Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 5/29/2007

5/29/1995:
"'The Dunkin' Dutchman," Rik Smits, drops in a foul-line jumper at the buzzer, giving the Indiana Pacers a 94-93 victory over Orlando to even their Eastern Conference final-round series at 2-2. The dramatic ending climaxes a late flurry of lead-changing three-point goals as, in quick succession during the last 13.3 seconds, Brian Shaw, Reggie Miller and Penny Hardaway all hit clutch treys. Despite the devastating loss, Orlando will go on to win this series before bowing to Houston in the NBA finals.

Birthdays:
Tony Zale b. 1913
Richie Guerin b. 1932
Al Unser Sr. b. 1939
Eric Davis b. 1962
Carmelo Anthony b. 1984


“Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.”—The New York Times

Do you devour the novels of Philippa Gregory? Did you love Sandra Gulland’s Josephine Bonaparte trilogy? Then it’s time for you to discover Jean Plaidy. Rediscover, actually. Plaidy’s books were published in the mid-20th century to great acclaim, and, happily, they have just been reissued. Crowned at six days old, raised abroad, shunned by Scotland, and betrayed by cousin Elizabeth, the story of Mary is well known, but it becomes electric in Plaidy’s masterful hands.

ROYAL ROAD TO FOTHERINGHAY: THE STORY OF MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS, by Jean Plaidy (1955; Three Rivers Press, 2004)