Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 1/6/2010

1/6/1988:
Minnesota North Stars right wing Dino Ciccarelli reacts violently after being checked by Toronto defenseman Luke Richardson at Maple Leaf Gardens. Ciccarelli swings his stick and hits Richardson in the head twice along the dasher boards and gets in a few punches as well. Fortunately, Richardson is wearing a helmet and isn't seriously injured. After the game, which ends in a 5-5 tie, the NHL will suspend Ciccarelli for 10 games and the Toronto police will arrest him for assault; he'll pay a $1,000 fine and spend a few hours in jail. Both players will carve out lengthy careers in the league: Ciccarelli, 19 years; Richardson, over 20.

Birthdays:
Early Wynn b. 1920
Lou Holtz b. 1937
Nancy Lopez b. 1957
Keenan McCardell b. 1970
Gilbert Arenas b. 1982

Packers Fact:
The Packers have won more championships than any other NFL team. Entering 2008, their mark was 12 titles.

THE DIP—NOT JUST A DANCE

Seth Godin’s marketing and business blog has spawned a number of highly successful small books (Small Is the New Big; Permission Marketing: Turning Strangers into Friends and Friends into Customers), but he’s in slightly different territory here, tapping into a psychological view of what makes for success (in relationships, business, hobbies) and turning on its head the old adage “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Quite the contrary, Godin argues. Winning means surviving the Dip—the doubts, lack of interest, rejection, the seemingly insurmountable obstacles to perfection. The key is to recognize the Dips that keep you engaged over the long haul. Everything else you should let go without a qualm or a dip.

THE DIP: A LITTLE BOOK THAT TEACHES YOU WHEN TO QUIT (AND WHEN TO STICK), by Seth Godin (Portfolio, 2007)

AMERICAN PALE ALE

Spanish Peaks Brewing Co., Denver, Colorado

Echoes of a homebrew drift through this ale from the very first sip—and that’s a compliment. It’s a lovingly crafted, intensely hopped drink, full of character. A bit of yeast sediment at the bottom of the bottle reminds you that you’re consuming a living product. Resinous, aromatic hops give way to fruity tones, and an intensely bitter flavor lends a dry, piney twist to the subtle, lightly caramel-malt base. Look for the black dog on the label—this one’s well worth seeking out.

BEER FACT

Spanish Peaks Black Dog Ale was first brewed in 1991 in Bozeman, Montana, near the foot of the Spanish Peaks mountain range. Chug, the black Labrador on the label, was the founder’s dog.