A Book Review of Dixie Walker of the Dodgers - The People's Choice Written by Maury Allen

Maury Allen wrote the biography of a major league ballplayer with deep roots back to his southern heritage. Dixie Walker became a fan favorite through his play on the field, but carries the legacy of having been an opponent to the breaking of the color barrier in baseball. In his book titled Dixie Walker of the Dodgers: The People's Choice, Maury Allen reviews this dual legacy.

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When the Brooklyn Dodgers, and specifically Branch Rickey, decided to have Jackie Robinson on the roster for the 1947 season, it was said to have been Walker who generated a petition to team management in opposition of the move.

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Seasons prior to the fateful events of spring training in 1947, Walker had been dubbed as the successor to Babe Ruth in the Yankees lineup but injuries and the arrival of a kid named Joe DiMaggio made him expendable. After accumulating decent career numbers with the White Sox and Tigers, he was picked up by the Brooklyn Dodgers for the 1940 season. With the Dodgers he not only continued to hit the baseball, but most importantly to fans, he always came through when it counted against the rival New York Giants!

As things can happen in baseball and in life, things are not always what the might seem at first. According to this article written by Jack Cuddy and carried here by the Modesto Bee, things were looking up for Dixie Walker with a change at the top of the Dodgers from Larry McPhail to Branch Rickey. According to Maury, McPhail was the "George Steinbrenner of his day" and had a lot of conflicts with Dixie because of the adulation the fans and the media heaped upon him. After the put downs and struggles with McPhail, things had to look better with new management. It was of course the efforts that Rickey made towards integration that would ultimately connect Walker and Robinson in the conflict that defined Walker's legacy.

It takes some effort to put these historical situations in context from our current cultural point of view, but during Walker's playing career it was The Negro Leagues where African Americans played the game, with a "separate but equal" type of mindset. Rickey was motivated for a number of reasons to integrate the game, including experiences with a former teammate, stocking the farm system with high caliber players, and financial reward at the gate.

Walker's perspective was of course very different, with pressures from business associates in his Alabama hometown of Birmingham, as well as a general sense throughout baseball that jobs were at stake. Players on the margins had to be looking over their shoulders at this potential influx of quality ballplayers and wanted to make every effort to save their own positions.

Maury recalls a failed strategy that Rickey used in his integration attempts, using Robinson as an opposing player during spring training in 1947, expecting the big league club to see his skill level and demand that he join the roster. This did not work of course, a petition was generated, and Walker sent a letter to Branch Rickey indicating that he wanted to be traded. Maury points out that the letter never specifically stated that the request was because he did not want to play with Robinson, but that he felt he had become a focal point in the controversy and a "scapegoat" for all of the southern players in opposition.

Walker went on to play during the 1947 season and apparently the on the field results were enough to help overcome any of the tension that had existed during spring training. Winning (and money) helped soothe many of the challenges that stood in the way of Jackie Robinson's teammates.

Maury had a chance to get to know Dixie Walker years later while Walker was coaching. The common response to any inquiries into the situation was that in those times it was a natural response to an attempt at integration, but after getting to know Jackie he learned to respect him, though they never became close friends. Walker also indicated that Robinson was not an easy person to get to like no matter his race, competitiveness and personality had an impact on a real friendship.

Dixie Walker had a good season in 1947, but the Dodgers still decided to trade him to Pittsburgh prior to 1948. Speculation was always that he was traded because of the opposition to Robinson, however as Maury discovered by speaking with Ralph Branca years later, it was purely a baseball business decision. Walker was getting up there in years and was traded as a 37 year old ballplayer in the twilight of a career. In fact, he was finished in the majors just two years later. As Rickey always said "it's better to trade a player a year too soon than a year too late".

Maury worked with Susan Walker, Dixie's daughter, when writing this book. She had no knowledge of her father's career directly, but could only infer from the comments from the numerous inquirers who knew of Walker's reputation as the guy who tried to block Jackie Robinson. Readers will get a great background on the family aspects of Walker's story, including his wife Estelle who worked for Sonny Werblin seeking out talent for the MCA radio show Your Hit Parade.

