments so that when listening to YoYo Ma playing, when joined by the saxaphone, it comes in too loud and ruins the mood. I almost always prefer the live perfomances when the energy of the audience carries over to the performers. This is one case when I wish I had gotten the studio version.

Yo Yo Ma and his fellow musicians make beautiful music in this mellow adaptation of melodies that have their origin in Latin America. The opening track is a version of "Libertango", heard in the fabulous soundtrack of the film "The Tango Lesson", and one of the three compositions by Astor Piazzolla, in this concert that was recorded live at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall in 2003. The group of assorted and marvelous musicians toured the world with this music, and there is a cohesion between the performers and the material they are playing that is evident, and a pleasure to hear. One hears the applause, but it is not obtrusive, and the sound is excellent for a live recording. Very impressive is the clarinet of 6 time Grammy Award winner and composer Paquito D'Rivera, who wrote 3 of the tracks, and shows his virtuosity and Cuban soul in 7 pieces, and I especially like his "Merengue". Rosa Passos sings and plays guitar on 4 tracks, and has a soft, clear, and pleasing voice, and 3 of the songs she interprets so well are by her fellow countryman and Brazilian bossa nova artist Antonio Carlos Jobim. Other musicians are Sergio and Odair Assad on guitars, Kathryn Scott on piano, Nilson Matta on bass, and Cyro Baptista on percussion. Yo Yo Ma is of course the household name among them, and is masterful in his interpretations throughout; I especially like him in D'Rivera's "Afro", a fascinating piece with some experimental sounds. Other favorites for me are D'Rivera's "Wapango", and "Cristal" (Camargo Mariano), a rhythmic duet between Ma and Scott that is terrific. This CD has the feel of a classical chamber concert, with the warmth of melodious Latin compositions, and is a nice and unique musical treat. The foldout insert has liner notes by D'Rivera, recording info, and mini bios of Ma's 7 fellow musicians; total playing time is 72'07. This package contains a bonus DVD, that includes 3 videos: 1. Piazzolla's "Libertango", from the original soundtrack of Sally Potter's film "The Tango Lesson", with clips of the great tango dancer Pablo Veron. 2. "Brasileirinho", by Waldir Azevedo, featuring Paquito D'Rivera, from the "Obrigado Brazil" CD. 3. Jobim's "Chega de Saudage" interpreted by Rosa Passos, from the "Obrigado Brazil" CD. It also includes a very short interview with Yo Yo Ma.

Reviews

My grandson loves the Yankees and was thrilled when they won the series this year! This BD present was his "best of all", as he said! It came in time for his BD and he was so excited! He has watched it several times! I am so excited to have chosen the perfect gift! Thank you.

Video was purchased for a gift for my baseball crazy son-in-law. It arrived promptly and I think it was a great value. I wouldn't hesitate to order from Amazon again.

MLB did a good job compiling important events and interviews to record the Yankee 2009 run. It is something to keep (unless you are a Yankee enemy). However, I wish it has more footage of the ALDS and ALCS. I have ordered the past world series video such as Boston and Whitesox years. But they all share the same shortcoming. Often there are as critical moments in ALDS/ALCS than those in world series. Yankee vs. Angel games in 2008 for example was as memorable as any world series. But there isn't any coverage. This 2009 video has the same problem.

I purchase this video for my son for Christmas. He was very happy to receive it. I'm not sure if he's watched it yet. But being a real Yankee fan, I'm sure there can't be anything wrong with it.

This is a well made, awe-inspiring video to watch again and again to get your Yankee fix. Great details and emotional scenes. You will relive the season with pride. Bought it for a friend, and after seeing it, had to get one for ourselves.

Reviews

As a die hard Yankee fan, it is almost inconceivable that everyone does not have this video. It takes you through a wonderful season and through the victory parade. Beautiful quality in the film, brings you right to the field and then on to the street. Hope I will be buying another one after the 2010 season!!!!

I was very excited about this dvd- and when it came in the mail- i watched it right away...the dvd was pretty good..but i was expecting alittle more detailed dvd...it is a quick overview of the season, and then goes into the playoffs...the dvd is made very well- and its very enjoyable to watch. I would recommend it to everyone that wants a good overview of the season and to watch the yankees go for #27.

this disc is wonderfully presented in high definition recapping the year which culminated in the 27th championship title for the New York Yankees. It's in bluray so it has all of what you would expect that sort of disc to have. Watched it a few times. If you are a Yankee fan, and have a bluray player, you should buy it.

