Barbara McQueen provides backup for K-9 Unit

'Kickstands Up for K-9s' set for April 9

The Arizona Republic

American Legion Post 35, 2240 W. Chandler Blvd., is hosting its second annual "Kickstands Up for K-9s" motorcycle ride to benefit the Chandler Police Department's canine unit, which has six Belgian Malinois. This year's ride has a special guest, Barbara McQueen, the widow of "King of Cool" actor Steve McQueen. She will be on hand at 2 p.m. April 9 to sign books about her late husband.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING AT THE EVENT?
In addition to the motorcycle ride, which takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the American Legion fundraiser includes music, food, a beer garden, door prizes and a canine demonstration by the Chandler Police Department canine unit.

WHO IS STEVE MCQUEEN?
McQueen starred in movies such as "The Great Escape," "Bullitt" and "The Thomas Crown Affair." Considered a rebel, he rode motorcycles and smoked incessantly. He died at age 50 in 1980 of lung cancer.

WHAT ARE THE BOOKS ABOUT MCQUEEN?
Barbara McQueen, who married her husband late in his life, is appearing with McQueen biographer Marshall Terrill, who wrote the biography, "Steve McQueen: The Life and Legend of a Hollywood Icon." Barbara had a photo book published in 2006 called "Steve McQueen: The Last Mile." The cover shows the couple on a motorcycle.

HOW MUCH IS THE RIDE AND WHERE DO I REGISTER?
The charity ride costs $25 per bike and $10 per passenger. Pre-registration and information can be found by calling the American Legion Post at 480-821-0002 or at www.kickstandsupfork9s.com. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. April 9. The price includes lunch and a ride pin.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/chandler/articles/2011/03/25/20110325chandler-cop-dogs0325.html?source=nletter-news#ixzz1Hdm7le1G

Pistol Pete No. 1 scorer with Amazon

Pistol Pete No. 1 with a bullet

“Pistol” Pete Maravich is still a top gun according to Amazon.com, who ranks Pete Maravich: The Authorized Biography as the best-selling basketball book in the nation.

One of 2007's most acclaimed sports biographies is now a top paperback. Focus on the Family and Tyndale Publishers proudly present Pete Maravich: The Authorized Biography of Pistol Pete by Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill.

With a new photo section and a foreword by Dr. James Dobson, the 480-page biography is the definitive account of the basketball superstar.

After staying silent for two decades, Jackie Maravich has welcomed authors Federman and Terrill into the superstar basketball player's private world. She has shared her personal memories and also provided unfettered access to the family archive of scrapbooks, films, letters, calendars, diaries, and photographs to allow Pete's story to be fully told for the first time.

The result is Pete Maravich: the Authorized Biography of Pistol Pete.

From childhood Pete Maravich mesmerized fans and opponents alike with audacious ball handling and relentless scoring. Julius Erving called him "a basketball genius." The mop-topped, floppy-socked prodigy was a legend at LSU, averaging a staggering 44.2 points per game--the highest in NCAA history. Then a brilliant pro career with the Hawks, Jazz and Celtics led to enshrinement in the Hall of Fame and selection as one of the top 50 players in NBA history.

But there was a price. Maravich brought a child-like exuberance to the court that often masked a tortured and confused adult. His obsessive personality--he often referred to himself as a "basketball android"--and inability to win a championship triggered despair and thoughts of suicide. Eventually he found peace in Christianity and a quiet home life.

Then, at age 40, Maravich died. The exact cause--a congenital heart defect-- stunned both the sports and medical worlds. Pistol Pete had been living on borrowed time. It was called a medical miracle that he survived his teens, let alone become a superstar athlete.

In addition to countless hours spent with Jackie and her sons, Jaeson and Joshua, the authors also interviewed more than 300 teammates, opponents, journalists, coaches, detractors, fans, and extended family to bring back to vivid life the story of a transcendent athlete who thrilled everyone except himself.

Also included is a comprehensive appendix of Maravich statistics, plus Pistol Pete's 25 greatest games.

For more information or to order a copy of Pete Maravich: The Authorized Biography of Pistol Pete, go to www.MaravichBook.com or www.amazon.com.