Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 12/8/13

3 Up

1. The Celebration of Nelson Mandela - It's a shame to see such a great leader pass away, but at the same time, it serves as a celebration and an education lesson for those who were not aware of him and his efforts during his time on earth.

2. 2015 Ford Mustang - I'm a big fan of American muscle cars, especially the Ford Mustang. I'm pretty impressed with the new model. Good job, Ford!

3. Home Alone - The movie never gets old around the Holiday season. Always a treat to watch Kevin protect the house.

3 Down

1. Veteran and New Father Killed - I read this story and it simply pulled on my heart. It's tough reading these kind of stories about a new father and a member of our armed forces being killed any time of the year, but it is especially tough during the Holiday season.

2. Dayna Morales - The gay waitress that became an internet sensation after stating she did not receive a tip from a family because she was gay has now been outed as a fraud and is also out of a job. The family who was being accused of being homophobic provided evidence of the original receipt. Now Morales has lost her job, and should be ashamed for using discrimination as a means ot profit from.

3. Heather Cox - ESPN and their reporters have become a joke in my eyes in so many ways. Heather Cox had the nerve to continue to badger Jameis Winston after a huge game about a sexual assault case involving him that was dropped earlier this week. Leave the kid alone. I was happy to see Winston walked away after trying to be professional in the interview.
Labels:

Recently Read

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...
Read more

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...
Read more

Still...American

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...
Read more