I watched the entire bluray last night and I have to say that if you are a true diehard Yankee fan, this bluray is a must-have. This is basically a 1-hour 25-minute film documenting the New York Yankees' 2009 World Series win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Here's how the film breaks down... The first 20 minutes or so documents the Yankees' regular season as they attempt to capture their 27th World Championship. They also have a brief section showing the Philadelphia Phillies and their attempt to defend their World Series crown. But this bluray is really all about the World Series battle between these two great teams. The rest of the film documents every World Series game along with the key moments from each game. Cliff Lee's game 1 gem and Chase Utley's domination over CC Sabathia... Pedro Martinez's return to Yankee Stadium and AJ Burnett's dominance in game 2... The Yankees fighting back from a 3-0 deficit to win game 3... Johnny Damon's at-bat and subsequent double-steal as well as Brad Lidge's meltdown in game 4... Chase Utley once again doing his best Reggie Jackson impersonation in game 5... And finally, Andy Pettitte (who else?) clinching the game 6 winner... If you are a true Yankee fan and you don't like this film, then something is wrong. There is also 30 minutes worth of bonus features that show key moments for the Yankees during their playoff run. A-Rod's game-tying homerun off Joe Nathan during the 9th inning in game 2 of the ALDS... Mark Teixeira's walk-off homerun during the same game... A-Rod's game-tying homerun off Brian Fuentes in the ALCS... A-Rod's homerun off Cole Hamels in game 3 of the World Series... Matsui's 2-run single/double/homerun in the game 6 World Series clincher... It even has the entire final 3 outs of the 9th inning as it was shown on national television. One thing to note about the bonus clips... with the exception of the final 3 outs of the World Series as well as Johnny Damon's at-bat against Brad Lidge (there may be one more that I'm forgetting about), there is NO television commentary in any of the clips. For example, with A-Rod's homerun off Joe Nathan in the ALDS, they show the homerun from multiple camera angles (as they do with most of the other clips), but that's it. There is no television commentary at all. The only thing you hear is the sweet sound of the bat as it makes contact with the baseball and the crowd going nuts. Some people will like this, others will not. I personally didn't have a problem with it although sometimes I do like to hear it when the announcers go crazy. Conclusion... As I mentioned before, if you are a true diehard Yankee fan, go out and buy this now.

This is a great overview of the playoffs and World Series. It includes all the action and excitement interspaced with interviews and comments by the manager and players. The action as filmed by major league baseball is outstanding and the blu-ray is crystal clear, giving you all you the key plays and strategies without the annoying talking heads of the sport shows. The extras are interesting in that they show key plays and events from different camera angles without commentary,except when they replay the last inning of the final game in its entirety. Also it is in widescreen, not the narrow screen that the specs indicate, which is a bonus. Again if you are a baseball or especially a Yankee fan, you will enjoy this blu-ray !

Reviews

I'm happy about the 96 WS 6m5 & 01 yankee stadium gm's but they should have 96, 98, 99, 00 Clinching games, because those are the games really matter.

If you want to encapsulate the recent dynasty, this set is for you and non fans alike. Fun, entertaining, informative and thoughtful. Go, enjoy the dynasty again with the New York Yankees!!

I bought this for my boyfriend. He has watched it several times. He really enjoys going down memory lane. Nice set for any NY Yankee fan.

Being a huge Yankees fan, I love this set. The games bring back great memories and will be a treasured keepsake in my home forever. What keeps it from being five stars is the video quality for the Padres game is erratic, and the stats shown on the back for the 1999 Braves game differ. For the pitcher stats, it states Jason Grimsley didn't walk anyone when in reality, he walked two batters. Those flaws certainly don't prevent me from recommending this to all Yankees fans. It would be great if MLB Productions and A&E came out with a second volume of Yankees World Series games from 1996-2001. There are more than enough to choose from.

Make some room on your DVD shelf next to your Yankeeographys because MLB Productions have a hit on their hands. They answered the 2004 Boston Red Sox box set with a Yankee compilation that was second to none. While the Red Sox set included only the 2004 World Series the Yankees collection includes some of the greatest World Series Games of the Joe Torre Era. The Red Sox set is guaranteed to last 86 years so it should keep the Sox fans happy for a long time. This set includes five complete World Series Games, all of which are Yankee victories of course. And if that wasn't enough, in addition to the complete games there are two bonus disks. As exciting as the complete games are, unfortunately it doesn't include John Sterling and Michael Kay like the YES Network Yankee Classics do. It does include the original national broadcasts, which has commentators that feature Bob Costas, Joe Buck, Tim McCarver and Joe Morgan. The picture couldn't be sharper and it does seem to be a full featured DVD as opposed to some past releases. The full games included 1996 Game 4 which features Jimmy Leyritz leading the Yanks back from a 6-0 deficit to a 8-6 extra inning triumph that tied the series at 2 all. The next game is another come from behind victory. The third game of the 1998 series features the Bombers beating San Diego ace reliever Trevor Hoffman. The third complete game is another game three, this one again against the Braves that features a walk off homer by Chad Curtis. Mariano Rivera took a win this time around instead of his usual save. The forth complete game DVD is a Game 5 series ender against the Mets in 2000, the first Subway Series since 1956. The Yankees won it in the top of the ninth on a single by super sub Louie Sojo. Mike Stanton got the win in relief of Andy Pettitte. The loss went to former Yankee farmhand Al Leiter. The final complete game while a Yankee victory is unusual in the fact that the Yankees lost this series to the Arizona Diamondbacks. What made this game unique was that this was the 911-year and due to the suspension of baseball that year at midnight of that game it became November. It was the first baseball game played in November. And Derek Jeter homered in the bottom of the tenth thus becoming the first "Mr. November". The two Bonus DVDs are worth the price of admission on their own. They include all the MLB World Series videos plus a plethora of bonus footage that includes Roger "Rocket" Clemens 2000 ALSC game 4 masterpiece. Other inclusions are highlights from Gooden's No Hitter, David Cone's and David Well's Perfect Games, Jeter's ALDS series saving flip, and many other highlights by names like David Justice, Jim Leyritz, and Paul O'Neill. There is abundance of behind the scenes footage that includes locker room, interviews and press conferences and much, much more. The packaging is a Trivia Buffs delight as it is full of boxscores, highlights and facts. It will jar your memory reading the cases alone. These disks are a must have for Yankee fans. As soon as I posted the banners I saw many of you pre order these fine DVDs. So what are the rest of you waiting for?

