I have to confess, I saw the movie before I read Michael Lewis' Moneyball. Before the movie came out I had this book on my to-read someday list. The movie moved it up and I was recently able to pick up a copy.
Perhaps because of the Oakland A's recent successes, I must say I found nothing particularly controversial in Billy Beane's ideas of how to build a baseball team. I independently came to the conclusion years ago that on-base percentage is a more valuable stat than batting average. Of course, I'm not as good with numbers as Beane and Paul DePodesta nor am I involved in the management of a Major League Baseball team.
Being a tad mathematically challenged, there were a few parts of the book that flew over my head as Beane assembled his low budget - high win team. That didn't keep the book from being a real page turner and hard to put down. Michael Lewis writes well and makes concepts clear while holding the reader's interest. Even having seen the movie didn't spoil the read. Beane's not the sympathetic character he is in the movie and he appears to miss a few things along the way but he's still a striking figure.
If you are an A's fan, a baseball fan, a math or business whiz, or just interested in a good read then Moneyball would be well worth your time.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 01, 2012
Book review - Sixty Feet, Six Inches.
Lonnie Wheeler's Sixty Feet, Six Inches is a frank 273 page discussion between Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Reggie Jackson. At closer range than the actual distance from the mound to home, the two cover game situations, playing philosophy, great players, umpires, and cheating among other topics.
I found the book to be interesting and informative. The format is relatively unedited with no commentary by Wheeler. If Gibby or Reggie didn't say it, it isn't in here. The effect is a bit like being a fly on the wall while the two greats talk. The book is broken down by topic so it can be read a little at a time if needed.
As I read through the book I found myself learning much about baseball, Gibson, and Jackson. Think Willie Mays was the toughest hitter Gibson ever faced? Think again. Think Jackson didn't care what his teammates thought of him? Wrong. Who's most in favor of free agency and the player's union? Who would be most likely to have used steroids if they had been available when they were playing? The answers might surprise you.
If you're a baseball fan you owe it to yourself to read Sixty Feet, Six Inches. Lonnie Wheeler has compiled a classic and it's a must read.
I found the book to be interesting and informative. The format is relatively unedited with no commentary by Wheeler. If Gibby or Reggie didn't say it, it isn't in here. The effect is a bit like being a fly on the wall while the two greats talk. The book is broken down by topic so it can be read a little at a time if needed.
As I read through the book I found myself learning much about baseball, Gibson, and Jackson. Think Willie Mays was the toughest hitter Gibson ever faced? Think again. Think Jackson didn't care what his teammates thought of him? Wrong. Who's most in favor of free agency and the player's union? Who would be most likely to have used steroids if they had been available when they were playing? The answers might surprise you.
If you're a baseball fan you owe it to yourself to read Sixty Feet, Six Inches. Lonnie Wheeler has compiled a classic and it's a must read.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Saying goodbye.
There's been a lot of upheaval in my family's life recently. At the first part of July I took a new job that is about 500 miles away from where we had been living. Since then I have been living with family members while Mrs. Spiff and the kids wait on the house to sell. A few trips to see Dad just doesn't seem to be the same as all living under the same roof. Couple that with the older two being a little upset about moving and the entire situation is tiring.
Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled when my wife called last week to tell me that one of the kids' dogs was sick. We have two miniature dachshunds. They are great with the kids and much loved. The smaller of the two, Ginger, was throwing up and had been for a few days.
Several trips to the vet and many phone conversations later things were not good. It was looking like just a matter of time before the worst happened and the kids had their first experience in losing a pet. Mrs. Spiff had warned them that this might be coming. I was still concerned when I got the late night call that Ginger had passed away.
Mrs. Spiff had been planning on coming to see me and decided to move the trip up a few days. Her thinking was that it might be better to bury Ginger on relatives' property close to were the family will land rather than bury her where they are now and then have the kids lose her again when the move comes.
The burial was on Tuesday. All did well while to box was laid in the grave. It was quiet as I shoveled the dirt on. Only when Spiff Jr. and I began to pile rocks on the grave did Sis really begin to cry. I had been concerned that this would be hardest on her. At five years old it's hard to say goodbye to a pet you can't remember not being there. Even harder when your whole life is in upheaval.
Too many goodbyes.
Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled when my wife called last week to tell me that one of the kids' dogs was sick. We have two miniature dachshunds. They are great with the kids and much loved. The smaller of the two, Ginger, was throwing up and had been for a few days.
Several trips to the vet and many phone conversations later things were not good. It was looking like just a matter of time before the worst happened and the kids had their first experience in losing a pet. Mrs. Spiff had warned them that this might be coming. I was still concerned when I got the late night call that Ginger had passed away.
