Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 12/19/2008

12/19/1976:
Only 15 minutes after the Pittsburgh Steelers rout the Colts, 40-14, in an AFC playoff game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, a single-engine plane stalls, loses altitude and crashes into the upper deck, injuring the pilot, the plane's only occupant. Fortunately, the stadium had quickly emptied out after the one-sided game. The pilot, Donald Croner, had a history of erratic flying, psychiatric problems and brushes with the law. After his release from the hospital, he'll be arrested and charged with reckless flying. Damage to the stadium is minimal, and the plane will be airlifted out by a helicopter tomorrow.

Birthdays:
Al Kaline b. 1934
Kevin McHale b. 1957
Reggie White b. 1961
Warren Sapp b. 1972
Jake Plummer b. 1974

1993:
Table tennis player Jim Butler won the men's singles national championship.

"At 6-foot, 4-inches and 170 pounds, he's tall and bony, not short and wiry. He relies on quick hands and long arms, not foot speed. And he prefers backhands to forehands. During rallies he waves his arms furiously, and he takes giant, high-stepping strides with his scrawny legs. Imagine Ichabod Crane wielding a paddle." -Joe Bower, June 3, 1996

Packers Fact:
Tackle Forrest Gregg played for the Packers in Super Bowls I and II. Later, he coached the Cincinnati Bengals to a berth in Super Bowl XVI.

NEEDLES AND HOOKS

Stoller has brought knitting and crocheting into the 21st century with her sassy, hip guides to the world of yarn. The books are full of information on everything from types of needles and hooks, yarn, and even sheep, to methods for fixing mistakes and how to start your own Stitch ’n Bitch circle, all cast in a breezy, stylish delivery and accompanied by extensive photos and illustrations.

STITCH ’N BITCH (2003); STITCH ’N BITCH NATION (2004); STITCH ’N BITCH CROCHET: THE HAPPY HOOKER (2006), by Debbie Stoller (Workman)