Reviews

There are only four relief pitchers in the Hall of Fame: Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley, and Bruce Sutter. Lee Smith was the all-time save leader until Trevor Hoffman passed that record on his way to 500+ career saves this season. Smith is considered a long shot for Cooperstown but Hoffman seems to be building momentum towards enshrinement. However, Mariano Rivera is considered a lock for the Hall of Fame. "Mo" is currently has the third most regular season saves in Major League history (and the American League's career leader), and while winning four World Series titles with the New York Yankees holds the all-time postseason records for saves and E.R.A. That would explain why McFarlane has put out its second Mariano Rivera action figure for its MLB Series 18. This figure is usually from what we have seen from McFarlane in the past in that it shows Rivera trotting through the door that open in right field at Yankee Stadium when he comes into a game and trots to the mound (with Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blaring over the loudspeakers). You get a bit more than a inch wide segment of the outfield wall and the Plexiglas. You get a bit less than half of the "O" and the "M" in the "YOMURI" sign in front of the Yankee bullpen. Rivera has just stepped onto the warning track, holding his black glove in his right hand (held in place by those tiny plastic straps McFarlane loves so much). The first Rivea figure was back in MLB Series 9 and showed the reliever in the Yankees road uniform about to release what I assume is his patented cut fastball towards the plate where it is probably going to break yet another bat. The skin tone is a tad lighter this time around and I would swear the 6-inch figure is slightly bigger as well, but the only real cause for complaint is that I find his face to be a bit fuller than what I see on television. There is the barest articulation with this figure: you can move the head ever so slightly at the neck. One of the things that is most impressive of this figure is that the pin holding it to the base is in the toe of Rivera's left foot and easily 90% of the figure comes in front of that vertical line. That probably explains why the base, which has the warning track in the front and then tile behind the line of the outfield wall, is so wide: just to keep the figure standing upright. Rivera is wearing a blue sweatshirt underneath his Yankee jersey, which you can take to mean another save opportunity in the cool air of October in the Bronx. The pinstripes on these Yankee figures have been getting much better in recent years and they are doing some nice fine details on the jersey buttons and the caps. The details on his shoes include both his uniform number and his nickname "Mo." Rivera is wearing #42, the last major leaguer to do so since he was grand-fathered in when they retired Jackie Robinson's number in 1997. But the Yankees already retired #8 twice, for Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra, so retiring #42 twice down the road will not be a headache. McFarlane has been exploring having parts of the stadium show up with these figures. In this years Cooperstown collection Johnny Bench is diving over a stadium railing to catch a foul ball and later this year Johnny Damon will be taking a curtain call in front of the Yankee Stadium dugout. The other five figures in MLB Series 18 all try to offer a different look as well but with everybody in their home uniforms. Also getting his second figure is David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, shown rounding a base with his right index finger raised in celebration after one of his home runs at Fenway Park. Third baseman David Wright of the New York Mets is fielding a ball barehanded, Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies is holding is bat out in front of him with just his right hand as he gets ready for the next pitch, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb is peering in for the sign, and the right arm of Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers has come full across his body after releasing his pitch. So on balance this is one of he most distinctive MLB Series that McFarlane has put out to date.

Reviews

In my mind, Henry Aaron is still the all-time leader in career home runs, even though he has seven fewer than Barry Bonds. Bonds no doubt took HGH and steroids. Bonds has walked more times than any player in history, which gave him fewer good pitches to hit and took the bat out of his hands. It can be argued that if he had more chances to hit away, he would have hit maybe 850 home runs. Even if this would have played out, I still think Aaron is the all-time leader. Now about the video... This video is a documentary on the life and baseball career of Hank Aaron. Starting from his youth when he was a child up to the present day (then 1995), there is a treasure trove of old actual footage mixed with re-enactments. The re-enactments were very well done and believable. You'll learn that Aaron grew up a Dodgers fan and idolized Jackie Robinson and was very disappointed when Bobby Thomson hit his "shot heard 'round the world" in 1951 to defeat his Dodgers. This video goes into a lot of interesting detail about Aaron's life and playing career, including his involvement in the civil rights movement in the 1960s and the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King's death. There are many interviews with many players he played with and against. The jist of the video, to summarize, is how Aaron overcame incredible odds to surpass Babe Ruth's all-time career home run record of 714. At the end of the video you'll see Barry Bonds talking about how Aaron's record of 755 home runs is unreachable. But that's another story.

Hank Aaron is a Great Human being.He took the Key that Jackie Robinson,Larry Dolby&the Negro League Pioneers had&opened it&Split it in half.He overcame so much Hatred for breaking a Record.he Paved another road after the one set before him.not that he broke Babe Ruth's number but the fact that he was a Black Man doing it caused the maddness.He is a Hero.

By "hard hitting", I'm referring not only to Hammerin' Hank's vicious home run swing, but also the vicious racism he faced as he pursued the home run king's record. This video pulls no punches. The racist letters, the kidnapping threat on his daughter, and the long lonely offseason between dingers 713 and 714. Then, he met a new ladyfriend, and was ready for the new season, and the big challenge. If you appreciate Hank Aaron for the great player, and man, he was--buy this video. It tells the whole ugly and beautiful story of a poor southern black child who worshipped Jackie Robinson, then went on to fight the same battle...and WIN BIG! Go Henry, I'm your biggest fan!

By "hard hitting", I'm referring not only to Hammerin' Hank's vicious home run swing, but also the vicious racism he faced as he pursued the home run king's record. This video pulls no punches. The racist letters, the kidnapping threat on his daughter, and the long lonely offseason between dingers 713 and 714. Then, he met a new ladyfriend, and was ready for the new season, and the big challenge. If you appreciate Hank Aaron for the great player, and man, he was--buy this video. It tells the whole ugly and beautiful story of a poor southern black child who worshipped Jackie Robinson, then went on to fight the same battle...and WIN BIG! Go Henry, I'm your biggest fan!