Mrs. Spiff had been planning on coming to see me and decided to move the trip up a few days. Her thinking was that it might be better to bury Ginger on relatives' property close to were the family will land rather than bury her where they are now and then have the kids lose her again when the move comes.
The burial was on Tuesday. All did well while to box was laid in the grave. It was quiet as I shoveled the dirt on. Only when Spiff Jr. and I began to pile rocks on the grave did Sis really begin to cry. I had been concerned that this would be hardest on her. At five years old it's hard to say goodbye to a pet you can't remember not being there. Even harder when your whole life is in upheaval.
Too many goodbyes.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Book review - 500 Ballparks.
The 386 page 500 Ballparks by Eric Pastore covers just what the title implies - 500 American and Canadian baseball parks.
Moving in alphabetical order through parks old and new, Mr. Pastore leaves few parks out as he provides at least a paragraph and information on each. From college ball through the minors, independent leagues, the Negro Leagues and on to Major League parks, the entries are interesting and informative. At least half of the parks have accompanying photos and drawings. I found the defunct or demolished parks to be among the most interesting. I was also startled to discover several Negro League parks still in existence.
Overall I found the book to be interesting and very informative. It did drag from time to time but that was attributable more to the reader than author. Mr. Pastore has performed a service to baseball fans everywhere. All in all 500 Ballparks is a must have book. Even if you don't read it from cover to cover you will want to browse through it from time to time. I plan to do so and to keep it on hand for future reference.
Moving in alphabetical order through parks old and new, Mr. Pastore leaves few parks out as he provides at least a paragraph and information on each. From college ball through the minors, independent leagues, the Negro Leagues and on to Major League parks, the entries are interesting and informative. At least half of the parks have accompanying photos and drawings. I found the defunct or demolished parks to be among the most interesting. I was also startled to discover several Negro League parks still in existence.
Overall I found the book to be interesting and very informative. It did drag from time to time but that was attributable more to the reader than author. Mr. Pastore has performed a service to baseball fans everywhere. All in all 500 Ballparks is a must have book. Even if you don't read it from cover to cover you will want to browse through it from time to time. I plan to do so and to keep it on hand for future reference.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Book review - Secure and Sure.
Robert N. Wilkin answers one simple question in Secure and Sure. Can I know for sure that I am saved and going to Heaven? To answer this question Dr. Wilkin urges his readers to follow the book's subtitle, Grasping the Promises of God.
In an easily read 206 pages Wilkin shows clearly and concisely that it is possible to be sure that one is eternally secure. He also examines why this security is in such disrepute within modern Christianity and why it is essential to understand how Jesus preached that believers could know for sure where their eternal home is. Dr. Wilkin examines the pitfalls of lacking assurance and the benefits of possessing it. He clearly demonstrates that the source for one's assurance of salvation is the promises of God, not anything done or felt by the believer.
To end the book Dr. Wilkin takes the time to examine two prominent evangelical leaders and their views on assurance. He uses quotes from conversations he has had with them along with information from their own writings to establish what they teach. He then carefully compares their teachings to Scripture to see if what they say is true.
For each assertion he makes or doctrinal position examined, Dr. Wilkin uses Scripture as his yardstick rather than any theological system. The reader is constantly pushed to examined the referenced passages for himself and see if the author is correct or in error. The included study guide, Scripture index, subject index, and annotated bibliography make such an examination accessible to most any reader.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about studying the Bible or who is seeking assurance of their eternal home. It may cross up dearly held belief systems but it clearly examines the promises that God gives His people and how they impact our lives. Part of that impact is that we can be Secure and Sure in our salvation.
In an easily read 206 pages Wilkin shows clearly and concisely that it is possible to be sure that one is eternally secure. He also examines why this security is in such disrepute within modern Christianity and why it is essential to understand how Jesus preached that believers could know for sure where their eternal home is. Dr. Wilkin examines the pitfalls of lacking assurance and the benefits of possessing it. He clearly demonstrates that the source for one's assurance of salvation is the promises of God, not anything done or felt by the believer.
To end the book Dr. Wilkin takes the time to examine two prominent evangelical leaders and their views on assurance. He uses quotes from conversations he has had with them along with information from their own writings to establish what they teach. He then carefully compares their teachings to Scripture to see if what they say is true.
For each assertion he makes or doctrinal position examined, Dr. Wilkin uses Scripture as his yardstick rather than any theological system. The reader is constantly pushed to examined the referenced passages for himself and see if the author is correct or in error. The included study guide, Scripture index, subject index, and annotated bibliography make such an examination accessible to most any reader.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about studying the Bible or who is seeking assurance of their eternal home. It may cross up dearly held belief systems but it clearly examines the promises that God gives His people and how they impact our lives. Part of that impact is that we can be Secure and Sure in our salvation.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Book review - Every Thing On It.
