Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/17/16

3 Up

1. Georgetown 272 - Many do not hold some of our "esteemed" Universities around the country accountable for it, but this New York Times piece on Georgetown University, and it's history of selling 272 slaves to keep the institution afloat is VERY thought-provoking. A very interesting question also is evoked - what do these institutions owe descendants? 

2. NBA Week - Could the NBA ask for a better week than this last one? First, there was the unbelievable story of the Golden State Warriors breaking the vaunted 95-96 Bulls' single-game season wins record with a 73rd win (still unfathomable). And then there was the absolutely fun game that was watching Kobe Bryant go for 60 points on his final game. Oh yeah, playoffs began this weekend as well. Great stuff for the league all around. 

3. Removing Andrew Jackson - There are sooooo many aspects that still evoke reminders of slavery and the dark parts of our nation's history in this country. Honoring Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill has been one of them, and now, it seems that will be no more. 

3 Down

1. Ecuador Earthquake - A devastating earthquake occurred in the country killing almost 300 civilians and causing mass damage, including many collapsed buildings. Such an unfortunate situation. 

2. Saudi Arabia Threat - Having the Saudi Arabian government threaten to pull $750B in U.S. investments if they are brought up on investigation for their role in 9/11 just reeks of guilt. Here is to hoping our government does the right thing in not letting threats dictate what is right for the 3000 families who lost loved ones on that day. 

3. Johnny Manziel Support - A second time this makes the "down" list just this year. Where are the same people that rode this poor kid's tails to the NFL and his national success? Now when he needs it the most, Manziel is on his way to not only permanently killing his football career, but much worse. Again, where the heck is this guy's support system and loved ones? 

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...

Yankees 2025 Postseason - Ponderings and Stuff

Because of the response I received last year for my ponderings on last year's World Series , I decided to do the same for this year's MLB Postseason run. I'll drop some quick ponderings on the Yankees and their playoff run here. Because, well, I don't do "response videos".  Yeah, still a words guy. Still a nerd. Nonetheless, who knows? If the Yankees drop a quick two to the despised Boston Red Sox, this might be a quick wrap-up. Orrrrrrrrrr, we're looking at a collection of thoughts for a World Series title.  I'll calm down.  Dropping some ponderings below - thanks in advance for following along... --- Game 1  Red Sox d. Yankees, 3-1 (BOS leads series 1-0) And. Here. We. Go. [in your favorite Joker voice] Yankee fandom is likely going to be in full insufferable panic mode after this loss. I'm expecting the usual takes of "it's Boone's fault" and something to do with Cashman, and other bad takes on why "they trust anayltics ...