I recently checked out Andre Agassi's autobiography from the library. Since it is considered a new book, it can only be checked out for two weeks instead of the usual four. This concerned me; I wasn't sure that I would have enough free time to read it. These concerns turned out to be unfounded - I was finished in less than a week. It was a well-written and unflinching account of his life and career.
I'm not a big tennis fan; I pay a little attention during the Grand Slam events, but that's it. Agassi was one player that I did root for, even though sometimes his image as an anti-establishment punk was a bit much. I often root for underdogs, and since Agassi was often in Pete Sampras' shadow, I think he seemed like one. Of course, Andre won eight Grand Slam tournaments and was ranked number one in the world more than once; making him perhaps the most successful underdog ever.
But back to the book. Agassi goes into a lot of detail about his childhood as well what seems like every tournament he ever played. Throughout the book, he is brutally honest about his behavior and feelings. He goes into detail about his drug use, his marriage and divorce to Brooke Shields, and the physical pain he endured towards the end of his career. Multiple times he mentions always hating tennis; having been forced into it by his father. He comes across as now being at peace with everyone in his life. He reserves most of his criticism for himself. The book is refreshingly free of anger and cheap shots at others - with one exception.
One story did seem out of place, given the overall tone of the book. Agassi mentions that Pete Sampras once tipped a valet parking attendant only one dollar. This story seemed quite unnecessary. There were a couple of other passages that were critical of Sampras as a player and rival, but this was the only story in the book that was really mean. A few weeks ago, Agassi and Sampras were playing an exhibition match for charity. It was supposed to be a fun event, with players wearing microphones. After Sampras imitated Agassi's pigeon-toes walking style, Agassi made reference to the tipping story. This led to Sampras directly aiming a serve at Agassi's head, then some tense moments between them.
Overall, I quite enjoyed the book. It was a fast, though at times uncomfortable, read. I would recommend it to anyone who had even a passing interest in tennis in the late 1980s or 1990s.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Mattress Shopping
Today was a milestone day for our family. We bought a new twin bed for my almost three year-old son. It gets delivered tomorrow; though we're keeping the crib installed in his room for a while in order to ease the transition. Hopefully, it will go relatively smoothly. I have no doubt that keeping him in bed before he falls asleep each night will be a challenge.
After we got home from the store, I got to thinking. We bought a new bed for our daughter a few years ago, and a new bed for us a couple years before that. But now we likely won't be in the market for a new mattress for another decade or so. I would imagine that this scenario is similar for most families. So how do so many mattress stores stay in business. There are several of them in our area. I just can't imagine that there is enough business to go around. Perhaps I'm wrong - how often do people buy new mattresses?
After we got home from the store, I got to thinking. We bought a new bed for our daughter a few years ago, and a new bed for us a couple years before that. But now we likely won't be in the market for a new mattress for another decade or so. I would imagine that this scenario is similar for most families. So how do so many mattress stores stay in business. There are several of them in our area. I just can't imagine that there is enough business to go around. Perhaps I'm wrong - how often do people buy new mattresses?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Book review - "1920 - The Year of the Six Presidents"
I just finished reading another book (six so far this year!). It was "1920 - The Year of the Six Presidents" by David Pietrusza. This book tells the story of the 1920 presidential election and the six former or future presidents who played roles in this election. The presidents are:
1. Theodore Roosevelt, who previously served as president from 1901-1909. After a failed third party run in 1912, he was considered the front-runner for the 1920 Republican nomination. However, he died in 1919, throwing the process into turmoil (TR's death means that technically, the book is misnamed. But I guess six is more dramatic than five.)
2. Woodrow Wilson, the current president, who was considering a run for an unprecedented third term. However, poor health (which was mostly hidden from the public) prevented this.
3. Warren Harding (SPOILER ALERT), who won the 1920 election.
4. Calvin Coolidge, Harding's running mate (ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT) who became president upon Harding's death in 1923.
