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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 7/19/15

3 Up

1. South Carolinian Officer, Leroy Smith - At the top of the hill this week is this story that just exemplifies the kind of man Leroy Smith is. A South Carolinian officer, and also a black man, Smith helped a white supremacist protester bearing a swastika on his t-shirt after he suffered from heat exhaustion. I have to say, that is very honorable and the type of unconditional kindness that can break racism. 

2. Ronda Rousey - Yup, she's pretty bad ass already. But her saying the following statement, "I wonder how Flloyd feels being beat by a woman for once". Ouch. But good one! And then she followed it up with this, "I'd like him to pretend to not know who I am now". Well played, Ronda. Well freakin' played. I was already a fan, but now even more so of Rousey following her statement at the ESPYs. By the way, what  joke of a "sports award" show. Just my opinion...

3. Basketball Physics - I'm an exercise science junky. I have a degree in it, and I love that side of sports. So yes, when I read this article, I had to share with you all, and of course, I consider it an "up". 

3 Down

1. Four Marines Killed - Our world is becoming more and more evil. I truly believe that. When we look at ISIS, we tend to think of that happening on the other side of the world, when in actuality, the group is recruiting and influencing domestic terrorism right here on our land. My thoughts and prayers to the friends and families of those fallen military men. 

2. Sandra Bland - I really hope the story of Sandra Bland doesn't become a typical flash in the pan social media movement that trends and then is forgotten about this coming week. Something is very much wrong in this situation. Very, very wrong. 

3. Serena Williams Body Shaming - The New York Times is one of the few publications I read and still very much respect. However, their recent article on being ridiculous, and very much racist as well, about her body type was uncalled for. "Body-shaming" was a nice way to put it. The outlook by Ben Rothenberg was dumb, and the NYTimes should very well know better. 

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se