Every Thing On It is a 194 page collection of Shel Silverstein's poems and drawings. The book was published in 2011. Silverstein died in 1999 and this collection was drawn from works he either had under way or had left out of his previous books.
This book follows in the grand tradition of Falling Up, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and A Light in the Attic. Mr. Silverstein may have not thought that all of these poems made the cut but they fit right into this collection. The drawings add to the already descriptive poems and sometimes help to make the connection. From the toilet troll to Professor Shore to Mustache Mo, Silverstein's characters come easily to life and relate well to all ages.
Perhaps the only downside to this volume is the realization that it is the final such work. To quote the final poem in the book:
When I am gone what will you do?
Who will write and draw for you?
Someone smarter - someone new?
Someone better - maybe YOU!
What will we do indeed. Any fan of Shel's or of just good reading would do well to grab a copy of Every Thing On It as soon as possible. That will go a long way towards keeping Shel Silverstein from leaving too soon.
This book follows in the grand tradition of Falling Up, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and A Light in the Attic. Mr. Silverstein may have not thought that all of these poems made the cut but they fit right into this collection. The drawings add to the already descriptive poems and sometimes help to make the connection. From the toilet troll to Professor Shore to Mustache Mo, Silverstein's characters come easily to life and relate well to all ages.
Perhaps the only downside to this volume is the realization that it is the final such work. To quote the final poem in the book:
When I am gone what will you do?
Who will write and draw for you?
Someone smarter - someone new?
Someone better - maybe YOU!
What will we do indeed. Any fan of Shel's or of just good reading would do well to grab a copy of Every Thing On It as soon as possible. That will go a long way towards keeping Shel Silverstein from leaving too soon.
Monday, April 23, 2012
After action report - Wichita, Kansas.
Went to Wichita this past weekend for Civil War Days at Old Cowtown. The setting for the event was unique with the camps being scattered throughout the cattle drive town. Last year we went down for just one day but this year we did the entire weekend.The chance to camp and fight in a mostly period town was too much to pass up.
Arrived on Friday evening with daylight still left. Got situated and everyone set up without trouble. Mrs. Spiff and the young ones were camped only a short distance from the Ninth but with a tall privacy fence between the camps there was a good separation between civilians and military. Our camp was between two houses along a back street in the town. The two other Confederate units were similarly located, one being quite a distance away on a farm on the outskirts of town. The Federal infantry was camped a block or so away from us with another unit near the civilian camp. Nothing in Old Cowtown is very far from anything else.
All through the evening on Friday the men of the Ninth trickled in. While I did not get official numbers I would estimate the unit topping out at between 13 and 15 men counting attached men. Captain Cox and the entire NCO staff were present. After catching up with the boys I decided to hit the sack as it had been a long week.
Saturday morning saw more men arriving. Drill commenced at 0900. After individual company drill we joined the 2nd Kansas (the Vertigree Militia for the weekend) and drilled together for a time. Just over an hour later we were dismissed. Drill went well and the winter rust knocked off quickly for all.
An early lunch was in order as the battle was slated to start at 1300. A short time before, we marched out to the farmstead. Several trenches had been dug in front of the farmhouse. We were initially stationed behind the house as a wagon load of civilians came down the road from town. The wagon was stopped by the militia and, for reasons unknown, the women and children aboard were taken prisoner. This sent a frightened lad scurrying back to town to alert the Yankee troops in the area. Thus the battle was perhaps caused as were many during the war - by chance.
As the Federal troops emerged from town they began to skirmish with some irregulars to our front. We occupied the trenches and waited. Several unsuccessful assaults later we emerged and confronted the Yankees in the open. There were still enough left that we could not drive them though.
Following the battle we cleaned up and visited with the members of the public who passed by and through our camp. Several old Ninth members stopped by and caught up with the current members of the unit. Later I visited Mrs. Spiff in her camp for dinner but did not eat much due to feeling less than stellar.
A company meeting after dinner resulted in a decision to reinstate yearly $20 dues. This money will pay for the Ninth's website as well as any other company expenses. Extra monies will be applied to help supply the men with powder and caps.
Following the meeting I escorted Mrs. Spiff to a dance being held in town. After just three dances I became ill and we had to leave. Spent the rest of the evening in my bedroll feeling the effects of an upset stomach. I was later informed that the rest of the company retired to the saloon to play cards and socialize. At least one enlisted man may have had a bit more refreshment than was wise as he was on sick call the next day.
Awakened Sunday morning feeling much better than the night before but still not completely up to par. Ate a very light breakfast as I did not yet trust my innards. Several of the other men inquired as to my health. As the company was cleaning up after breakfast several shots were fired just outside of camp. 1st Sgt. Downey bellowed a call to arms, the Federals had launched a surprise attack. The battle raged throughout the town and drew in all the Confederate units as well as all but one Federal unit. The end result was a draw I believe but the forces were so intermixed that a final determination of victory may be all but impossible.