5. Herbert Hoover, who did great work as part of the Wilson administration; administering aid to war-torn Europe.
6. Franklin Roosevelt, who ran for Vice President as James Cox's running mate for the Democratic party.
The first several chapters focus on short biographies of each of the above men. Then we move to the primaries and the campaign. I was amazed at how much politics have changed in the past 90 years. These were the days of the "smoke-filled rooms", where deals were cut to determine who the candidates would be. The candidates did very little campaigning; Harding spent most of the time at home in Ohio, giving speeches from his front porch to those who came to see him. The major issues of the day included Prohibition, voting rights for women, and whether the US should join the League of Nations (Wilson's forerunner of the United Nations).
The book was well-written. Even though the results are already known, there was an air of suspense to the narrative. I also found some interesting insight to the lives of these men who each played major roles in the shaping of America in the first half on the 20th century. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in American politics and elections or this period of history.
1. Theodore Roosevelt, who previously served as president from 1901-1909. After a failed third party run in 1912, he was considered the front-runner for the 1920 Republican nomination. However, he died in 1919, throwing the process into turmoil (TR's death means that technically, the book is misnamed. But I guess six is more dramatic than five.)
2. Woodrow Wilson, the current president, who was considering a run for an unprecedented third term. However, poor health (which was mostly hidden from the public) prevented this.
3. Warren Harding (SPOILER ALERT), who won the 1920 election.
4. Calvin Coolidge, Harding's running mate (ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT) who became president upon Harding's death in 1923.
5. Herbert Hoover, who did great work as part of the Wilson administration; administering aid to war-torn Europe.
6. Franklin Roosevelt, who ran for Vice President as James Cox's running mate for the Democratic party.
The first several chapters focus on short biographies of each of the above men. Then we move to the primaries and the campaign. I was amazed at how much politics have changed in the past 90 years. These were the days of the "smoke-filled rooms", where deals were cut to determine who the candidates would be. The candidates did very little campaigning; Harding spent most of the time at home in Ohio, giving speeches from his front porch to those who came to see him. The major issues of the day included Prohibition, voting rights for women, and whether the US should join the League of Nations (Wilson's forerunner of the United Nations).
The book was well-written. Even though the results are already known, there was an air of suspense to the narrative. I also found some interesting insight to the lives of these men who each played major roles in the shaping of America in the first half on the 20th century. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in American politics and elections or this period of history.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Book review - "The Yankee Years"
I just finished reading "The Yankee Years" by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci. It is the story of Torre's 12 seasons as the Yankees' manager. The 475-page book could be summed up as follows: "Jeter good. A-Rod bad."
Actually, it's not quite that simple. The bigger story is: "Players who were on the championship teams of 1996-2000 good. Players who joined the Yankees in 2001 and later bad."
I have no doubt that Torre was treated poorly by George Steinbrenner and the rest of the Yankees front office during the last couple of years of his tenure. However, the book seemed to be just a long string of complaints about how things weren't as good as they had been during the dynasty. I think we all have a tendency to long for the "good old days", not realizing that those days weren't always so good.
The book ends when Torre's contract isn't renewed after the 2007 season. Since then, he has gone on to manage the Dodgers, while the Yankees won the 2009 World Series. It was a shame how things ended, but I guess that all good things eventually come to an end.
Final thought on the book: an interesting read, but I'm glad I got it from the library rather than paying for it. Overall, it was worth reading for Yankees fans.
Actually, it's not quite that simple. The bigger story is: "Players who were on the championship teams of 1996-2000 good. Players who joined the Yankees in 2001 and later bad."
I have no doubt that Torre was treated poorly by George Steinbrenner and the rest of the Yankees front office during the last couple of years of his tenure. However, the book seemed to be just a long string of complaints about how things weren't as good as they had been during the dynasty. I think we all have a tendency to long for the "good old days", not realizing that those days weren't always so good.
The book ends when Torre's contract isn't renewed after the 2007 season. Since then, he has gone on to manage the Dodgers, while the Yankees won the 2009 World Series. It was a shame how things ended, but I guess that all good things eventually come to an end.
