#SocialStudies v2.0
February 9, 2012
It's Week 2 in our #SocialStudies, and we’ve been scouring the Web for the wacky, zany, wild and weird.
We’ve found a few morsels to whet the appetite of our loyal SecondHalf readership. Remember: if you come across something you think needs to be seen – SUBMIT IT!
1. In a Pickle
We’re always on the lookout for the “next big thing” in sports; this story on “Pickleball” caught our eye.
Spring Lake High School was the first to get a visit from a group of senior Pickleballers – follow-up visits to Grand Haven and Muskegon Mona Shores are in the works, too. Needless to say, there’s a faction of MHSAA staffers ready to take on any and all challengers. Anyone out there a fan – or or better yet, an expert – Pickler?
2. Nothing but net
You could give high school senior Jake Norcia 86 repeat tries on this shot; he’d likely miss all 86. It wasn’t a game-winner for Highland Park High School (Ill.), but the sheer distance that the ball travels to eventually find the net here is astonishing. In addition, the way the ball was thrown – looks like the shooter was just tossing a piece of paper in the waste bin.
3. Must have been a big win
From Fairfax, Va. – one of the more impressive court-rushes we’ve witnessed in 2012. A 3-pointer at the buzzer causes absolute pandemonium.
Need another angle? Sure.
4. Just ... Wow.
Not sure what a Sit Ski is? You’ll know after watching this short clip on paraplegic skier Josh Dueck. Great production in the video, and obviously a terrific support network of friends. We were moved by the story – and think you will be, too.
That's a wrap. See something over the weekend that caught your eye? Upload it to YouTube and send it on over.
It could become part of Second Half’s #SocialStudies.
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#SocialStudies v8.0
April 5, 2012
Happy Spring Break, #SocialStudies regulars! It's been a quiet week in our office with many Lower Peninsula schools off all week -- but I still managed to dig up some web gems for your perusal. *Beach umbrella optional.
1. Fore real?
Oh, professional golfers. Do they even know? They can't possibly understand how difficult this game is for the rest of us; I look like a toddler aimlessly swinging a metal stick while teetering around well-shorn grass plateaus.
The 2012 Masters Tournament tees off today -- and players in the field lurked around Augusta earlier this week, reading greens and testing the waters, if you will. One such tester? Martin Kaymer, who tees off second in this clip. I'd suggest watching the entire 37 seconds.
2. Floored by this performance
This woman is named Johanna Quaas, and she is 86 years old. Read that twice for effect. Here's her floor routine (yes, FLOOR ROUTINE!) at a gymnastics tournament called “Turnier Der Meister,” or Tournament of Masters, at the 2012 Cottbus World Cup in Germany.
3. Watch the guys who are supposed to be defending
In Iowa, it looks like mash-up sporting might be the next big thing. I think this play could be called a roll-out?
4. Moves like Stokkebroe
We opened with an octogenarian doing something amazing; and I think it's appropriate to bookend things with this little heart-breaker. William Stokkebroe is 2 years old, and wee man can flat-out shake it. Try not to smile: Dare you.
As always -- if you find something worthy of us watching, send it over. Links, photos, stories ... whatever strikes your fancy that week. Make it part of our #SocialStudies!
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