Reviews

The cry of wait till next year continues in Brooklyn. They also lost to the Yanks in 1947 and 1949. But they continued to lose in 1953 and it was only in 1955 that they could claim the championships. I would like to see this one again. I am sure it had many exciting moments. In one game there was a pop-up to the infield that no one called for and at the last minute Billy Martin made a mad dash to make the catch.

Reviews

This is an excellent video! It is informative, humorous, warm, and interesting. I had always known that Yogi was important to the history of baseball but had no idea what a really great person he is. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the video even though I am not a huge baseball fan. It was nice to see a man who is talented at his job but also valued his wife, family, and friends.

Reviews

I ordered this set because I bought the first two videos years ago and really enjoyed them. Since then, I've lost my hearing and rely on captions to enjoy television. When I rewatched the videos (I had the first two) after losing my hearing, I discovered that only the second video was captioned. I ordered the DVD set, which is labeled as captioned/subtitled, assuming that this applied to all of the DVDs in the set. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that, just like the video version, the first DVD in the series has neither captions nor subtitles. I'm very surprised, in this day and age, that a reissued version on DVD would not have either captions or subtitles.

This is an absolute gem! The home movies of the stars and other players is fabulous. The color is so bright and crisp and the commentary is very good. This is a must buy for the sports fan, especially one that wants to learn about the history of the game.

If you love Baseball, you have to have this set! I watch them over and over again. Even though it depicts Baseball before my time, I feel like I am transported back in time when Baseball was Baseball. I Highly recommend this!

This HBO documentary is divided into three one hour segments, each remembering a different era. You can buy or rent them individually but I recommend watching all three. The entire series consists of 8mm and 16mm clips shot entirely by fans and players. Almost all are in color and none are done by professional photographers. The quality is amazing considering the sources -clear, sharp pictures. There are special features on Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and others. This is for those of us who remember or want to know about when players lived in our neighborhoods, shopped at our stores and had second jobs during the off season to make ends meet. Dick Raddatz recalls making $6,000 pitching for the Red Sox during the season and $11,000 during the off season as a furniture mover. We lived for several years next door to Camilo Pascual, the great pitcher for the Senators and Twins. We would play catch in the back yard and my sisters would babysit his children. Jim Kaat shopped at my (future) in-laws corner grocery store and lived down the block. They were real heroes to all of us and they were regular people, too. This series starts in the 30's (they really did have color film) and ends in 1970 with the advent of free agency, which arguably changed the game forever, whatever you might think of its validity. This is nothing but three hours of fun and nostalgia. If you're a baseball fan, it would be hard to recommend anything else that would be as much just plain fun. None of us can turn back the clock but for three hours you can relive those years when baseball was just a game. Enjoy.

I have always been a huge baseball fan and I remember HBO airing this series, way before Ken Burns Baseball. I was Excited to see that it was released on DVD and bought it almost immediately. This is a great collection for someone who is either a baseball historian, collector, or a casual fan. Its great to see the players of yesteryear playing the game of Baseball the way it was meant to be played. Even though there are no special features this collection still gets a full 5 Stars because this is a great collection for any baseball fan.

Reviews

Not only did I never receive the product, the MLB Vintage World Series Films of the Yankees, the seller has never yet responded to my email query about its non-arrival.

Yes...THE BEST OF THE BEST ...what more needs to be said about the greatest sports franchise in sports history. All the great players , all the great plays from 1943-2000. Non believers and Yankee haters take note...buy, watch and enjoy these DVD'S...they are baseball history..they are baseball at it's finest...Joe D, The Mick, Yogi, Reggie, Jeter and a cast of other greats have made and will continue to make great baseball history for as long as baseball is played...It's to bad films from the other 10 New York Yankee World Series Wins do not exist...would love to have had those included....A GREAT BUY !!!!!!!

Whether you are a Yankee fan or not these videos contain rare footage of the Yankees 17 World Series wins from 1947 to 2000. You will see rare footage of Shibe Park, Ebbets Field, The Polo Grounds, Crosley Field, Original Milwaukee County Stadium, and of course, old Yankee Stadium before the renovations. These are complete highlights of each of the 17 Series wins. If you were to purchase these individually you would pay several hundred dollars. The quality is very good considering the age of the original broadcasts. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching these classic games from the past. They are a must for avid historical baseball fans who would like to add to their collection. The 1958 World Series on are broadcast in color.

Amazon had the best price and availability for this item. Shipping was fast and on time too! We are excited to watch it!

I am a huge fan of the New York Yankees. I remember watching every single inning of the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 but wasn't born for any of the prior ones. That's what makes this collection so great, I can relive the favorite moments I was around for and see for the first time the highlights that I wasn't around for. The four most recent championships are absolutely fantastic and I could watch them over and over. The earlier ones are great because you get to watch the Yankees win the world series but the presentation isn't as good. The narration is a little boring and the footage is a little grainy so it makes the older World Series a little less cinematic. Diehard Yankee fans like myself don't need that sort of thing because the footage and the games speak for themselves but a casual fan might find them boring. This is definitely a great gift idea, I probably would have asked for it had I not already purchased it for myself!

