Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 6/10/2007

6/10/1971:
Just 24 hours after Montreal immortal Jean Beliveau announced his retirement, the Canadiens make Guy Lafleur the first selection in the annual draft of Junior players. Lafleur will enthrall Forum audiences with his skill on right wing. He'll win three scoring titles, two MVP awards and be a key component of five Montreal Stanly Cup-winning teams.

Birthdays:
Jon McGlocklin b. 1943
Ken Singleton b. 1947
Elias Sosa b. 1950
Dan Fouts b. 1951
Pokey Reese b. 1973


Bittner was a burned-out hippie who had lost his way. Living in San Francisco as the caretaker of an elderly woman, he cultivated a friendship with a flock of wild parrots and, through the birds, regained his footing. A wonderful, surprising story of finding oneself—and eventually, love—The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill will inspire daydreamers as well as bird, especially parrot, enthusiasts.

THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL: A LOVE STORY...WITH WINGS, by Mark Bittner (Three Rivers Press, 2005)