Final thought on the book: an interesting read, but I'm glad I got it from the library rather than paying for it. Overall, it was worth reading for Yankees fans.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
efficient vs exciting
Like many people, I watched the Super Bowl this past week. I was happy that the Saints won for a couple of reasons. One, when I first started following football, the Saints were usually among the worst teams in the league. So I always kind of rooted for them as my second favorite team, behind the Steelers.
The other reason I was happy about the results of this Super Bowl is that I didn't want the Colts to win. I don't feel any animosity towards the team, and Peyton Manning seems to be a good guy. However, the Colts play a style of football that I find uninteresting. Their offense is designed to pick up 10 yard gains seemingly at will. There seems to be a never-ending string of short slant passes. While it's admirable that the team has developed such a cold efficiency, it is dreadful to watch.
I think that a parallel can be drawn to baseball. In recent years, many teams have developed a "take and rake" offensive philosophy. That is, they are willing to take a lot of pitches while waiting for a pitch they can hit for a home run. This style results in a lot of walks and strike outs; which are the least interesting aspects of baseball.
In both sports, the "best" offense is the least entertaining. As a fan, I want to see stolen bases and extra-base hits in baseball; and long passes in football. Quite frankly, this has turned me off somewhat from both sports. I'm much less inclined to watch entire games. I doubt that I'm alone in this. But since these styles have been determined to be more effective, we're probably not going back. I just find this a little sad.
The other reason I was happy about the results of this Super Bowl is that I didn't want the Colts to win. I don't feel any animosity towards the team, and Peyton Manning seems to be a good guy. However, the Colts play a style of football that I find uninteresting. Their offense is designed to pick up 10 yard gains seemingly at will. There seems to be a never-ending string of short slant passes. While it's admirable that the team has developed such a cold efficiency, it is dreadful to watch.
I think that a parallel can be drawn to baseball. In recent years, many teams have developed a "take and rake" offensive philosophy. That is, they are willing to take a lot of pitches while waiting for a pitch they can hit for a home run. This style results in a lot of walks and strike outs; which are the least interesting aspects of baseball.
In both sports, the "best" offense is the least entertaining. As a fan, I want to see stolen bases and extra-base hits in baseball; and long passes in football. Quite frankly, this has turned me off somewhat from both sports. I'm much less inclined to watch entire games. I doubt that I'm alone in this. But since these styles have been determined to be more effective, we're probably not going back. I just find this a little sad.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
You say you want a resolution...
I'm not normally one to make formal new year's resolutions. But this year, I thought it would be a good idea (even if I'm half a month late). Here goes:
1. Reading. In 2009, I cut back significantly on TV watching and spent more time reading. I resolve to continue to do so in 2010. My goal is to read at least 24 books (2 per month). Of that total, I plan to read at least 6 "classics". (I have a loose definition of classics. Basically, it's the books they make you read in school but you don't appreciate at the time.) I will periodically post reviews of books that I find interesting.
2. Blogging. I resolve to update my blog at least once every two weeks. Hopefully I'll have worthwhile things to say...
3. Long-stitch project. When I was a kid, my mom taught me how to long-stitch, which is sort of like needlepoint. I did a couple of small projects, and also a scene of a sunset over a lake - that one is framed and hanging in our house. A long time ago (20+ years), I started another large long-stitch project of a tiger in a snowy field. I recently came across it; it is about one-third finished. It is my goal to complete this project in 2010. After that, I am never doing another such project again :-)
4. Meeting neighbors. Finally, a resolution that will be a challenge for me. I am not a particularly outgoing person; I rather dislike meeting new people. However, I realize that I need to set a better example for my kids; that includes moving out of my comfort zone. To that end, I will make a concentrated effort to get to know some of our neighbors this year. In particular, our next-door neighbors. They have 2 kids who are about the same ages as ours. They've been our neighbors for three or four years; in that time, my wife had one conversation with them. I've limited myself to saying hi and nodding to them. I vow to do better in 2010.
