National Network for Equitable Library Service

Life is boring: filled with meetings and traffic, errands and emails. Nothing we'd ever call fun. But what if we've gotten fun wrong' In Play Anything, visionary game designer and philosopher Ian Bogost shows how we can overcome our daily anxiety; transforming the boring, ordinary world around us into one of endless, playful possibilities. The key to this playful mindset lies in discovering the secret truth of fun and games. Play Anything, reveals that games appeal to us not because they are fun, but because they set limitations.

"The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day; the score stood four to two with but one inning more to play." Thus begins one of the most famous poems in American history: Ernest L. Thayer's Casey at the Bat. When the powerful Mudville baseball team enters the ninth inning of their game behind by two runs, things seem pretty grim. And when the first two batters make outs, it looks like their best player, the mighty Casey, won't even get a chance to win the game for them.

Do you have a favorite sports hero? If so, have you ever wondered about what kind of zany things things he or she likes to do when not competing? Have you ever wondered what the great athletes like to eat, or what they like to drink? For instance, it's a little-known fact that baseball great Babe Ruth relished the chance to wolf-down pickled eels and chocolate ice cream! Do you ever imagine what their childhoods were like? This fascinating book answers all these questions and many more you might never have even thought to ask!

A biography of the legendary professional football coach and strategist. After playing with the AAFC Yankees and NFL Giants, then as defensive coach of the Giants, Landry spent thirty years as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, including twenty consecutive winning seasons. Discusses his relations to players, including those not sharing his temperament and background.

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers traces the life experiences and philosophies that inspired his championship-winning techniques, revealing how he forged successful teams by combining talents and promoting trust.

Barra exposes the uncanny parallels--and lifelong friendship--between Micky Mantle and Willie Mays, two of the greatest baseball players ever to take the field.

Presents the definitive treatise of the contemplative man's recreation: Angling. It is a discourse of rivers, fish and fishing, into which is woven reflections of 17th century life.

Myers offers a portrait of one of the world's greatest boxers chronicles his childhood, his rise as a champion, his politics, and his battle against Parkinsons' disease.

"Zero regrets. It's a philosophy not just about sport but about life . There has to be a vision, a dream, a plan. Then you chase that with everything you've got." Over three consecutive Olympic games, Apolo Ohno has come to symbolize the very best of the competitive spirit. In Zero Regrets, he shares the inspiring personal story behind his remarkable success, as well as the hard won truths and strategies he has discovered in good times and bad.