Maury Allen is able to identify the changing culture that was taking place in the country during this time period, and how it was impacting the game of baseball. It is a significant story that we do not usually get to hear.

You can find Maury at The Columnists.com to keep up with his current writings, and we look forward to any other books that he delivers in the future.

A Book Review of Dixie Walker of the Dodgers - The People's Choice Written by Maury Allen

Joe Magennis is the Host of the Cover the Bases Podcast for Baseballisms.com. Each week another baseball book author joins him to discuss their latest works, and provides some behind the scenes insight into their work.

Take part with your own Baseball Story. Submit your own personal story for inclusion in an upcoming Baseballisms Collection by visiting http://Baseballisms.com/upload-your-own

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All This Because of a Dog! A Book Review of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

India Opal Buloni went to the store to buy a box of macaroni and cheese, rice, and two tomatoes. But she never expected to come back with a new dog that would change her life. Find out what things happened to her in Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.

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Because of Winn-Dixie, there was a big ruckus in the store. Employees were running around, waving their arms. The store manager was screaming mad. And then a big, ugly, scraggly dog came running around the corner.

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"He skidded to a stop and smiled right at me. I had never before in my life seen a dog smile, but that is what he did. He pulled back his lips and showed me all his teeth."

Before you know it, India said it was her dog. She couldn't help herself. She didn't want it to go to the pound.

She named him Winn-Dixie, after the store they were in. Then the two of them walked home.

India and her father, the preacher, had just moved to town, so she had no friends. Because of Winn-Dixie, she met Miss Franny Block at the library and got to listen to her story about the bear.

Because of Winn-Dixie, she ended up working in the pet shop, where she met Otis. He had a knack for playing the guitar real pretty, and all the animals would stop to listen.

Because of that dog, she ended up in the yard of the neighborhood witch, Gloria Dump. She told her everything about her life and how she was feeling, and Gloria Dump had a special way to make her feel all better.

Because of Winn-Dixie, she ended up next to pinch-faced Amanda Wilkinson. Both of them found out about an old candy that tasted sweet and sad at the same time.

And because of that dog, the party that India planned with Gloria Dump, which they decorated for, and made egg salad sandwiches for, and invited everyone to, was almost ruined. But it wasn't Winn-Dixie's fault. Not really, anyway. Because can it be your fault if what you did was just part of your character, and not something you were trying to do?

Kids will enjoy the way India and her dog make friends and enemies in the town, and the way things come together to make surprises all around. Children who love animals, or dogs especially, will be able to relate to the special bond you have with a pet, especially when you are feeling lonely and friendless.

Kate DiCamillo won a Newberry Honor Medal for this charming tale of simple values and the kinds of things that kids think about. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is a book that will make you and your dog smile.

All This Because of a Dog! A Book Review of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Find more great books for kids
For more childrens book reviews plus books for reluctant readers at http://greatbooksforkids.info/book-review-because-of-winn-dixie-by-kate-dicamillo/

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Yin-Yang Tattoo Art - Design of Harmony

Are you or someone you know considering getting a yin yang tattoo symbol? There are many different types, designs, but consistent meanings. By knowing what the yin yang truly is, and how you can put it in a fashionable or meaningful tattoo design, you'll be able to decide what you want in no time!

What is Yin Yang?
Yin is the black part of the symbol, while yang is the light part. Yin usually represents things such as slow, soft, cold, etc. The Yang tends to represent speed, hard, hot, and things of that nature.

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Yin and yang are opposing, they root each other, transform each other, and most of all they are balanced, which is why it is such a significant symbol.

Yin-Yang Tattoo Design
There are an unlimited amount of things that you can do with a yin-yang tattoo, and you can start very soon! People will put yin yang tattoos anywhere from their lower back, ankle, arm, or any other part of the body. There are even people who put those kind of tattoos in the back of their neck. By doing this, you'll ultimately discover the best yin-yang design for you!

