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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 6/21/20


3 Up

1. Happy Father's Day - Happy Father's Day to many of the strong and powerful men out there who do so much for the next generation. The world needs more of you, especially in today's climate, to raise responsible human beings and to help lead strong families with a strong conviction for what is right.

2. Dream Act - I was never in favor of dismantling DACA. All around, the removal of the act just seemed wrong on so many levels. If it didn't work (or you don't agree with the legislation), I understand not looking for repeatable initiatives in the future, but stripping it all for many who have made life decisions on it was just outright cruel. Especially, those who have never experienced life elsewhere. I'm happy it was held up.

3. Albert Pujols - Big Albert may not crush the way he used to anymore, but he continues to show the type of human being he is by paying the salaries of all the Angels staff who work in the Dominican Republic. Say what you want about the latter part of his career and the contract he signed with the Angels, but the dude puts that money to extremely good use. So charitable. It's hard NOT to like him.

3 Down

1. Modern Day Hangings - The recent hangings of black men across the country are all too coincidental. I just don't buy the sudden "suicides" of black men by way of hanging from trees across the nation. Our climate is all too surreal, and to be honest, it's highly indicative of how embedded racism is in our country.

1A. Hanging Noose - This shit is infuriating. I don't think I've ever wanted a NASCAR driver to win as badly as I want Bubba Wallace to win.

2. #SpeakingOut - This was absolutely heartbreaking to read, but it was definitely necessary. The wrestling business saw many within it, mostly female workers, speak out this week of their stories of sexual abuse within the industry - some while they were minors (so crazy - smh). The stories were outright horrific, and have taken down the entire UK wrestling scene, and a few notable talents here in the states. I love wrestling, but it too needs to be completely turned on its head to shake much of a business is rooted in misogyny and racism. Check out the hashtag on Twitter if you dare.

3. Voter Suppression - The story out of Kentucky is absolutely infuriating. Cutting 3700 polling sites to just 200, with the majority of them leaving black communities with absurd ratios, is the height of voter suppression, and really, of a democracy that has failed in its basic concepts.

1 Progress Made

1. Juneteenth - Maybe it was me, but it was surreal to see Juneteenth really become a part of everyone's radar and awareness as a celebration. Many just learned about it and seeing it as a part of everything we do for other holidays is an ode to the progress made for acknowledging ALL history.

1 Could it Be...

1. Undertaker Retirement - Speaking of wrestling...the Undertaker apparently has finally hung it up. Like for real this time. I'm not ready to believe it, but if it's true this time - what a hell of a run. In any entertainment business. That's a legendary run.

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