Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 1/23-24/2010

1/23/2003:
Erasing a 1-5 deficit in the final set to defeat Belgium's Kim Clijsters in the Australian Open semifinals, Serena Williams keeps her dreams of a "Serena Slam" (all four Grand Slam titles but not in one calendar year) alive. Clijsters squanders two match points while serving at 5-2, gets broken again while serving at 5-4 and loses her serve at love while trying to extend the match at 5-6. Williams will complete her "Slam" in the finals by beating her sister, Venus, in three sets.

Birthdays:
Jerry Kramer b. 1936
Petr Korda b. 1968
Eric Metcalf b. 1968
Alan Embree b. 1970
Julie Foudy b. 1971

Packers Fact:
The temperature at kickoff for the Packers-Giants 2007 NFC title game was minus-1 degree (minus-23 wind chill). The only colder game at Lambeau Field was the famous Ice Bowl championship game in 1967.

1/24/1954:
Reigning U.S. amateur champion Gene Littler wins his hometown professional tournament, the San Diego Open, by four strokes over Dutch Harrison. Littler shoots an even-par 72 for the final round but really put the clamps on this event by shooting scores of 67-66-69 for the first three days, giving him a 14-under-par 274 over the Rancho Santa Fe course. Remaining an amateur while serving in the Naval Air Force, he'll soon be discharged and turn pro, armed with his clinically proficient swing that will earn him the nickname "Gene the Machine."

Birthdays:
Giorgia Chinaglia b. 1947
Atlee Hammaker b. 1958
Rob Dibble b. 1964
Mary Lou Retton b. 1968
Scott Kazmir b. 1984


http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/alpha.html

Lobe Letters
It's smart, gross, and educational all at the same time.

http://www.bugknits.com/

Tiny Knits
Here's a gallery of miniature sweaters and other bug-size knitwear covered in motifs inspired by ancient Greek amphorae, Picasso paintings, playing cards, and the Chicago skyline. And do not miss the "nano-knits," a collection of cardigans that are each smaller than a dime.

SMILE!

John Brockman, publisher of the online forum Edge, has become a connoisseur of what can seem to be an almost extinct commodity—optimism. He gathers the answers to his question “What are you optimistic about?” every year and compiles the winning essays. Here he presents 150 answers to his intriguing question from movers and shakers, inventers and writers, thinkers and prizewinners. Guaranteed to improve your mood.

WHAT ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT? TODAY’S LEADING THINKERS ON WHY THINGS ARE GOOD AND GETTING BETTER, by John Brockman (Harper Perennial, 2007)

CONSECRATION

Russian River Brewing Co., Santa Rosa, California

If you can get your hands on a bottle of the Russian River Brewing Company’s inaugural beer (2008), you’re in for a treat. Everything about this brew is sensual. Sour-fermented, aged in used oak cabernet wine barrels, dried Zante currants providing a sherrylike finish . . . Base notes derive from an extraordinary balance of beer, fruit, and wood. Fresh and lively at around 9.5%/vol. Sour, refreshing, moody, and every bit alive, this is a comprehensive, sensory engagement.

WEST COAST INDIA PALE ALE

Green Flash Brewing Co., Vista, California

Dry hops make a big statement here, so breathe deeply to experience the unique blend of Pacific Northwest varieties: Simcoe, Columbus, Centennial, and Cascade. Hops explode in the flavor as well, with grapefruit peel and pinesap astringency and a punch of bitterness that carries through to the finish and beyond. A smack in the face for those unprepared, and a gentle drubbing for those who are, West Coast IPA packs a wallop. Hop-heads rejoice.