Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/715

3 Up

1. Germany and Sweden - The European migration issue is not one that is easy to wrap your mind around. It's a rather deep situation with a lot of gray area morally and ethically. Despite the choices, kudos to Germany and Sweden who have kept their doors open to those refugees fleeing Syria's current war. Again, it's not an easy call, but they've made the decision to help others. 

2. Pink - Major props this week goes to the recording artist, Pink, who called out the MTV VMA's for what it is - garbage. Okay, fine, that was my word, however, Pink was brave enough to say what really is true, "this trash won't save any kids life." She went on further honestly describe the VMAs, "...Let down by my industry and peers". Amen, Pink. So glad someone in the music industry called the VMAs for what it is.

3. Starstruck Boy - This kid who was set to walk out with Swansea City and Manchester City  and had the best reaction once he realized that he was standing next to Wayne Rooney. Just a great facial reaction. 

3 Down

1. NFL - Sooooooooooooooooooo, Tom Brady walks. And once again the NFL has egg on it's face in how it handled another disciplinary situation. What a disaster. 

2. Sean Ludwick - This guy is a real piece of you-know-what. Not only does he drive home drunk and kill his friend, but he drove away on two rims and left his friend at the scene of the crash to die. Can it get worse? Yup. Ludwick decided to count a wad of money while in court as if the trial wasn't all that important to him. What an ass. 

3. ESPN - If you think the NFL is the only one that is all over the map when it comes to being fair, how about ESPN? The company came down harshly on Curt Schilling for some personal tweets by removing him from all broadcasts for the rest of the year, but has done nothing to Cris Carter for his "advice" to NFL rookies, or did nothing in the past when Stephen A. Smith claimed some women instigated domestic abuse, and justified the action because of it. No wonder the ESPN empire is rapidly crumbling. 

Recently Read

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...

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...

Quick Ponder: Living for Your Kids

Many, are willing to die for their kids. Few, are committed to live for their kids.