04/20/24
June 11, 2009
And what of events in Kinchasa?: In 1971, Alistair Cooke enjoyed the outcome of Ali-Frazier I:
It is not enough for a lifelong Methodist* to wait for justice on Judgment Day. He preserves a deep yearning to see sinners get their comeuppance here on earth. And last night all the rumbling warnings of his boyhood came meanly, beautifully true.
Not the first time he wrote about The Greatest, either.
* who apparently skipped Proverbs 24:17-18: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
posted by Uncle Toby to boxing at 03:26 PM - 9 comments
So many more sports commentators these days.
So much less talent.
posted by bobfoot at 12:14 AM on June 12, 2009
Yeah, thanks for posting.
Just last month I finished The Greatest American Sports Writing of the Century, the volume edited by David Halberstam. There must have been a dozen articles on Ali by various writers - but not Alistair Cooke, obviously. These pieces add to the collection.
posted by owlhouse at 08:23 AM on June 12, 2009
"rattling away like a piston in heat"
Can a piston BE in heat? I mean yes it's "in heat" when it's working, but the traditional meaning of "in heat" doesn't really work there.
posted by Drood at 11:25 AM on June 12, 2009
Says Mr. Snobby who's never been caught in flagrente auto.
posted by yerfatma at 01:00 PM on June 12, 2009
Those of my age can remember Alistair Cooke as the host of Omnibus, a Sunday afternoon TV staple in the early to mid 50s. It best resembled the History Channel, but with 3 or 4 short features in an hour-and-a-half program. I was at an age when knowledge of anything was absorbed like a sponge, and Cooke, to me, was like a tour guide to some fascinating things. I did not know that he wrote about sports, but I do know that some of his political and social commentary was excellent writing.
posted by Howard_T at 02:03 PM on June 12, 2009
Omnibus was a terrific show. Remember it fairly well.
yerfatma: I don't even know where Flagrente is. Is it in Italy? *whistles innocently*
Bought a book recently on boxing. The Sweet Science by A.J Liebling. It's a collection of writing from the 50's or so. Fantastic writing. If you liked the linked piece, you'd probably like this book.
posted by Drood at 02:11 PM on June 12, 2009
I don't even know where Flagrente is. Is it in Italy?
We'll have to wait for someone to come into this thread and explain all the jokes. Wherever will we find such a person?
posted by yerfatma at 03:43 PM on June 12, 2009
HAHA!
posted by Drood at 08:59 PM on June 13, 2009
Thanks for this.