So there you have it. I'll keep you all updated on my progress.
1. Reading. In 2009, I cut back significantly on TV watching and spent more time reading. I resolve to continue to do so in 2010. My goal is to read at least 24 books (2 per month). Of that total, I plan to read at least 6 "classics". (I have a loose definition of classics. Basically, it's the books they make you read in school but you don't appreciate at the time.) I will periodically post reviews of books that I find interesting.
2. Blogging. I resolve to update my blog at least once every two weeks. Hopefully I'll have worthwhile things to say...
3. Long-stitch project. When I was a kid, my mom taught me how to long-stitch, which is sort of like needlepoint. I did a couple of small projects, and also a scene of a sunset over a lake - that one is framed and hanging in our house. A long time ago (20+ years), I started another large long-stitch project of a tiger in a snowy field. I recently came across it; it is about one-third finished. It is my goal to complete this project in 2010. After that, I am never doing another such project again :-)
4. Meeting neighbors. Finally, a resolution that will be a challenge for me. I am not a particularly outgoing person; I rather dislike meeting new people. However, I realize that I need to set a better example for my kids; that includes moving out of my comfort zone. To that end, I will make a concentrated effort to get to know some of our neighbors this year. In particular, our next-door neighbors. They have 2 kids who are about the same ages as ours. They've been our neighbors for three or four years; in that time, my wife had one conversation with them. I've limited myself to saying hi and nodding to them. I vow to do better in 2010.
So there you have it. I'll keep you all updated on my progress.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Top 9 Books Read in 2009
In 2009, I made an effort to spend more time reading and less time watching television. For the most part, I was successful, and also made good use of our town's library. I read about 30 books during the year. Here are mini-reviews of my nine favorites:
1. "American Lion" by Jon Meacham.
This is a biography of President Andrew Jackson, focusing mostly on his presidency and also his time as a general in the War of 1812. This book really made the time period come alive.
2. "A Great Day in Cooperstown" by Jim Reisler.
The story of how the Baseball Hall of Fame came to be. Goes into detail about the first induction in 1939 and also has "flashbacks" to the careers of those first players to be enshrined.
3. "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding.
I never read this book before. It was an interesting tale of how society can break down when we're left without rules. (A good story, even though the ending felt like a bit of cop-out).
4. "The Naked Olympics" by Tony Perrottet.
This book describes what it was like at the original Olympics in ancient Greece - for the athletes and for the spectators. I learned a lot - in a way, sports and our fandom haven't changed all that much in thousands of years.
5. "The Audacity of Hope" by Barrack Obama.
This book was written in 2006, when President Obama was still in his first term as senator. He claimed to want a government without fighting along party lines, but took a bunch of little cheap shots at the Bush Administration. I found the book a bit disappointing and the author came across as petty.
6. "Manhunt - the Twelve Day Hunt for Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson.
Detailed hour-by-hour the day leading up the the assassination, and also the following days when Booth and his co-conspirators were on the run in Maryland. Excellent story-telling.
7. "Rutherford B. Hayes" by Hans Louis Trefousse.
Shortly before Presidents' Day last year, I lamented that we spend the holiday focusing on Washington and Lincoln, completely ignoring Rutherford Hayes. This led to me joining and then becoming president of the Hayes fan club on Facebook. I felt that I should get to know more about this president, so I read this short biography. An easy read, and I learned a lot.
8. "The Year of Living Biblically" by A.J. Jacobs.
The author spent a year trying to follow every law laid out in the Bible, while living in the modern world. This includes laws regarding diet, clothing, and interpersonal relationships; many of which are completely ignored by all but the most devout. It was quite thought-provoking - why, for example, is it okay for Christians to wear clothing with two different fibers together?
9. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.
This is the original Jane Austen story, with the addition of zombies wandering the countryside, and the need to fight off attacks. I never read the original (non-zombie) version, but I would imagine it is not as exciting.
