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Best There Ever Was: Dan Patch and the Dawn of the American Century
by Sharon B. SmithHis winning percentage was well above Jordan's shooting average or Woods's domination of golf tournaments. And he sold products and drew spectators like no one had ever done. He was hands-down the most famous athlete in America's most popular spectator sport, and exactly one hundred years ago you would have been hard pressed to find anybody in the country who didn't know his name. He was Dan Patch, and he was a racehorse. At the turn of the last century, harness racing drew larger crowds and offered bigger paychecks than any other sport. Its stars were household names, and Dan Patch was both the most celebrated and the richest. As successful as he was on the track, Dan Patch was also America's first "marketing machine": the horse who could sell cigars, washing machines, stoves, automobiles, and animal feed, just by the presence of his name and photograph. The Best There Ever Was examines the evolution of sports marketing through the lives of Dan Patch and the three men who owned him: an Indiana breeder, Dan Messner; M. E. Sturgis, who sold the horse for $20,000 (a fortune in those days) and spent the rest of his life trying to buy him back; and Marion W. Savage of Minneapolis, whose entrepreneurial skills presaged today's sports marketing geniuses.Any athlete who can draw a 90,000-person crowd, offer up world records, and then sell a coal stove with his name on it may well be the best by anybody's standards. A fun and fascinating read for sports lovers.
Best in Show: The World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows
by Bo BengtsonBo Bengtson is regarded today as the foremost international authority on dog shows past and present, and his definitive volume Best in Show: The World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows has become an "instant classic," hailed by critics around the world as the most important book ever written about the sport of dogs. Richard G. Beauchamp, a revered judge and author, praises Best in Show: "At long last a factual and meticulously researched history of the purebred dog scene. It's an everything-you-ever-wanted-to know book about the fascinating world of show dogs..." Best in Show spans the history of dog shows from its beginnings in England to the present-day, highlighting the most important dogs, shows, judges, handlers, breeders, and more in 656 pages overflowing with over 700 full-color and historical black-and-white images.Bengtson is at once a student of dog-show history, an accomplished scholar, a highly regarded international judge, a breeder of champions, and, as Kerrin Winter-Churchill surmises, "the greatest living dog writer of our times." His ultimate achievement, the award-winning Best in Show begins with a history of the dog sport, "How Dog Shows Began," a chapter that talks about the development of pure breeds, the beginnings of the dog fancy, and the first dog shows. To understand the essence of dog shows, it's critical to understand what show judges are looking for, a topic that Bengtson covers in the chapter "The Breed Standards." "Without breed standards, dog shows could not exist. It would be impossible to conduct any meaningful comparison of dogs without universally accepted descriptions of each breed.... At their best, the standards...give a vivid, colorful word picture of the image each breed represents, in motion and standing, when alert and at rest." With illustrations from early and modern breed standards, this chapter discusses the evolution of the standards and addresses the variations in certain breed standards from country to country.The third chapter is devoted to dog shows and highlights the most important shows in Britain and the United States. A detailed discussion of England's most famous dog show, Crufts, begins with the origins of the show and traces its development through the 21st century. (A complete roster of the winners of Crufts is presented in the appendix of the book.) America's most highly regarded show, the Westminster Kennel Club is discussed, accompanied by many photographs of the show and its Best in Show winners. (Roster of WKC winners can also be found in the appendix.) Bengtson also discusses other premiere shows in the U.S. including Santa Barbara, Morris & Essex, AKC/Eukanuba as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale's annual event, the World Dog Show. The following chapter discusses specialty shows (shows for one breed or one group), addressing the importance and purpose of specialty shows as well as some of the anomalies of certain breed events. The chapter also highlights some top winners as well as America's most famous group specialty show, the Montgomery County Kennel Club's terrier classic.Separate chapters are dedicated to the judges, breeders, and handlers who have made their mark on the sport of purebred dogs. International in scope, each chapter highlights the most accomplished individuals in the sport, summarizing their accomplishments and their special areas of expertise. The chapters also explain what's required to become a professional in the sport. The historical photographs in these chapters do a splendid job of spotlighting the careers of some of the pillars of the sport, including Anne Rogers Clark, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, Anna H. Whitney, Alva Rosenberg, Louis Murr, Anna Katherine Nicholas, Percy Roberts, Robert and Jane Forsyth as well as many contemporary greats such as Peter Green, Maxine Beam, Corky Vroom, Patricia Craige-Trotter, Jimmy Moses, David Fitzpatrick, Sylvia Hammarström, Roger Rechler, Julia Gasow, and dozens of others.The author devotes individual chapters to the greatest dogs from Britain, the United States of America, and...