To make a long story short, there are literally an unlimited amount of ways to integrate the tattoo into your skin. Some people use it as part of their design, for example, if they have a dragon, they'll make the eye a "yin-yang". The sky is the limit and you simply want to work with all options to see what ultimately works for you!

Yin-Yang Tattoo Art - Design of Harmony

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Different Girly Tattoo Styles

There are literally a ton of girl tattoo designs that may interest you or someone you know. Your tattoo design can be anything from significant (meaningful), sensual, or just to express your personality. There are a ton of different reasons why people get tattoo designs, you just have to start now to see which one will work for you!

Here are some ideas for women when it comes to tattoo designs.

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Heart Tattoos - Women put this anywhere on their body from their ankle, arm, foot, and thigh area. It's a great idea for those who want to have a great looking tattoo without doing too much!

Lower Back Tattoos - It is a very popular tattoo for many reasons including being a sign of "feminism". When people see it, it tends to have that "forbidden effect" - simply because it does not look like it should be seen, but is.

Foot Tattoos - Foot tattoos are incredible simply for the fact that they can be hidden when necessary and they can be exposed to add a little flair to your personality. Whatever you decide to do with them, it's a great idea. Many women add things such as butterflies, hearts, roses, specific animals, dolphins, etc. There are an unlimited amount of combinations when it comes to using a foot tattoo!

Hip Tattoos - There are many variations of hip tattoos, it all depends what you want. It can be a small tattoo that is in the front center of either side of your hip, a tattoo that covers the complete area right near the pubic area, or an elaborate design down the side of the leg; the choice is up to you!

Ankle Tattoos - there are many celebrities who use the ankle tattoos, especially female celebrities who usually come off as "extremely innocent". The ankle tattoo can be a nice contrast from the normal nice girl personality. It's just enough to not look too much, but just enough to express a point!

Different Girly Tattoo Styles

Nearly 4,000 Professional Designed Tattoo Designs - The Chopper Tattoo Database will give you access to nearly 4,000 award winning professional tattoo designs that you can use in your search for a tattoo.

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Different Functions Of Buffalo Food Mixers

Food is one of the most necessities in human life, and people like to make food as delicious and nutritious as possible so that it will be an enjoyable part of life. Food is often eaten with others and eating is considered to be a social activity, so it is best to make sure that food is always of good quality and made well. This is why it is important for all of us to have the best kind of cooking equipment so that we can make the most of our food. One of the best pieces of equipment is buffalo food mixers.

You might be wondering what makes a Buffalo food mixer different from other food mixers. You can tell that this kind of food mixer is different just from its name. This food mixer is made to be very strong and durable so that it can mix some of the toughest meats and ingredients today. If you need a heavy duty mixer, then this definitely is the tool for you.

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A buffalo mixer basically does what most food mixers do. It has a bowl fixture which holds the food in place, while a blade or whisk rotates and chops or mixes the food into the size that you want it to be. It also comes with a lid to prevent food from spilling out or anything falling into the container which has a humped back, similar to that of a buffalo.

At the beginning, buffalo choppers were meant only to chop up meats, but now there are different kinds made for different uses. You can find buffalo choppers that are made for industrial uses which are used to chop up large pieces of meat in order to have them cut into smaller and more workable sizes so that they can be used and sold easier.

There are also smaller mixers which are made for restaurants which need to process meat and mix ingredients as well as for home usage as well. These smaller mixers can be used for not only meat but vegetables, grains, and other ingredients as well.

Since a buffalo mixer can work with different kinds of ingredients, there are different blades and attachments that you can attach to the mixer so that it can work better. There are single and double blades which can be used for your mixer. There are also different whisks, dough hooks, and beaters that you can attach to mix foods.

You might be wondering where you can find a buffalo chopper or mixer for your home or business. Well, thankfully, these food mixers are available in many different places. Usually, your local home appliance store should have these mixers available, since they are such a popular tool. There are different kinds available, so you should choose the best one for you.