Reviews

I bought this for my Yankee fan dad and he enjoyed the stories of these three "Yankee greats." HBO Sports always does a great job showing you the behind-the-scenes of the lives and has a good flow of story. I'd recommend if you like and appreciate the history of the Yankee organization or enjoy stories of baseball legends.

Great insights of the skills, challenges, and rewards of Puerto Rican ball players.

The three DVD's in this set are supurb. They are so tastefully done and cover such a wide range of each players life that it is impossible to lose inerest. Even a non baseball fan would find them interesting. They were a gift to my husband and he is absolutely thrilled with their excellence. I found the purchase price to be a bargain, a wonderful choice to give to any baseball fan on your gift list. SG

If you are a baseball fan you will love this collection. It's a compelling narrative on 3 of the most famous Yankees ever to don the famous pin striped uniforms (the best uniform in all of sports). When you see the old Yankee Stadium in the old stock footage you will notice the grave tomb stone monuments in centerfield (in the field of play) where they buried Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Miller Huggins. When Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio died they buried them next to Ruth, Gehrig, and Huggins. You can see thier tomb stones when you visit Monument Park in Yankee Stadium. There are a lot of "if's" in Yankee lore. Being a Yankee fan is hard, very hard...there's been hardship. For example, the Mazerowski home run in 1960, the George Brett home run off of Goose Gossage in the 1980 ALCS. The Gonzalez 9th inning hit in the 7th game of the 2001 World Series...the list goes on. All I can say is that those Yankee shortcommings broke my heart and scarred my soul. Our New York Yankees HAVEN'T won a World Championship in OVER 6 years. It will be 7 years after the 2006 World Series: The St. Louis Cardinals will defeat the Detroit Tigers 4 games to 1 game in the 2006 World Series. The odds in Vegas are 12 to 1 for St. Louis which is very surprising. I'm not a betting man, but if I were I would bet the house on the Cardinals. Do yourself a favor and go to Vegas and win yourself some money. If you bet $1,000, you will get $12,000, if you bet $3,000 you will get $36,000...etc. You will win. Take my word for it. In the past 30 years I've named the World Series winner 29 times before the start of the playoffs. The only time I came up short was in 1988. I took Oakland that year. My record is great because I know the game of baseball like no other human being who has ever analyzed the game (I called the 2004 Red Sox Championship in June of 2004 and the 2005 White Sox Championship in May of 2005). Our Yankees don't have the starting and middle relief pitching to compete for the World Championship this year. I wish they did. Furthermore, they have a cancer at 3rd base in a sulking, overrated, prima donna, "me only", and vastly tumorous player. Many teams don't have to deal with that major problem and headache. Call him Mr. Dissension. Being a lifelong Yankee fan is an everlasting bond with the past and present; with a franchise who has had it's ups and downs (mostly good times). When my childhood idol Mickey Mantle passed away, I had the same feelings of sadness, grief, and loss when my father passed. When Yankee Captain Thurman Munson died in the 1979 plane crash there wasn't a dry eye in my household. To me it was like losing a brother, a sister, an uncle. When Billy Martin died prematurely the world stopped for me. The New York Yankees are the class of American sports and when personal tradgedy strikes it hits a nerve with all of us who grew up rooting for our beloved team. I don't think any other franchise can conjure up the deep sentiments and emotions a true Yankee fan can. Someday, hopefully soon, our New York Yankees can return to glory.

Reviews

I bought this CD just to hear some of Bob Murphy's great calls over the years. (After all, isn't that why most Mets fans might want this CD? Or is it that you're just dying to hear "Bad to the Bone" for the umpteenth time?)Anyway, the disc features a lot of the more famous calls, including the '86 ones (although you almost have to admit that Vin Scully's TV call of the game-ending Buckner error in Game 6 was better...), but the rest of the CD contains too much (bad) music.But until they put out a CD of just Murphy himself, this'll have to do.

I enjoyed this CD -- purchased as a Mets fan! I have listened to it throughout the summer while travelling. I also plan to use it in my classroom for background noise while students are working on projects. The music is upbeat and fun!

This CD is wonderful and it gets me pumped for the upcoming season. "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Bad to the Bone" are songs you hear a lot at Shea. The audio is excellent, and even if you don't listen to it every day, they are memorable moments we should get just to have. Great CD!

I love this cd. If you like the New York Mets (like I do) this is a must buy.LET'S GO METS LET'S GO METS LET'S GO METS

Reviews

There are not many cities with a major league team un each league. New York has the Yanks and Mets, Chicago Cubs and White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels (if you consider Anaheim a part of Los Angeles). Well they are called the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Since prior to 1958 New York had two National League teams and the American League Yankees the chance for a subway series is much better than for local World Series in LA and Chicago, As Lawrance (#2 reviewer) Bernabo mentioned in his review, the first subway series was between the Yankees and Giants in 1921. I grew up in the 1859s when subway series were commonplace. From 1947 to 1957 there were incredibly 7 subway series, 6 for Yankees vs Dodgers (1947, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1955 and 1956) and 1 Yankees vs Giants (1951), The Yanks won 6 of the 7 with 1955 being the only time they lost to Brooklyn. But with both the Giants and Dodgers moving to the west coast the subway series was no longer possible until the expansion Mets joined the National League in 1962. The Yanks won pennants in 62, 63, and 64 but the Mets were terrible in those years. In 1969 the Mets won their first National League flag but now the Yanjs wer going through a bad period. So although the Mets got to the World Series in 1969, 1973 and 1986 the Yanjs were not very successful in those years, The Yankees won Anerican League championships in 1962, 1963, 1964, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1996, 1998 and 1999 but the Mets were not able to win the National League title in those years. So this 2000 World Series was the first subway series since 1956. This one was filled with excitement and drama. Clemens tossing the handle of Piazza's bat being the most memorable. There was good pitching and they were great teams. It was a series to remember. When willthere be another?