Best of British: Hendo's Sporting Heroes
by Jon HendersonBest of British is a celebration of the nation's greatest 100 sporting heroes, from Henry VIII to Red Rum, Roy of the Rovers to Torvill and Dean. Jon Henderson has combed through the annals of our glorious and not so glorious past to bring us the geniuses and the eccentrics, the national treasures and the villains who together have shaped our present.Trueman and W. G., Best and Edwards, racing drivers, jockeys, rowers - just what does it take to make a sporting superhero? Hendo's 100 reveals all. Opinionated and provocative, his witty character studies - accompanied by stylish illustrations - capture the essence of his subjects' greatness, re-evaluating the famous and rescuing the forgotten. But when there's a cast of thousands to choose from, and hundreds of years of history to explore, who will make the cut for the most heroic of the heroic? Find out, in Best of British.
Best of Dickie Bird
by Dickie Bird Mr H BirdSeventy-four minutes of laughter, anecdotes, and memories from cricket's best-loved umpire. Now collected for the first time in one audiobook, here are brilliant highlights from Dickie Bird's three best-selling recordings: My Autobiography, White Cap and Bails, and An Evening with Dickie Bird.From his childhood in Barnsley to his hilarious experiences with Test cricketers, such as Ian Botham, Geoffrey Boycott, Merv Hughes, and Allan Lamb, and his own emotional farewell at Lord's, here are the best stories from cricket's favourite storyteller.(P)2007 Barn Productions
Best of Gun Digest - Handguns & Handgun Shooting
by Dave MaccarThe greatest handgun stories from the world's greatest gun book! Here for the first time in one jam-packed edition are 15 of the best handgun articles from the pages of Gun Digest, the world's greatest gun book. These in-depth articles, written by top writers and experts in the field, cover all aspects of the modern handgun scene; self defense, concealed carry, hunting, competition, history--if it's about pistols and revolvers, it's in here. Highlights include:Sixty years of six-gunsThe double action revolver for concealed carryThe Colt 1911's first centuryBest of the biggest revolversReturn of the LugerAnd much more! You won't find a more comprehensive or authoritative source for information on modern handguns than Best of Gun Digest: Handguns and Handgun Shooting.
Best of Rivals: Joe Montana, Steve Young, and the Inside Story behind the NFL's Greatest Quarterback Controversy
by Adam LazarusIn this revealing, in-depth look at the NFL's greatest quarterback controversy, Adam Lazarus takes readers into the locker room and inside the huddle to deliver the real story behind the rivalry-when Joe Montana and Steve Young battled on and off the field and forged one of the finest football dynasties of all time. From 1987 to 1994, the two future Hall of Famers spurred each other on to remarkable heights, including three Super Bowl wins and four MVP awards, and set new standards forquarterback excellence. The two men couldn't have been more different in background, personality, and playing style, and their competition created as much tension as it did greatness, forcing Montana to prove that he was still the game's best quarterback and Young to prove that he was a worthy successor. Featuring candid interviews with Montana, Young, Jerry Rice, George Seifert, and many more,Best of Rivalsbrings to life the story of two sports legends, the golden era of football their rivalry presided over, and the amazing legacy it produced.
