Sports Fact & Book Rec of the Day 2/3/2012

2/3/1912:
The College Football Rules Committee makes sweeping changes in an attempt to inject more offense into the game. Most importantly, the playing field is reduced from 110 yards to 100 yards. The point value of a touchdown increased from five to six. The number of downs needed to gain 10 yards increased from three to four. Kickoffs are now made from a team's own 40-yard line instead of midfield, previously the 55-yard line on the 110-yard field. The forward pass is allowed anywhere on the field. Previously, a pass could not be caught more than 20 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Also, passes can now be caught in the end zone for the first time.

Birthdays:
Emile Griffith b. 1938
Fran Tarkenton b. 1940
Bob Griese b. 1945
Vlade Divac b. 1968
Retlef Goosen b. 1969

THRILLER

What if angels had really mated with humans, as implied in Genesis 6? The result might have been the Nephilim, who in the modern world are selfish, wealthy creatures living in opulence, yet nastily jealous of humans. If you like the suspense of Dan Brown and the measured, scholarly tones of Umberto Eco, this intelligent, elusive thriller is for you.

ANGELOLOGY, by Danielle Trussoni (Viking, 2010)