Books about Championships from Amazon.com

After a tough 2006 season, the New York Giants appeared to be heading for more disappointment–and potential shake-ups–in the coming season. Instead, they fought their way to an unforgettable Super Bowl finish against the previously undefeated New England Patriots.

In A Team to Believe In, head coach Tom Coughlin gives the ultimate insider’s account of the Giants’ 2007 campaign and reflects on the resilience and selflessness that allowed the team to succeed. Behind the saga of persistence and on-the-field triumphs, however, is the story of how Coughlin, a proud and intensely private man, often mischaracterized by the press as a strict disciplinarian, has continually made subtle adjustments to his approach to the game and to the new players. Whether giving the right speech for the right occasion, drawing media criticism away from his players, or fostering team unity with offbeat events and smartly timed relaxed curfews, Coughlin approached the season willing to make the necessary changes to his management style–and the team followed.

In gripping detail, Coughlin takes us on the Giants improbable 2007 journey: the tough staffing and free-agency decisions; the early-season setbacks that again placed the team in the media’s crosshairs; late-season near misses, comeback victories, and goal-line stands; the play-off march through Tampa Bay and Dallas and the overtime victory against Green Bay in the subzero cold of Lambeau Field; and the amazing two weeks that ended with Super Bowl XLII. Along the way, Coughlin explains what life experiences prepared him for the season’s challenges and what lessons helped his team achieve a string of improbable victories.

The 2007 New York Giants are an inspiring example of team and trust, hope and perseverance, and A Team to Believe In is the thrilling story of their astounding underdog season..
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Gary Matthews--All-Star player, coach, and broadcaster--led the Phillies into the World Series in 1983 after an MVP performance in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now the Sarge gives readers a seat in the Phillies dugout as he recounts the day-to-day journey that led to the team's first World Series appearance since 1993. From the off-season acquisition of Brad Lidge to the early-season struggles of Ryan Howard to the team's down-to-the-wire quest for the NL East crown, Phillies Confidential is both an insider's peek into the 2008 clubhouse and a must-have, commemorative keepsake of a Phillies season for the ages..
Price: $12.29 [Notify me when price goes down.]

The racing rules of sailing explained. Get ahead of the competition with this straight talking, practical guide to the racing rules 2008-2012

Rules in Practice is primarily for competitive sailors who race in keelboats and dinghies.  The Racing Rules of Sailing apply to all forms of sailboat racing.  The author – a member of the International Sailing Federation - looks at 100 key situations that occur on the racecourse – both championship and club racing.  Unlike the competition, Bryan looks at each situation from your viewpoint, the helmsman. It summarizes what each may, must, or cannot do.

 Armed with this information you will have the confidence to exploit your rights to the full, on the water and in the protest room.

 It features a special analysis of the latest rule changes and has been extended to contain the very latest Rules and Appendices in full.

 Introduction.

1. The Basics.

2. Before the Preparatory Signal.

3. In the Preparatory Period.

4. The Start.

5. The Gate Start.

6. On the Beat.

7. Rounding the Windward Mark.

8. On the Reach.

9. Rounding the Wing Mark.

10. Rounding the Leeward Mark from the Reach.

11. On the Run.

12. Rounding the leeward mark from the Run.

13. The Finish.

14. Means of Propulsion.

15. Taking a Penalty.

16. Protesting.

17. Requesting Redress & Appealing.

 The Racing Rules of Sailing for 2005-2008.

Introduction.

Basic principle.

Part 1. Fundamental Rules.

Part 2. When Boats Meet.

Part 3. Conduct of a Race.

Part 4. Other Requirements When Racing.

Part 5. Protests, Redress, Hearings, Misconduct & Appeals.

Part 6. Entry and Qualification.

Part 7. Race Organization.

Appendices.

Index..
Price: $14.53 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Paul Kirk's Championship Barbecue Cookbook. THE HARVARD COMMON PRESS/HAROLD IMPORTS.
Price: $4.98 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Foreword from Dana White, UFC President

Ever since I can remember, I always loved fights. Whether it was sitting in front of the television watching boxing on Saturday afternoons when I was growing up or getting together with a bunch of friends to go to the arena to see a championship fight, there was nothing better than watching two fighters go toe-to-toe while matching wits and trying to prove who had the bigger heart.

To me, it was better than baseball, basketball or football, sports where you had teammates to help you out or take the blame when you lost. Fighting was a one-on-one sport, mano e mano, with no excuses. If you won, you took all the glory; you lost, you had no one to blame but yourself.

It was sport at its purest, but as the years went on, I saw boxing get engulfed and diluted by politics, in-fighting, and greed. I started to get disillusioned by the sport I loved, and it wasn’t until I met some athletes competing in a sport called mixed martial arts that the love of combat sports came back for me like it did when I was growing up.

In this sport, which combined the disciplines of boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu, I not only saw the future, but I saw the understated artistry that only true fight fans can appreciate. It’s something a lot of people can’t see, and I could never really put my finger on what it is, but when I saw Kevin Lynch’s photographs, I finally found something I could point to and say “that’s it. That’s what this sport is about.”

So when we at the Ultimate Fighting Championship decided to move forward with the book project that became Octagon, there was no question who would be the photographer. And while Kevin’s talent is obvious, his understanding of this sport and its athletes was another key factor in our decision, because let’s face it – not everyone is willing to look past the misconceptions about mixed martial arts and give it the fair treatment it deserves.

It’s been a long process to get to this point – for the UFC and for this book – but it was of the utmost importance to get it right, whether that meant unprecedented access to our events for Kevin, or having him capture our athletes at their most vulnerable, which was immediately before and after their fights. In combat sports, or any sport for that matter, vulnerability can be seen as weakness; but one look at the pictures in this book will show that behind the bruises and cuts and the defeated or triumphant eyes, there is strength. It’s what these athletes are all about, and let me tell you, it takes a special person to step into that Octagon and fight another man – it’s why I call our guys real fighters, and why many of them are like family to me.

Octagon captures everything that’s great about this sport, and it makes me a fan all over again. It also reminds me that even with all the traveling, business meetings, interviews, late hours, and time away from my family, I’m here because I love fights and the UFC, and I always will.

- Dana White

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The author offers up 175 recipes that impart bold zesty flavor to every cut of meat!.
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GRACIE JIU-JITSU - THE MASTER TEXT THE DEFINITIVE TEXT ON BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU FROM GRAND MASTER HELIO GRACIE HIMSELF! This 8.5 x 11 inch 284 -page hardbound full color masterpiece is packed with over 1, 300 photos! This collector quality first edition will be one of the most sought-after books in the martial arts world for years to come. Get in on the ground floor and be one of the few to own the first edition of GRACIE JIU-JITSU - THE MASTER TEXT. In a clear and easy-to-follow format, Grand Master Helio Gracie addresses different aspects of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu method that bears his name. From the first page to the last, you'll get a simple break down of how to systematically progress and technically improve your mat game regardless of your background or grappling ability. Now over 90 years old, still training and teaching, Helio Gracie has left an enduring worldwide legacy that can only be found in GRACIE JIU-JITSU - THE MASTER TEXT.
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