And he cheerfully acknowledges stealing the idea for his house from the Seagram Building.

"I know an ugly vehicle when I see one," he said while cheerfully acknowledging that design is not his strongest suit.

Readers will note the almost total absence of analysis, a shortcoming the author cheerfully acknowledges was intentional.

He cheerfully acknowledges hand-wringing when the Dow Jones industrial average first hit 1,000, back in 1972.

"I'm not in the best position to go after someone now," he acknowledged cheerfully.

He cheerfully acknowledged that it took time to fight off self-pity.

"I'm cheap," he said, cheerfully acknowledging that he picks up a free paper most days.

They cheerfully acknowledged that he would need some evidence before he gave it credence.

And as Savage cheerfully acknowledges, he was never a great player.

"It wouldn't exactly break my heart," he acknowledged cheerfully enough.