Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/15/18


3 Up

1. Bartolo Colon - Mannnnnnnn, this dude at 44 years old and at who knows how many pounds overweight, almost threw a perfect game against the defending World Series Champions on National television. Bartolo, don't you ever change. 

2. Beyonce - I probably could just leave this "UP" as just "Beyonce", and really, most wouldn't even bat an eye at it. Regardless, she earned it this week, slaying as always. Beyonce killed it at Coachella with some awesome performances, reuniting with Destiny's Child, and of course, making history as the first black woman to headline the festival. 

3. New York Mets - Even this Yankees fan has to give it up to the Mets and their hot start. They are playing some fun baseball, and well, it's backed by those big arms they need to rely on. Kudos to the Amazin's! 

3 Down

1. Philadelphia Starbucks - For those who don't understand "white privilege", here is an example of the opposite - two black men waiting for a friend in a Starbucks arrested and removed for well...being black and waiting for a friend in a Starbucks. "trespassing" they say, but "white privilege" is not having to worry about that ever happening to you if you are white. That's just life.  

2. Syria Attack - Ugh...I just really dislike all of this droning and bombing. We never hear of the innocent lives taken in this attacks by powerful countries. Then again, the recent chemical attack isn't getting a pass here either. This sort of international affairs stuff always makes me so upset. Why? 

3. Eli Marrero Home Run - Nothing like hitting a home run and running pass the player on base, just to have your home run now nullified. Ahhh, yes, welcome to replay in baseball. Still though, that has to hurt.

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.