First of all I want to say that I am a HUGE baseball fan, but I am not very fond of the Yankees. When I first started following baseball, at age 9, I thought I might like them. But as time passed I started to see what rich, snobby sell-outs they were, and how bad they are for baseball. Yankee fans and ONLY Yankee fans think the 'Yankees rock' or whatever retarted things like that. This World Series was an insult to baseball, and if I remember, the ratings weren't all that good. Because not only was everyone sick of the Yankees by now, but they knew what was going to happen. A agree with one reviewer who said the only great thing about this World Series was watching Roger Clemens throw Mike Piazza's bat back at him. But only because it portrayed Clemens as the stuck-up loser that he is. Do NOT buy this video unless you are a Yankees fan. No, do NOT buy it if you are a Mets fan. Some Yankee fans have said it's good for both Yanks and Mets rooters. Easy for them to say - they won the darn series! Not only that, but announcers always favor the Yankees in their comments, so if you do get it you might want to turn the volume down. But I hope that you WON'T get it.

The series was pretty bad in generall I dont believe I watched the Yankees were hevally favored and they were both in New York the only real exciting event in the series was the game where Roger Clemens through the bat at Piazza.Probally one of the 10 worst world series of all time no Fun at all.

The New York Yankees beat the New York Mets in the first Subway Series since 1956. You see Don Larson & my favorite, Yogi Berra headbutting a umpire from a previous Subway Series. This is a definet for both Yankees & Mets fans.

In the first Subway World Series since 1956, The Yankees show they are N.Y.'s team. Best games 1,2,and 5.

Reviews

A very fine movie, always leading to its foregone conclusion. Winona Ryder was outstanding in her role, very mesmerizing!! Including a veteran actress such as Elaine Stritch was also a plus.

This is a good movie..It will make you cry but its based on true life...

Item was faulty, but the seller responded immediately to the problem and resolved it beyond my satisfaction. I highly recommend this seller for you will be satisfactorily taken care of if there are any issues to resolve. The item wasn't 5-star, but I give the seller 5 stars PLUS!

I love the movie and it was in perfect condition as stated by the seller.

The title could not be more true to life in this movie. Rarely does such a well made movie, {besides another on Amazon I praised} could have such a title that has so many layers to the story itself. Bring the Kleenex, girls. It's a whopper.

Reviews

All truly classic games any Mets fan can watch through the winter or to forget 2009.

A lot to watch. Any fan interested in Mets or baseball history will enjoy watching. The game has changed over the years. You decide if it is for the better.

This DVD is missing some great moment in history like 69 and 73, but I'm a Mets fan and I enjoyed what they had. Felt a little cheated that it wasn't complete. Maybe that's why they didn't list what is on the DVD. Anyway, if you're a Mets fan you should check out Mathematically Alive. Great movie about what it means to be a fan and how serious people take the sport. Very interesting and I like that it went beyond the fans and the game and explored the psychological aspects of fandom with a sport psychologist. Check it out at www.mathematicallyalive.com or Mathematically Alive: A Story of Fandom DVD

Simply put, it is a must have for any New York Mets fan. While I wish there was more drama and build up to some of the excerpts - Todd Pratt's walk-off homerun against the Diamondbacks as an example - I couldn't be more pleased with the purchase. It will be something I can use to look back on the past and remember with fondness, as well as something to get me through the rough times when the present isn't going so well...

Where's the '73 season???? The 1973 National League series clinching game 5 victory over the mighty Cincinnatti Reds was played at Shea Stadium. Not to mention the Mets won 2 out of 3 at Shea in the World Series against Oakland. What gives? Maybe there will be a VOL. 2

Reviews

As a long suffering fan of the Mets, Jets and Knicks, this video represents my only moment of complete sports fan bliss from my own memory! It includes the complete games for the entire World Series and Game 6 of the thrilling 86 National League Championship Series. Additionally there is a great celebratory DVD which includes the parade and ring ceremony. Great times down memory lane.

One of the best purchases I have made recently! My husband is a big Mets fan and he kept telling me stories about the 86 series--fantastic! The extra features related to the Natl League Championship Series was an excellent bonus. Thanks again.

Ok, so it's been a long time since 1986, but Mets fans are as patient as death and always have been. For the painful early years the Mets faithful came and rooted their Lovable Losers on until in 1969 a miracle occurred and the Mets won their first World Series. Now simple math tells you that from 1969 to 1986 the wait was longer, but having been there for both of the wins (and the close call in 1973), I can tell you the while every World Championship is sweet, 1986 was sweet to the Nth degree. Because not only did the Mets win, but the snatched victory for the jaws of defeat...and they snatched it from the jaws of the Boston Red Sox. Now, it's harder, watching through nostalgia tinted eyes, to hate the 1986 Sox as much as I've hated them since they finally kicked the curse and became one of the most successful teams of the 21st century (oooo I hate them now). They had some great, great players back then. But I remember hating them pretty hard at the time, and watching the Mets refuse to lose game six, then come from behind again to win game seven was über sweet. The famous Buckner play still makes me grin like an idiot. So not only are the games all here for your re-enjoyment, but the bonus disc is packed with great interviews, the post-game locker room celebration, etc. It will make the Mets fan proud all over again. Now, how about a new world championship, guys?

I was very pleased with this DVD. I will definitely watch it over and over again.

