3 Up
1. NBA Draft and Black Fathers - I love the NBA Draft. I do. Of all the "extra-ness" in sports, this is my guilty pleasure. And this year's was special. Not only was it great to see a group of newly drafted young men accomplish their dream (as always), but we saw a change from the typical ego or attempted cover-up of insecurity as players broke down crying upon hearing their name called by the commissioner. Also, it definitely was awesome to see the amount of fathers (especially that of black fathers) who were present at the draft for their son's big day. That made it that much special this year.
2. Albert Pujols - Sure, Pujols' return to St. Louis was awesome (kudos to Yadi Molina for allowing the moment to breathe and offering that hug!). But truly, it was THIS moment in Toronto that made you realize how great a person Pujols is.
3. Toddler Dap - My son's birthday is today. THIS short, but absolutely tremendous, video that went viral is the type of "Dad Goals" I'm about as he gets older. I honestly can't stop watching this.
3 Down
1. Sudan - The situation currently happening in the Sudan is absolutely horrific. It's a stark reminder about the importance of democracy, at the same time, the importance for resistance against systems not for ALL the people. The more you read about the Sudan, the more you feel for the situation and for the many courageous individuals laying their lives down for what is right and just.
2. U.S. and Iran Relationship - While the Sudan is in peril, our President is starting wars, and saving us from the same war, all at once. Yes, that's tongue in cheek, but really, isn't this the case.
3. Laura Ingraham - In regards to reparation discussions, she subscribes to "we won, you lost". "No do-overs". Even if you can set aside the comments and the absolute disgusting rhetoric it is, it boggles my mind that there will be many who will support her or dare I say, will agree with her. Unbelievable.
1 Stupid
1. Tampa Bay and Montreal Baseball Split - There are so many ways to go with this discussion. But the fact of the matter is this - Tampa Bay needs a new stadium that isn't on St. Pete aka traffic Hell. I truly believe if they are on the other side of the bay, things would be easier, especially for a team that does well in the regional market.
As for the hype around Montreal - we get it, it was once a hot bed and great story for baseball. But again, the Expos left town for many of the same reasons often discussed about with Tampa. Don't combine the mess, and by all means, don't do this to the families of players on this team.