Sports Fact and Book Rec of the Day 10/20/2007

10/20/2002:
After three defeats in the Major League Soccer Cup final (1996, '99 and last year), the Los Angeles Galaxy outlast the New England Revolution, 1-0, in double overtime at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Carlos Ruiz, the MVP of the regular season and the playoffs, scores the game winner in the 113th minute of play before more than 61,000 fans, an MLS championship game record.

Birthdays:
Mickey Mantle b. 1931
Juan Marichal b. 1937
Keith Hernandez b. 1953
Lee Roy Selmon b. 1954
Aaron Pryor b. 1955

WEIRD SCIENCE

“A remarkable collection of scientific sleuthings.”—Entertainment Weekly

“...Brilliant blending of chemistry and culture...a delight to read.”—Oliver Sacks

All praise the mighty molecule! These wondrous particles have spurred global exploration, built cities, and saved lives. Professors Le Couteur and Burreson reveal the intimate histories of 17 of the most important and interesting molecules. A microscopic reimagining of the march to modernity.

NAPOLEON’S BUTTONS: 17 MOLECULES THAT CHANGED HISTORY, by Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson (Tarcher, 2004)