This to me was almost a tale of 2 different World Series. The Boston Red Sox bizarre year began with Dwight Evans hitting the first pitch of the season for a homerun off Jack Morris of the Detroit Tigers in Detroit. Then there was a mid season game against the California Angels where their pitcher BALKED in the Sox' winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Follow that with Dave Henderson's historic homerun off California's Donnie Moore with 2 out and 2 strikes in the top of the 9th to pull ahead in the 5th game of the playoffs. California was leading in games, 3-1, at the time. The Angels tied that game, but the Sox won in the 11th I believe, forcing games 6 and 7 back in Boston. They blew the Angels away in those 2 games to earn the right to face the Mets. The Mets, meanwhile, blew the National League away all season long, until they had to face the Houston Astros in the playoffs. A very even series ensued, culminating with that 14 inning THRILLER in game 6, which is part of this dvd set. That game 6 was very signifigant because an Astros win meant that the Mets would have to face Mike Scott, who had been almost unhittable all series long. Scott had, in face culminated the division clinching weekend in Houston. Nolan Ryan had pitched a 2 hitter at the San Francisco Giants, followed by Jim Deshaies one hitter, and Scott's no hitter put the division on ice for Houston. I think this 3 game performance was unprecedented in MLB at that point. Now we come to the World Series, after such strange things had been happening to both clubs all season long. Why shouldn't such a series have so many unfathomable things happen in it? For those of you who have or get this disk set, watch for Sox catcher Rich Gedman in that famous 10th inning of game 6 at Shea. True, Schiraldi was getting banged around a little.In my opinion, it was GEDMAN, not Bill Buckner who sealed the Red Sox' fate when he backhanded a Bob Stanley pitch, instead of shifting as catchers are trained to do with men on base. As a catcher you are supposed to move your body over to keep the ball in front of you, ala what a hockey goalie might do. Mr. Gedman did not do this and Kevin Mitchell scored the tying run for the Mets. But for that, Buckner's "error" would never have happened. This was great theater all around, whether you root for the Mets or the Red Sox. I'm a Red Sox fan, and I still love watching it and picking it apart. I was pained like everyone else in New England, I hurt for weeks over this. I KNEW the Sox would lose game 6 the moment the ball got by Gedman. When the Mets won it, I knew the Sox had no chance in game 7. One thing I will always love about that series is the commentary of the GREAT Vin Scully, and Joe Garagiola. They were a part of the show, but also knew when to let the happenings on the field be the show. I don't believe that there is any broadcaster who can do that today. Scully has a voice that will lull one to sleep because he always sounds so reassuring. Garagiola was the perfect compliment to Vin. We won't see their like again. They are missed by me today and always will be. Scully was so good that I even looked forward to hearing him on golf telecasts, which he also did for awhile for NBC. In many ways, this set was as good, to me, as the 2004 Sox victory over the Cardinals in the World Series, albeit for different reasons. This is a MUST have for any Sox fan, as much as for any Mets fan. Bon Appetit.

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This is a very nice looking frame! However, it covers the bottom of the letters on an Illinois plate. It makes it hard to tell a "T" from an "I", which makes it hard to tell if the plate says "METS" or "MEIS". :( Also, the National League logo in the upper right covers the renewal sticker on the rear plate, so it had to be cut off. Still, it's nice enough that it went onto the vehicle.

A GREAt item for the true Mets Fan....Show your true Mets colors with this GREAT Mets license plate frame.

The license plate frame I purchaced from Amazon was exactly what I was looking for, at the best price I had seen anywhere.

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Show others that you are a PROUD Mets Fan with this GREAT license plate frame.....

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Towel is ok, nicely sized... Only concern is that logo is just a press on... The term embellished was used to describe the logo, I incorrectly assumed it was an embroidered logo. Im guessing it'll wash off or start to crack after a few trips through the washer... Not the sellers fault, just the manufacturer

Although when I first saw this, I thought it was too big for a newborn, after using one of the smaller newborn hooded towels I have, I changed my mind. It is big enough to wrap him up completely and keep him from getting chilled after his bath. He is now 3 1/2 months old and the smaller towels are pretty much useless. The thick terry dries him off quickly and is very absorbent - thinner towels will leave you wet as the water soaks right through!

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Boston Red Sox scrub top bought for gift for friend. She loved the top and was a great fit.

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I would describe myself as a casual baseball fan. Definitely not a Mets fan. The author, writes vividly. He gets right to the nitty gritty. Whether he's describing some of the offensive obnoxious personalities and activities of many of that teams players or whether he's recounting the play action of key games. He traces back to the buildup of the team and then its dismantlement. Many good anecdotes about Mets as well as competitors. Read about Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry,Gary Carter,Keith Hernandez,Lenny Dykstra,Mookie Wilson,Ray Knight,George Foster,Wally Backman and such opponents as Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens and Houston Astro pitcher Mike Scott who seemed to totally dominate them. I enjoyed this and found it to be a quick fun read.

Several minor gripes come into my mind after reading this book, but in all honesty they fade before the author's very good work. You are *there*, in the clubhouse, next to both Hernandez and Teufel. You witness the partying, the drive, the personalities. Make no mistake, this book is much less a commentary of the season's game-by-game athletic achievements and much more a study of the clashing psychological and sociological factors at work within the Mets roster. Most importantly, Gooden and Strawberry are larger-than-life - the seeds of their (later) downfall are clearly shown. If you want to know as much as possible about the 1986 Mets, the only thing better than this book is a time-travel machine. Yes, it's that good, that detailed and that lively.