Best of the Best (Baseball Greats)
by Tim GreenJosh is still flying high from his team's tournament win at Cooperstown when his parents start talking about a divorce. Now his dad is challenging him to play the best of the best at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But does he just want to get Josh out of the way? Two things are sure: His father's new girlfriend, Diane, is looking to change things, and Josh is determined to get her and her terrible son out of his life. With the help of Benji and Jaden, Josh races to get the facts that can keep his family together-but it's ever harder to concentrate on the game and make the winning plays that will lead his team to victory. In his compelling style, Tim Green delivers great sports action and more-a fast-paced adventure about friendship, the power of becoming a team, and finding a way to get what you need when you can't have what you want.
Betaball: How Silicon Valley and Science Built One of the Greatest Basketball Teams in History
by Erik MalinowskiMoneyball meets The City Game in this compelling look at how the NBA champion Golden State Warriors embraced savvy business practices, next-gen science, and the corporate culture of Silicon Valley to not only produce one of the greatest basketball teams in history but also revolutionize the NBA.Discover the definitive, inside account of how the Warriors, under the leadership of venture capitalist Joe Lacob and Hollywood producer Peter Guber, quickly became one of the most remarkable success stories ever, both in sports and business. In just five years, they turned a declining franchise with no immediate hope into one of the greatest teams in basketball, a period that included the rise of All-Star point guard Stephen Curry and two NBA championships in the past three years. By operating in "beta"—always innovating, unafraid to embrace change, encouraging risk—the Warriors have become a model organization for American professional sports, instituting the best workplace principles found inside the world's most successful corporations and instilling a top-down organizational ethos that allows their employees to thrive, from the front office to the free-throw line. With in-depth access and meticulous reporting on and off the court, acclaimed journalist Erik Malinowski recounts a gripping tale of worlds colliding, a team's reinvention, ordinary people being pushed to extraordinary heights, and the Golden State Warriors' unending quest to remain the best.
Betsy's Day at the Game
by Greg Bancroft Katherine BlackmoreBetsy loves hanging out with her grandfather, especially at the ballpark. Today is another game day, and Betsy is ready to show her grandpa all she's learned about keeping score. Some exciting things are about to happen at today's game. As the anticipation builds, Betsy keeps track of it all -- foul balls, home runs, and favorite players.This heartwarming story about a family tradition and America's favorite pastime includes a full scorecard. With great illustrations, Betsy's Day at the Game teaches kids how to fill out a scorecard, and encourages them to share their memories with their families.
Better Faster Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women
by Maggie Mertens&“From foot-binding to corsets, patriarchal societies have found ways to immobilize women, but now, marathoners and Olympians are proving that women can run like the wind!&” —GLORIA STEINEM "A look behind the curtain that all women who love running and sport should read.&” —KARA GOUCHER, Olympic runner and New York Times-bestselling author of The Longest RaceMore than a century ago, a woman ran in the very first modern Olympic marathon. She just did it without permission. Award-winning journalist Maggie Mertens uncovers the story of how women broke into competitive running and how they are getting faster and fiercer every day—and changing our understanding of what is possible as they go. Despite women proving their abilities on the track time and again, men in the medical establishment, media, and athletic associations have fought to keep women (or at least white women) fragile—and sometimes literally tried to push them out of the race (see Kathrine Switzer, Boston Marathon, 1967). Yet before there were running shoes for women, they ran barefoot or in nursing shoes. They ran without sports bras, which weren&’t invented until 1977, or disguised as men. They faced down doctors who put them on bed rest and newspaper reports that said women collapsed if they ran a mere eight hundred meters, just two laps around the track. Still today, women face relentless attention to their bodies: Is she too strong, too masculine? Is she even really a woman? Mertens transports us from that first boundary-breaking marathon in Greece, 1896, to the earliest &“official&” women&’s races of the twentieth century to today&’s most intense ultramarathons, in which women are setting all-out records, even against men. For readers of Good and Mad, Born to Run, and Fly Girls, Better Faster Farther takes us inside the lives and the victories of the women who have redefined society&’s image of strength and power."An essential read to normalize women's existence, excellence, and humanity within the sport of running.&” —ALISON MARIELLA DÉSIR
