Five Reads for Friday December 19th 2014

Ben Potter '16 Photo by Art Jessen '70

I know, I am a day late, as it is Saturday when I am actually posting.

Yesterday was our last day of school for a couple weeks. That doesn't mean that sports stops at North Shore. We will have Open Gyms Monday and Tuesday December 22nd and 23rd from 10 - noon and Monday and Tuesday December 29th and 30th 10 - noon. Our Boys Varsity Basketball team is in a Holiday Tournament at Christian Liberty Academy on December 29th and 30th as well. Coaches will also announce if they are having practices.

Here are five reads for this Friday -- now Saturday -- as we head towards the Holiday break.

10 Memorable Moments from the Colbert Report
I am not a regular watcher of the Colbert Report, but I watched the last episode Thursday night, and it was nice to get a catch-up article like this which highlights some of the funniest moments. The attached videos will make you laugh a lot! So I recommend if you are feeling any Holiday overload!

The Lombardi of Teen Running -- WSJ 12-12-14
In cross country, Nike sponsors a national high school event called NXN. I have gone with my son and other North Shore runners to participate in the NXN Midwest Regional (And it is a lot of fun.) To be honest, even though I am complicit, I have mixed feelings about high school national championship events. But that is a for a different post. I have no problems recognizing a coach whose accomplishments are this impressive. Bill Aris Coach of Fayetteville-Manlius High School Cross Country Team has been able to lead his boys and girls teams to multiple NX National Titles at Nike. This year both girls and boys won. His teams seems to win without the big star, but lots of good kids who embraces the Stotan philosophy of hard work and consistent positive habits which develops strong community and relationships. He's definitely worth studying.

Stephen Curry's Science of Sweet Shooting -- WSJ -- 12/17/2014
Stephen Curry is an athlete I have enjoyed watching. On one level, it is story that is a model for any athlete. He was overlooked for years at just about every level. He kept on working and refining his game and now has the best shot in the NBA. It's the story of the late bloomer. Yes, he is the son of former NBA star, Del Curry, but Stephen was thought too small most of his life to be a star. But now he is. Interesting reading this story of the development of his now admired shooting technique.

Andrew Luck: The NFL's Most Perplexing Trash Talker 12-15-14
Imagine if every professional athlete behaved like Andrew Luck. Here is an athlete who congratulates his opponents for a great play even when the play involves clobbering him. Sad that he is the exception to the rule.

The Unbreakable Laura Hillenbrand -- NYT -- 12-18-14
I am looking forward to the movie "Unbroken" coming out on Christmas Day. But like lots of stories, the back story may be even better. This is an incredible piece about the author of "Unbroken" Laura Hillenbrand and what she has had to overcome to create what she has.