Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/12/20


3 Up

1. Firefighters in Australia - The job of a firefighter is a courageous one already as is within your local communities and city. Yet, in tackling the massive catastrophe that has been the Australian fire - not to mention those who have boarded planes and traveled to the ravaged continent - has raised my respect for the profession and those who do so everyday. So much respect to those of you who serve.

2. 6 Year-old Standing Ovation - This is such a heartwarming story. In the midst of a tough week (more on that below), it is gems like this that are hidden in our news cycle that serve as a reminder that there are plenty of great things happening everday.

3. Harry and Meghan - This is pretty cool in an interesting sort of way. I've never understood the fascination with the "royal" family, especially in that of their weddings and children announcements. This exit is interesting, and is just a reminder of the perils of fame. I wish them all the best.

3 Down

1. Ukrainian Passenger Jet - Senseless and Sad. Opposite of the good above, the destruction of this airliner killing 167 people for senseless political purposes is head shaking and heartbreaking. Downed by a mistake of a missile is not acceptable in any way.

2. Australian Fires - Already touched upon, the fires continuing to rage in Australia are shocking in the amount of devastation. 17.9 million acres have already been burnt - larger that area of countries such as Denmark and Belgium combined. Some of the stories of wildlife being destroyed is just tough to read - just an all around crazy situation.

3. Puerto Rico Earthquake - If the world hadn't seen enough this week, Puerto Rico, still recovering from hurricane Maria, suffered an earthquake once again, suffering massive damage, loss of life, and power outage on the island.

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