Sports Fact and Book Rec of the Day 8/14/2007

8/14/2004:
Michael Phelps of Baltimore earns his first gold medal in the Summer Olympics at Athens, setting a new world record in the 400-meter individual medley. Embarking on an arduous competition schedule, Phelps will win the 200-meter medley, sweep the butterfly events at 100 and 200 meters, and end a week of racing with six golds and two bronzes for the U.S.A.

Birthdays:
Earl Weaver b. 1930
John Brodie b. 1935
Debbie Meyer b. 1952
Magic Johnson b. 1959
Wayne Chrebet b. 1973

MEMOIRS

A hilarious memoir of becoming an adult. Each chapter is a confession (“I played golf.” “I am a figure of authority.” “I take pride in my lawn.”) in which Zevin reflects on how, almost without realizing it was happening, he went from a hip, free-wheeling slacker to a responsible suburban husband.

THE DAY I TURNED UNCOOL: CONFESSIONS OF A RELUCTANT GROWN-UP, by Dan Zevin (Villard, 2002)

Don’t miss Zevin’s Web site (www.danzevin.com), where you can read funny essays and see praise for Zevin’s books from luminaries and relatives alike, including P. J. O’Rourke and Zevin’s mom, Linda.