If you want to have a better price on buffalo food mixers, then you should check out used mixers on auctions and websites. This way, you will be able to have a great piece of equipment for a lower price than usual.

Different Functions Of Buffalo Food Mixers

David Strickland talks about the different functions of buffalo commercial food mixer. You should be able to find these large catering equipment machines at Nextday Catering Equipment.

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Best Ring Finger Tattoos

Getting a tattoo on the ring finger symbolizes love forever. It's important that you really think about what you are doing when you are getting a ring finger tattoo - even though there are people who get a divorce then get the tattoo changed.

Ring Tattoos are definitely the rising trend - not just a fad, and they have been rising since ancient days - and this tattoo directly represents "stability in love." Others use it as a budget option, because they cannot afford the diamond or gold ring! Be sure you are doing it for love purposes and not budget options.

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You get the tattoo on your left ring finger - a place you would wear your normal ring. Now it is important to understand that it is permanent - so there are people who get it covered up; but why go through the hassle, you have to be sure you want to make this decision.

Characteristics of a Great Ring Finger Tattoo

Strong Confession of Love - When you see a tattoo, you want it to show off as a strong confession of love. Not to everybody else; but to you personally, when you look at it, you want to be reminded of the stability of the relationship and the stability of love.

Unique - You don't just want a regular tribal "finger-band" like many people do unless, it's a genuine one that means a lot to you and/or your culture. Make sure you do not get anything generic junk symbolizing your marriage. If you want hidden messages, symbols, or whatever - do you what you have to; just make sure it's genuine and true to who you are.

Best Ring Finger Tattoos

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Golf St George Utah

To golf St. George Utah means to enjoy breathtaking scenery... year-round sunshine... within a few hours of a couple major U.S. cities... and within driving distance of some of the country's most spectacular national parks.

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St. George is an oasis in the southern Utah desert. And offers fantastic golf at 12 diverse golf courses... St. George's Red Rock Golf Trail... within a 15-minute drive of one another.

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Whether you drive or fly into St. George, the first time you take in the surrounding scenery, you see an area probably unlike anything you've seen before. Red rock... along with black lava rock... astounding cloudless blue sky... broken up by white-walled gorges.

The first time I saw the area was many years ago. I was a freshman on the University of Utah JV football team. We left chilly Salt Lake City on a bus and headed south.

I can't remember the month. Maybe October or November. It was a long trip at a time the speed limit was capped at 55 mph. An ill-fated and senseless government mandate of that era.

As we headed down the hill from Cedar City on into St. George, we could see the scenery changing dramatically. And when we got off the bus, pleasantly warm temperatures greeted us.

We played a game against Dixie JC on a "field" in the middle of the town's rodeo grounds. I remember looking down as I got into my stance and seeing... between several sparse patches of grass... dried manure. Left over from the previous summer's rodeo. Great for a garden but not a football field. Oh my how the area has changed.

My lovely bride and I even spent a few days there on our honeymoon. Before continuing on to Las Vegas of course. But over the last decade, the St. George area has been one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country.

It's a great place to spend a vacation as you can play four or five very diverse golf courses without draining your bank account.

The St. George area golf courses are:

Bloomington Country Club

Coral Canyon

Entrada at Snow Canyon

Dixie Red Hills

Green Spring

Sand Hollow

Sky Mountain

Southgate Golf Club

St. George Golf Club

Sunbrook Golf Club

SunRiver Golf Club

The Ledges of Utah

Golf St George Utah

Rod Besler

Author of an online guide about all the fantastic things Utah has to offer visitors. Written by a resident of more than 30 years who came here from with no intention of staying long-term and is still living and playing here.

If you're thinking of visiting Utah or know you are, what are the best things to see and do when you get here? Download my FREE eBook and you'll know The 101 Best Things To See And Do In Utah. All FREE to you 5 minutes after you ask for it. Go to my website now to get your copy. There's a sign-up form on the bottom of every page on the site.

http://www.utah-travel-secrets.com/golfstgeorgeutah.html

or http://www.utahtravelsecrets.com

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Dixie Chicks Fly Country Music CD Review

Fly is the latest release from Dixie Chicks, and I can only think of one word to describe it... AWESOME!

