Two good stories:

The passing of a Yellowstone Cinderella, High Country News

“She was one of the original 31 Canadian wolves transplanted to Yellowstone to kick off the wolf restoration effort in the Northern Rockies. Much of the park’s spectacular wolf recovery can be attributed to her breeding success: At least three of her daughters have gone on to form their own packs. And not only was she the alpha female of the largest wolf pack ever recorded — the Druid pack numbered 37 wolves in 2000 — but she also contributed mightily to our knowledge of wolf behavior and pack dynamics.
….
Doug Smith, the Wolf Project biologist for Yellowstone, says, “None of the other wolves liked 40 so they would hang out with 42 instead. In fact, the only wolf to visit 40’s den was 21.” When the aggressive 40 threatened her sister again, Smith said, “This time 42 said, ‘forget it’ and attacked 40, defending her pups. At least two other wolves joined in and left 40 a bloody mess.”
….
The next day 42 moved her pups clear across the Lamar Valley, took over 40’s den and raised her sister’s pups along with her own. She quickly assumed the alpha role, which she held until her untimely death this winter.”

Jump the Shark, New York Times, about the demise of professional pool sharking.

“But that’s just gambling,” Mr. Bell says wistfully. “Real hustling — driving to a pool room in another state, walking in, setting the trap, busting the local guy and then heading to a new town — is different. That’s what ain’t there any more.”