Other books of note that I read in 2009:
"Street Gang" by Michael Davis. Tells the story of how "Sesame Street" came into being. I had high hopes for this book, but found that it focused a lot more on network politics and little on the on-air personalities.
"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. A professor in his 40s with a wife and young children finds out that he has terminal cancer. The book is a series of reflections and memories that he wants to pass on. Very moving.
"The Murder of King Tut" by James Patterson. This is Patterson's first non-fiction book. He tells the story of how Tut's tomb was discovered, and also flashes back to Tut's life. The book also lays out a theory that Tut and his wife were murdered by a trusted advisor who had political ambitions of his own.
"Outliers", "Blink" and "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. Each of these books attempts to explain how we think, and how life works, but with a twist. I didn't always agree with his conclusions, but they were all interesting reads.
I plan to continue reading more and posting reviews in 2010. Stay tuned...
1. "American Lion" by Jon Meacham.
This is a biography of President Andrew Jackson, focusing mostly on his presidency and also his time as a general in the War of 1812. This book really made the time period come alive.
2. "A Great Day in Cooperstown" by Jim Reisler.
The story of how the Baseball Hall of Fame came to be. Goes into detail about the first induction in 1939 and also has "flashbacks" to the careers of those first players to be enshrined.
3. "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding.
I never read this book before. It was an interesting tale of how society can break down when we're left without rules. (A good story, even though the ending felt like a bit of cop-out).
4. "The Naked Olympics" by Tony Perrottet.
This book describes what it was like at the original Olympics in ancient Greece - for the athletes and for the spectators. I learned a lot - in a way, sports and our fandom haven't changed all that much in thousands of years.
5. "The Audacity of Hope" by Barrack Obama.
This book was written in 2006, when President Obama was still in his first term as senator. He claimed to want a government without fighting along party lines, but took a bunch of little cheap shots at the Bush Administration. I found the book a bit disappointing and the author came across as petty.
6. "Manhunt - the Twelve Day Hunt for Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson.
Detailed hour-by-hour the day leading up the the assassination, and also the following days when Booth and his co-conspirators were on the run in Maryland. Excellent story-telling.
7. "Rutherford B. Hayes" by Hans Louis Trefousse.
Shortly before Presidents' Day last year, I lamented that we spend the holiday focusing on Washington and Lincoln, completely ignoring Rutherford Hayes. This led to me joining and then becoming president of the Hayes fan club on Facebook. I felt that I should get to know more about this president, so I read this short biography. An easy read, and I learned a lot.
8. "The Year of Living Biblically" by A.J. Jacobs.
The author spent a year trying to follow every law laid out in the Bible, while living in the modern world. This includes laws regarding diet, clothing, and interpersonal relationships; many of which are completely ignored by all but the most devout. It was quite thought-provoking - why, for example, is it okay for Christians to wear clothing with two different fibers together?
9. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.
This is the original Jane Austen story, with the addition of zombies wandering the countryside, and the need to fight off attacks. I never read the original (non-zombie) version, but I would imagine it is not as exciting.
Other books of note that I read in 2009:
"Street Gang" by Michael Davis. Tells the story of how "Sesame Street" came into being. I had high hopes for this book, but found that it focused a lot more on network politics and little on the on-air personalities.
"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. A professor in his 40s with a wife and young children finds out that he has terminal cancer. The book is a series of reflections and memories that he wants to pass on. Very moving.
"The Murder of King Tut" by James Patterson. This is Patterson's first non-fiction book. He tells the story of how Tut's tomb was discovered, and also flashes back to Tut's life. The book also lays out a theory that Tut and his wife were murdered by a trusted advisor who had political ambitions of his own.
"Outliers", "Blink" and "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. Each of these books attempts to explain how we think, and how life works, but with a twist. I didn't always agree with his conclusions, but they were all interesting reads.
I plan to continue reading more and posting reviews in 2010. Stay tuned...
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