THE BAD GUYS WON has all the charm of Kitty Kelley's tabloid biography of Frank Sinatra, His Way, which is to say it has a seedy eye-at-the-keyhole quality which we all admit is objectionable even while we secretly revel in it. I don't know if author Jeff Pearlman (who gives a nod to his cousin "Dan" in the acknowledgements---is this the late journalist Daniel Pearlman?) is right in his assertion that the '86 Mets were the GREATEST team ever to play in New York (either the '27 Yankees, the '52 Brooklyn Dodgers, or the '98 Yankees with their 125 wins, could contend for this honor), but they were certainly the LOUDEST. The '86 Mets were a brawling, obnoxious, sociopathic, and preeminently dynamic group of guys who won big on the basis of sheer ROCKS. They fit their time, the Ivan Boesky Era, hand in glove, a time when excess flowed as readily as vodka and material wealth was as dispensable as the cocaine that was disappearing up Darryl's and Doc's noses. Things were so bad that more than one airline banned the Mets from travel after the team returned to them planes soaked in rum, vomit, urine, feces, and Animal House buffet-style menu offerings. Sexual harassment suits abounded. " 'F' 'em!" the Mets shouted happily and moved on to their next target. In the midst of the season-long orgy of booze, blow, broads, bar fights that Pearlman recounts with such glee, this team of two-fisted drinkers happened to win just a few (108) ball games. They had 16 innings of trouble in one day with the Houston Astros (whose pitcher was doctoring the ball by everyone's non-admission), and they nearly lost the World Series to the resurgent Boston Red Sox who had them down to their last out when the ball dribbled ever-so-slowly between Bill Buckner's legs . . . dooming the Sox to another eighteen years of egg salad baseball. Sadly, the '86 Mets were broken up right after their Championship. They were deemed "unmanageable" by the ownership, which deemed the costs of supporting the team's bail, property damage, and tort suit costs just too high, despite the fact that the Mets had reinvigorated New York baseball (and baseball in general) in a way not seen since The Era of The Giants', Yankees' and Brooklyn Dodgers' 1950s annual contests. But, for this fan, it was glorious while it lasted.

Definitely not what I expected. The author brilliantly mixes the action of the New York Mets' Champion World Series 1986 Season and the behind-the-scenes doings that the fans generally don't see. The book is a great review of the entire season, and brings back lots of memories. Hearing what Gary Carter, Kevin Mitchell, and Ray Knight said to first-base coach Bill Robinson after getting on base in the sixth game of the World Series was amusing. But some of the other revelations, particularly regarding the players' social behavior, were more startling. For the most part, the book is a look-back at the 1986 season, which any true Mets fan will love. Just be prepared for the unexpected.

According to former Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez, who played on the 1986 New York Mets squad, today's baseball players are "robots" who dress nicely and lack emotion. Jeff Pearlman, author of "The Bad Guys Won!", goes even further, claiming athletes in the major leagues these days are mostly dullards who listen to their iPods, play their video games and hole up in their hotel rooms on the road as if the outside world doesn't exist. Though it's probably not as cut and dry as that, it is true that the 1980s and the decades that preceded it were periods when professional athletes were considerably more rough around the edges, less exposed by the media and less influenced by the almighty dollar and the marketing bonanza that follows big-money contracts. To be sure, players like Dwight Gooden and Daryl Strawberry capitalized big-time on the endorsements that came their way, but as Pearlman points out, the `86 Mets symbolize a more free-for-all time period for athletes that is refreshing to recall and all but extinct nowadays. The `86 Mets might not have been as crazy as, say, 1980s-era Motley Crue, but they were definitely a wild bunch of in-your-face ruffians. During the season team brawls took place on the field and in bars; planes got trashed; ridiculous team rap songs got recorded; peppy drugs erased yesterday's hangover; womanizing took place on the road; crazy, intricate pranks happened during games; and an all-for-one cocky mentality defined this never-say-die team -- those were the things that made this group of Mets so interesting, memorable and despised by many. Amazingly, manager Davey Johnson, himself no teetotaler and a very bright man with a wide range of interests outside of baseball, let his players do their thing off the field. As long as the Mets were winning, which they did with consistency nearly the entire season, Johnson let the "boys will be boys" mentality reign supreme. Undoubtedly, Johnson was the right manager at the right time for the right team. Some of the players' shenanigans were serious and had consequences, however. The drug use by Gooden, for example, though slyly hidden from the public and even from team members, was very real and a sobering reminder of how the mighty can slowly descend to addict oblivion hell. Yes, Gooden may have had several more solid years with the Mets after `86, but his longevity, star power and overall performance faded bad as his substance abuse problems continued. Unfortunately, Gooden's downward spiral seemed to start in earnest during the `86 season. And Strawberry, Gooden's seemingly on-and-off buddy, was hardly better in the "just say no" department. In fact, he may have been worse. This was a team of diverse, offbeat characters -- not all of them complete party animals, either -- and Pearlman does a good job of relating what went on during the unforgettable `86 season. Unfortunately, the author inserts his sarcastic opinions and unfunny comments a bit too much, and his overly enthusiastic descriptions of the mayhem at times sound fawning, envious and a bit adolescent, no different from the grown men he's covering. On the field, though, it's great to read about the Mets' willful trek through the playoffs, where the National League Championship Series with the Houston Astros was almost as fascinating to read about as the classic seven-game World Series against the forever cursed Boston Red Sox (at least at the time). All in all, if you want the dishy scoop on this colorful Mets team, Pearlman's book is a great place to find it.