Better Than Bombproof
by Rick PelicanoIn his bestselling first bookBombproof Your Horse, Sergeant Rick Pelicano of the Maryland National Park Police shared the one-of-a-kind, step-by-step exercises he uses to prepare police horses and riders for duty. By doing so, he transformed the concept of bombproof into a proactive form of training thatanyrider can apply to her horse. Now he's back and taking bombproof to a whole new level.Sergeant Pelicano exposes the most common problems he sees in his bombproofing clinic's lack of rider control, rider fear or anxiety, and herd-bound horses, to name a few. He provides the techniques that have successfully countered these situations—groundwork such as longeing and long-lining around and past scary obstacles, for example.He also arms you with the seven magic under-saddle skills he feels every horse should know some movements from the dressage ring and others from the world of Western riding. These are the tools you need when faced with the possibility of your horse rearing, shying, running for the hills, or otherwise reacting in a dangerous or uncontrolled manner.Sergeant Pelicano also tackles complex compound bombproofing situations, such as opening and closing gates, carrying flags, and discharging firearms from the saddle. And, a bombproof horse is the perfect mount to ride in parades, drill teams, and musical demonstrations—participating in these activities actually furthers his bombproof training by continuously exposing him to different sights, sounds, and settings.Better than Bombproofis chock full of information on how to prepare an equestrian group for a parade, ride in formation, and perform with a drill team—including 11 specialized movements, a complete sample ride, and details on how to time your ride to music.With additional chapters on easy-to-use trailer-loading techniques as well as some of the unique games on horseback that Sergeant Pelicano plays with his police unit to enforce horse and rider skills, you're sure to find an exciting new array of exercises to help further desensitize your horse to potentially frightening situations. Plus, a special section on defensive riding techniques shows you how to avoid a suspicious individual or counter an attacker when out on the trail—just one more way to help you feel safer and more confident every time you get in the saddle.
Better Than Perfect (More Than A Game #1)
by Kristina MathewsMore Than A Game, #1 The woman he left behind and the son he never knew are tougher opponents than any he's met on the field. Pitcher Johnny "The Monk" Scottsdale has won awards, been named an All-star and has a perfect game to his credit. Known for his legendary control both on and off the field, his pristine public image makes him the ideal person to work with youth players in a preseason minicamp. Except the camp is run by the one woman he can't forget...the woman who made him a "monk." Alice Harrison's three strikes include an unexpected pregnancy, a marriage of convenience and young widowhood. She once traded her dreams so Johnny could have a chance at making it to the Majors. Johnny comes back into her life just as she's ready to resign as foundation director and pursue her own dreams of finally earning her teaching credential. Her plans may go on hold, though, depending on the reaction when she confesses she may have kept a major league secret from Johnny and her son. With the minutes ticking by until Johnny will leave for spring training, they'll need to let go of the past and work together in order to win the game of love. CONTENT WARNING: Some strong language, consummated love scenes83,204 Words
Better Than Perfect (Wild Cards)
by Simone Elkeles<p>A fresh and fun repackage of Wild Cards, Better Than Perfect launches a romantic new series from New York Times bestselling author Simone Elkeles. <p>After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek's counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else's family drama. <p>Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain—people you care about leave without a backward glance. So when her older sister comes home after abandoning her ten years earlier, with her hot new stepson in tow, Ashtyn wants nothing to do with either of them. Then she comes up with a plan that would finally give her the chance to leave, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and get the future she wants?</p>
Better by Saturday -- Driving: Featuring Tips by Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers
by Greg MidlandTips and lessons for improving your golf game, specifically driving.
