Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 7/31-8/1/2010

7/31/1935:
American League pitchers Wes Ferrell of Boston and Mel Harder of Cleveland each hit two homers in separate games. Ferrell, arguably the best-hitting pitcher in baseball history, homer twice and drives in four runs to lead the Red Sox over Washington, 6-4. Ferrell's 32 RBIs this season will set a record for pitchers and his 38 HRs lifetime stands alone in MLB annals. Harder's two homers come in a losing cause to the White Sox, 6-4, Harder will hit only four homers lifetime.

Birthdays:
Curt Gowdy b. 1919
Hank Bauer b. 1922
Vic Davalillo b. 1936
Leon "Bull" Durham b. 1957
Kevin Greene b. 1962

Packers Fact:
Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila's nickname is "KGB".

8/1/1973:
The New York Nets obtain Julius Erving from the cash-poor Virginia Squires for $750,000 and sign him to an eight-year contract for $350,000 per season. After the electrifying "Dr. J" leads the Nets to two ABA titles in three years, the cash-poor Nets will be forced to deal him to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Birthdays:
Harold Connolly b. 1931
Cliff Breach b. 1948
Kiki Vandeweghe b. 1958
Gregg Jefferies b. 1967
Stacey Angmon b. 1968

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Convention Finder
It's the ultimate geek's website. Put any zip code in the U.S.A. into the search box and find out where the nearest science fiction or comic book convention is happening at that moment.

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Chicken Suits
There are a zillion places on the Web to purchase the latest fashions for your dog or cat. Why should chickens go without?

A BOOK LOVER’S MYSTERY

The book in question is a medieval illuminated codex known as The Sarajevo Haggadah. Rescued from destruction during the Bosnian war of the 1990s, it is given over to rare book conservator Hanna Heath, who tries to unearth its history and mysteries: its origins in 1480 Seville, its survival of the Spanish Inquisition and several wars as well. Hanna also has more immediate concerns, such as her relationship with her mother and her love affair with the Muslim librarian who saved the book. Geraldine Brooks has written a page-turner that is both intriguing and thoughtful.

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK, by Geraldine Brooks (Penguin, 2008)

SAMUEL ADAMS BROWN ALE

Boston Beer Co., Boston, Massachusetts

Attractively clear, with a deep amber-brown color and an inviting, tan-tinged head of foam, Samuel Adams Brown Ale invites the commercial market to try a classic yet under-recognized style. Mild malty aroma and wonderfully accomplished hop flavor and balance result in a highly drinkable brown ale. Clean, crisp, and refreshing, countered with a welcome, chewy aftertaste.

BIERE DU CORSAIRE

Brouwerij Huyghe, Melle, Belgium

Perfumy, fruity alcohol with some spicy notes and some heady, volatile fumes. Lots of chunky sediment floating around in the glass. At 9.4%/vol., Bière Du Corsaire is a beer to be reckoned with. The flavor is complex—spicy and dry—but alcoholic heat really takes over in the end.