A Few of the Finer Things - July 2015

It is once again the beginning of my self-proclaimed "Summer Reading Season" and I just finished an inspiring book that I wanted to share with you. ESPN reporter Stuart Scott wrote a memoir titled Every Day I Fight before he passed away earlier this year after a long bout with cancer.

In July of 2014, Stuart was awarded the Jimmy V Perseverance Award, given annually at the ESPY's which is ESPN's annual ceremony that recognizes individual and team athletic achievement. I have often wondered why the ESPYs are necessary...after all, sports by their very nature determine individual and athletic achievement - the outcome of a game, playoff or tournament tells us who has won. The Jimmy V Perseverance Award is the one part of the ceremony that I look forward to annually. It is awarded in honor of Jim Valvano, the college basketball coach who when awarded an ESPY during his bout with cancer gave the now very famous "Don't give up, don't ever give up" speech.

Stuart's acceptance speech was called his "finest television moment" by some in the media - that is quite a statement about someone who spends their profession on television. If you haven't seen the speech, you can watch it here:

I found the book to be very enjoyable read about a family-oriented man who lived his life in a very admirable way. Every Day I Fight by: Stuart Scott

I hope you enjoy your own Summer Reading Season!

- Gary Weiss, July 2015