Better by Saturday -- Iron Play/Long Game: Featuring Tips by Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers
by Dave AllenFor more than forty-five years, Golf Magazine has attracted the best instructors in the sport. Now, Golf Magazine brings together its Top 100 Teachers to offer quick, essential tips -- only one page long and each with its own illustrative photo -- to help you save strokes the very next time you play. Every golfer knows that approach shots often expose a player's inconsistency -- and that no two holes ever play the same. In this book, such renowned teachers as Kent Cayce, Rick Martino, and Jim Flick help you size up and attack your long shots.
Better by Saturday -- Putting: Featuring Tips by Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers
by Dave AllenFor more than forty-five years, Golf Magazine has attracted the best instructors in the sport. Now, Golf Magazine brings together its Top 100 Teachers to offer quick, essential tips -- only one page long and each with its own illustrative photo -- to help you save strokes the very next time you play. Every golfer knows that approach shots often expose a player's inconsistency -- and that no two holes ever play the same. In this book, such renowned teachers as Kent Cayce, Rick Martino, and Jim Flick help you size up and attack your long shots. This book spans every aspect of iron play and the long game with professional-grade help you can put into play now. Try a tip. You'll be playing Better By Saturday.
Better by Saturday -- Short Game: Featuring Tips by Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers
by Greg MidlandFor more than forty-five years, GOLF MAGAZINE has attracted the best instructors in the sport. Now GOLF MAGAZINE brings together its Top 100 Teachers to offer quick, essential tips -- only one page long and each with its own illustrative photo -- to help you save strokes the very next time you play. Some players can hit it long. Others have a great touch on the greens. But if you're like most players, your short game is the crucial link between the fairway and the pin.
Better to Reign in Hell
by Jim Miller Kelly MayhewThe silver-and-black-clad Oakland Raiders fans are the most notorious in American professional sports, with a mythic reputation for cursing, drinking, brawling, and generally wreaking mayhem. The devotion of the team's multiracial, largely blue-collar supporters runs deep, creating a profound sense of community. As Jim Miller and Kelly Mayhew reveal in this hair-raising and entertaining new book, the self-described Raider Nation, smitten with its outlaw mystique, provides a gritty alternative to California's sunshine-and-granola image.Over the course of the harrowing 2003 season, Miller and Mayhew explored the reality behind the myth and interviewed legions of rabid Raiders fans--from suburban families to bikers--while attending games in the "Black Hole" (the rowdiest section in Oakland's stadium), frequenting sports bars, and crashing tailgate parties. Featuring the extraordinary photography of Joseph A. Blum, Better to Reign in Hell is both a rollicking tale of obsessive fandom and a fascinating study of the intersection of class, race, gender, and community in professional sports.
Betting Against the Crowd: A Complex Systems Approach
by Yair NeumanCrowds are misleading, both in their simplicity and in their complexity. On the one hand, they behave according to expected trends; on the other, they present sudden shifts and frantic, unexpected behavior. Therefore, “betting against the crowd,” whether in politics, sports, or finance, requires a deep understanding of the crowd’s dynamics. In this book, Prof. Neuman addresses this challenge by delving into the complexity of crowds. The book involves foundational issues and novel ideas, such as why crowds behave unexpectedly, why betting against the crowd is possible only in short time frames, why is it important to be attentive to suspicious signs that are indicative of the crowd’s behavior, and why the long tail of fatalities in armed conflicts leaves us surprised by blitz attacks of violent mobs. The book combines scientific knowledge, experiments, and accessible, often humorous, exposition. It can be read by anyone with a basic science education who seeks to understand crowds and how one can act within and against them.
Betting Game (Orca Sports)
by Heather M. O'ConnorJack's a star player on an elite soccer team along with his brother, Alex. The Lancers are on top of the league, even favored to win the National Championship. But the game's about to change. A slick bookie wins Jack's friendship and introduces him to illegal betting. Before long, Jack is hooked on the adrenaline rush, and early wins convince him that gambling could make him rich. Meanwhile, an ever-widening rift is forming between the two brothers. Suddenly, Jack's "system" fails and his luck runs out. How could a few losses pile up to a gut-kicking ten grand? When he can't pay, the bookie gives Jack one way out--throw the National Championship. But can he betray his brother, his team and himself?
Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies
by Richard EngHow to enjoy a day at the races-and bet to win! The last two years have seen a record number of Americans tune in for climatic Triple Crown races featuring Smarty Jones and Funny Cide; in 2004, television viewership jumped a whopping 61 percent over the record set in 2003, and the Belmont Stakes race itself drew a record crowd of more than 120,000! This easy-to-understand guide shows first-time visitors to the track how to enjoy the sport of horse racing-and make smart bets. It explains what goes on at the track, what to look for in horses and jockeys, how to read a racing form and do simple handicapping, and how to manage betting funds and make wagers that stand a good chance of paying off. Complete with coverage of off-track and online betting, it's just what anyone needs to play the ponies-and win! Richard Eng (Las Vegas, NV) is a racing writer and handicapper for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a columnist for the Daily Racing Form, and the host of a horseracing radio program in Las Vegas. He was formerly a part of the ABC Sports team that covered the Triple Crown.
Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies
by Richard EngBetting on Horse Racing For Dummies is packed with information that teaches you the ins and outs of the racetrack. You&’ll learn how to improve your odds, avoid common betting mistakes, and just plain have fun at the races. This is a spectator&’s easy-to-understand guide, so you&’ll have no trouble identifying the racing breeds with their strengths and weaknesses, sizing up the jockey, understanding the importance and role of a trainer, placing bets, managing money, and beyond. Can&’t make it to the track? No worries! You&’ll get the scoop on online betting with off track betting sites and apps. This update covers the latest changes in the betting world and in the racing world, so you&’ll know just what you&’re wagering. Learn about the different types of horse racing Discover and identify the best racing breeds Know your jockeys and trainers Make smart wagers and manage your fundsFor beginning betters, Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is your ticket to well informed wagers and a winning edge. Already know the ropes? You&’ll love the market trends and insider tips you&’ll find inside.
Betting on the Rookie
by Stephanie DoyleThey've both got their eye on the prize Sports agent Samantha Baker needs an epic comeback after the disaster that destroyed her career. Just one client, and she'll prove she can do this thing again. And that one client has to be Evan Tanner. A late-blooming rookie with talent for the record books, Evan's got everything it takes. And, sure, Evan can win on the field, but winning over Samantha is a whole other ball game. She's been hurt personally and professionally, so just one lie will strike him out for good. So while Sam's intent on the major league, Evan won't give up on an even bigger prize: the trust of this woman he loves.
Betty Bunny Wants a Goal (Betty Bunny)
by Michael B. Kaplan Stephane JorischSoccer is the first sport most kids play, and Betty Bunny is taking the field. She proudly announces that she will score ten goals in her first game. But like most preschoolers, Betty Bunny's ideas are not exactly in line with reality. When she fails to score a single goal, she decides that "soccer is yucky" and stuffs her uniform in the trash. Now it's up to her family to help Betty Bunny see the value of not giving up when things get hard. In a story about hard work and achieving your goals, Betty Bunny learns that with practice, she can do anything. But in Betty Bunny's world, this lesson has surprising results.
Betty Bunny Wants a Goal (Betty Bunny)
by Michael KaplanFor fans of Ladybug Girl and Charlie & Lola, check out the loveable handful nobunny can resist! Betty Bunny puts her own funny preschool spin on soccer (and practice). From the creator of Disney’s T.V. series Dog with a Blog.Soccer is the first sport most kids play, and Betty Bunny is taking the field. She proudly announces that she will score ten goals in her first game. But like most preschoolers, Betty Bunny's ideas are not exactly in line with reality. When she fails to score a single goal, she decides that "soccer is yucky" and stuffs her uniform in the trash. Now it's up to her family to help Betty Bunny see the value of not giving up when things get hard. In a story about hard work and achieving your goals, Betty Bunny learns that with practice, she can do anything. But in Betty Bunny's world, this lesson has surprising results.