Al Bernstein

The legendary cable television sports broadcaster takes a humorous look back on the fight game—as seen from a ringside seat. For more than thirty years, Al Bernstein has been one of the most recognizable and respected sportscasters in America. In those three decades, the “voice of boxing” reported the funny, poignant, and bizarre events that helped shape sports television, ESPN, boxing, Las Vegas, and SHOWTIME. With an eclectic cast of characters that includes every big name in boxing, including Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, as well as such names in the entertainment world as Rodney Dangerfield, Sylvester Stallone, Russell Crowe, and Jerry Lewis, Bernstein’s memoir will have you in stitches.

"Anyone who loves boxing--even the sport's most die-hard supporters--must take a longer and more serious look at the issues that Tris Dixon writes about with such nuance and humanity in Damage...there's no better argument for more studies, discussion, and awareness than this book, a volume equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring with respect to the need for change."--Greg Bishop, Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated The secret history brain damage in boxing has never been fully told―until now. From the story behind Muhammad Ali's deterioration, to first-hand accounts from the fighters themselves, including the beloved Micky Ward. In Damage, author Tris Dixon delivers a gripping history of "boxing's darkest secret"--CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), which was known previously as "Dementia Pugilistica" and "Punch Drunk Syndrome." This highly-anticipated book has already generated intense discussion on social media about the inner-conflict that comes with being a fan of the "sweet science, " and the difficulty involved in witnessing the devastating brain trauma suffered by the warriors who fight for the entertainment of millions. Unfortunately, the promoters, managers, and other non-participants who profit from the violence have long looked the other way. Will this book finally drive them to address the issue and help fighters get the help they deserve?

Leonard Bernstein and choreographer Jerome Robbins stand as giants of the musical-theatre world, but it was ballet that launched their stage careers and established their relationship. With Fancy Free (1944), their triumphant debut collaboration produced by Ballet Theatre, Bernstein, Robbins, and set designer Oliver Smith-all in their mid-twenties- captured the spirit of wartime New York, created a defining ballet of the period still widely performed today, and became overnight sensations. The hit musical On the Town (1944) and a now largely forgotten ballet, Facsimile (1946), followed over the next two years. Drawing extensively on previously unpublished archival documents, Bernstein and Robbins: The Early Ballets provides a richly detailed and original historical account of the creation, premiere, and reception of Fancy Free and Facsimile. It reveals the vital and sometimes conflicting role of Ballet Theatre, explores how Bernstein composed the scores, sheds light on the central importance of Oliver Smith, and considers the legacy of these works for all involved. The result is a new understanding of Bernstein, Robbins, and this formative period in their lives.

Best-selling author Albert J. Bernstein helped thousands of people deal with the dangerously stupid at work in Dinosaur Brains. In Emotional Vampires he goes even further to protect unsuspecting mortals from more devious and harmful creatures vampires ready to bite, suck, and kill the emotional and psychological wellbeing of their victims. Like the fabled demons, these vampires come in many shapes: -The living dead who think their “talents” place them above the laws of nature -Lords of darkness with huge egos and tiny consciences -Scary monsters who use their tempers in the same way terrorists use bombs -Blood-suckers who think others were created for their convenience Emotional Vampires tells readers how to spot a vampire in their lives, which defense strategies to employ to prevent one from striking, and what to do if and when they find themselves under attack.