At 1300 on Sunday we again tangled with the Federal troops. This time the encounter took place along a street. The result was carnage. Most of the Ninth ended up as casualties before the final gun sounded. The crowd seemed appreciative of the effort but it was noted that several females in the crowd cheered particularly loudly whenever a southerner dropped with a wound.
Following the battle the loading and leaving began. We got loaded smoothly and hit the road for the trip home. Looking back on the event I can say that it was a good one. With the presence of public restrooms no porta-johns were needed. Firewood was provided but did run low at one point. This was remedied however. All in all we were well taken care of by the staff of Old Cowtown. In fact, a member of the staff made a stop by Mrs. Spiff's tent solely to see if she needed anything and thank her for coming. If you missed this event as either a reenactor or as a spectator then you must make a note to correct that error next year.
Arrived on Friday evening with daylight still left. Got situated and everyone set up without trouble. Mrs. Spiff and the young ones were camped only a short distance from the Ninth but with a tall privacy fence between the camps there was a good separation between civilians and military. Our camp was between two houses along a back street in the town. The two other Confederate units were similarly located, one being quite a distance away on a farm on the outskirts of town. The Federal infantry was camped a block or so away from us with another unit near the civilian camp. Nothing in Old Cowtown is very far from anything else.
All through the evening on Friday the men of the Ninth trickled in. While I did not get official numbers I would estimate the unit topping out at between 13 and 15 men counting attached men. Captain Cox and the entire NCO staff were present. After catching up with the boys I decided to hit the sack as it had been a long week.
Saturday morning saw more men arriving. Drill commenced at 0900. After individual company drill we joined the 2nd Kansas (the Vertigree Militia for the weekend) and drilled together for a time. Just over an hour later we were dismissed. Drill went well and the winter rust knocked off quickly for all.
An early lunch was in order as the battle was slated to start at 1300. A short time before, we marched out to the farmstead. Several trenches had been dug in front of the farmhouse. We were initially stationed behind the house as a wagon load of civilians came down the road from town. The wagon was stopped by the militia and, for reasons unknown, the women and children aboard were taken prisoner. This sent a frightened lad scurrying back to town to alert the Yankee troops in the area. Thus the battle was perhaps caused as were many during the war - by chance.
As the Federal troops emerged from town they began to skirmish with some irregulars to our front. We occupied the trenches and waited. Several unsuccessful assaults later we emerged and confronted the Yankees in the open. There were still enough left that we could not drive them though.
Following the battle we cleaned up and visited with the members of the public who passed by and through our camp. Several old Ninth members stopped by and caught up with the current members of the unit. Later I visited Mrs. Spiff in her camp for dinner but did not eat much due to feeling less than stellar.
A company meeting after dinner resulted in a decision to reinstate yearly $20 dues. This money will pay for the Ninth's website as well as any other company expenses. Extra monies will be applied to help supply the men with powder and caps.
Following the meeting I escorted Mrs. Spiff to a dance being held in town. After just three dances I became ill and we had to leave. Spent the rest of the evening in my bedroll feeling the effects of an upset stomach. I was later informed that the rest of the company retired to the saloon to play cards and socialize. At least one enlisted man may have had a bit more refreshment than was wise as he was on sick call the next day.
Awakened Sunday morning feeling much better than the night before but still not completely up to par. Ate a very light breakfast as I did not yet trust my innards. Several of the other men inquired as to my health. As the company was cleaning up after breakfast several shots were fired just outside of camp. 1st Sgt. Downey bellowed a call to arms, the Federals had launched a surprise attack. The battle raged throughout the town and drew in all the Confederate units as well as all but one Federal unit. The end result was a draw I believe but the forces were so intermixed that a final determination of victory may be all but impossible.
At 1300 on Sunday we again tangled with the Federal troops. This time the encounter took place along a street. The result was carnage. Most of the Ninth ended up as casualties before the final gun sounded. The crowd seemed appreciative of the effort but it was noted that several females in the crowd cheered particularly loudly whenever a southerner dropped with a wound.
Following the battle the loading and leaving began. We got loaded smoothly and hit the road for the trip home. Looking back on the event I can say that it was a good one. With the presence of public restrooms no porta-johns were needed. Firewood was provided but did run low at one point. This was remedied however. All in all we were well taken care of by the staff of Old Cowtown. In fact, a member of the staff made a stop by Mrs. Spiff's tent solely to see if she needed anything and thank her for coming. If you missed this event as either a reenactor or as a spectator then you must make a note to correct that error next year.
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