We seem to have a name for everything nowadays. The Friday after Christmas is known as “Black Friday” because it puts so many stores “in the black” (profit) for the year.

Well, what’s this – the Friday before Christmas – known as? Killing Time Friday? Mailing It In Friday?

The final work day before a long Christmas break is certainly bound to bring out the, uh, inefficient in all of us.

Except here at HSSTM, that is. You’ll find that we’re still hard at work today, neatly wrapping up the year. Notice our Showcase stories on the Web site, for proof.

Our own Austin Chadwick, from the corporate offices of HSSTM in Tulsa, Okla., recently scored an interview with Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler and Rookie of the Year candidate Adrian Peterson. Check out the great Q & A if you have time (and let’s not kid ourselves, you’ve got the time today).

Also, we’ve put together a smaller version of the Holiday Tournament circuit story from the Dec. issue. If you’re making plans to catch some holiday hoops action, our guide to the tournaments over the next week will assist you in that endeavor.

And now, I present something totally non-high school sports related. Call it a Christmas gift from me to you:

My Top 5 Christmas Movies:

(5) White Christmas – Yes, it’s the one with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Yes, it’s a cheesy musical with George Clooney’s aunt, Rosemary. And yes, it was made in 1954. But that doesn’t detract from the feel-good atmosphere of this flick. Every time it comes on, I have to watch it.

(4) The Santa Clause – I thought I’d put this on here for my kids. We watch it every year and Tim Allen was at his comedic prime (with “Home Improvement” when he made this in 1994. Then a couple nights ago it was on the Disney Channel. We watched half of it as a family and then put the kids to bed…and my wife and I came back downstairs to finish it.

(3) A Christmas Story – Who doesn’t love the “You’ll shoot your eye out” lines, the leg lamp masquerading as a major award and the bunny suit Ralphie is forced to wear? Added bonus: the story takes place in Northern Indiana. And TBS/TNT runs it for 24 straight hours each Christmas.

(2) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – One of the most quotable comedies ever. Chevy Chase at his best. (Jeez, I sound like Roger Ebert.) From crazy Cousin Eddie and his ridiculous dickie turtleneck to Uncle Louis’ hairpiece, it’s the ultimate example of the not-so-perfect Christmas.


(1) It’s A Wonderful Life – You’d think a 1946 black-and-white movie might have gotten passed up a long time ago. But there’s something about Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed that always pull me in. Life’s ultimate lesson taking place in the backdrop of our favorite holiday; even 60 years after it came out, it still resonates with millions every year.

Well, that’s my list. Hopefully you’ll catch a few of these over the next 4-5 days. From all of us at HSSTM, Happy Holidays!