Sports Fact and Book Rec of the Day 11/18/2007

11/18/1961:
Notre Dame defeats Syracuse, 17-15, on a 41-yard field goal by Joe Perkowski after time expires, a final result that remains controversial to this day. Syracuse was called for roughing the kicker on a missed attempt by Perkowski with three seconds left, giving the Irish another chance to kick. However, a subsequent objection by Syracuse that the second kick should not have been allowed is upheld by a committee of NCAA executives, who rule that Notre Dame was "no longer in possession of the ball" once the first kick was airborne and the roughing penalty occurred. It proves to be a pyrrhic victory for the Orangemen. Notre Dame refuses to renounce its victory, and the NCAA cannot compel them to do so. The outcome stands, and Notre Dame "wins."

Birthdays:
Warren Moon b. 1956
Dante Bichette b. 1963
Gary Sheffield b. 1968
Sam Cassell b. 1969
David Ortiz b. 1975


A slender, down-and-dirty guide to politics and the manipulation of language. Lakoff, a Berkeley professor, argues that Republicans won the 2004 presidential election because they were better able to “frame the debate.” A lefty read, for sure, but political junkies of all stripes will get something from this fascinating look at one aspect of what may tip the balance in persuading voters.

DON’T THINK OF AN ELEPHANT: KNOW YOUR VALUES AND FRAME THE DEBATE—THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR PROGRESSIVES, by George Lakoff (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2004)