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It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn't a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it's own.

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Fly is a pleasantly varied, mix of 14 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly talented musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.

Overall Fly is a solid release. Quite possibly Dixie Chicks's best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you're even mildly into Country music you'll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 - If I Fall You're Going Down With Me, track 7 - Don't Waste Your Heart, and track 10 - Some Days You Gotta Dance

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 11 - Hole In My Head. This is a great track!

Fly Release Notes:

Dixie Chicks originally released Fly on August 31, 1999 on the Monument Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Ready To Run

2. If I Fall You're Going Down With Me

3. Cowboy Take Me Away

4. Cold Day In July

5. Goodbye Earl

6. Hello Mr. Heartache

7. Don't Waste Your Heart

8. Sin Wagon

9. Without You

10. Some Days You Gotta Dance

11. Hole In My Head

12. Heartbreak Town

13. (untitled)

14. Let Him Fly

Dixie Chicks: Natalie Maines (vocals, hand claps); Emily Robison (acoustic & lap steel guitar, banjo, dobro, hand claps, background vocals); Martie Seidel (fiddle, viola, background vocals).

Additional personnel includes: Paul Worley (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Randy Scruggs, Billy Joe Walker Jr, Adam Steinberg, Bryan Sutton, Dennis Linde, Marcus Hummon (acoustic guitar); Pat Buchanan, George Marinelli, Mike Henderson, Keith Urban (electric guitar); Lloyd Maines (steel guitar); John Mock (tin whistle, concertina, bodhran); Steve Conn (accordion); Steve Nathan, Matt Rollings (Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); Michael Rhodes (bass); Greg Morrow (drums); Tom Roady, Terry McMillan (percussion); Blake Chancey, Charlie Robison (hand claps, background vocals).

Principally recorded at Westwood Sound Studio, Nashville, Tennessee.

Dixie Chicks Fly Country Music CD Review

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Custom Chopper Motorcycles - Riding the Dream

There comes a time in everyone's life when motorcycles become not only interesting but accessible, for me this was aged 15, and at 16 I had my first motorbike.

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The bike in question was a Suzuki ZR50 which was built like an old school chopper, with the seat, and handlebars to match, despite its blistering 28mph top speed! But unlike my friends who took an interest in the sports style motorcycles, I was hooked on the custom chopper and Harley Davidson scene.

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My ZR50 spent quite a lot of time in bits, I painted it up by myself, tricked up the engine to a new top speed if 48mph and I even painted a design of Eddy from Iron Maiden on one of the plastic farings.

That was 1987 and since then the custom motorcycle bug is an itch that I still enjoy scratching.

But the custom chopper & motorcycle scene is bigger today than it has ever been with the popularity of TV programmes such as American Chopper highlighting Orange County Choppers, and buying and selling custom built motorcycles is big business.

Finding the right market value for a motorcycle with a specific specification is difficult enough, but determining the value of a custom built motorcycle is a bit of an art, and you need to know what you are doing, so you're buying or selling a custom made motorcycle, then you need to see what other custom motorcycles are selling for, and get a heads up on the true market value.

Purchasing a custom motorcycle at the right price is an excellent investment IF you know what you are looking for, and you will be the envy of your friends.

If you are in the market for a custom chopper or Harley Davidson then you need to know your numbers and market value. Use our unique software algorithm to search for the best deals on the internet including eBay.

In these economic times people are selling their custom motorcycles at unheard of prices which means you can pick up a real quality custom motorcycle bargain.

Custom Chopper Motorcycles - Riding the Dream

Our site allows you to research prices and purchase motorcycles straight from the seller with the protection of eBay. We have also included sections for custom parts, engines, accessories, and clothing.(Sorry, no Suzuki ZR50's!) One large and useful resource for custom motorcycles all in one place.

http://www.customchopperstoday.com

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