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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 10/11/20

 

3 Up


1. Nobel Prize Winners - While 2020 has dished some sobering thoughts - or altering feelings - on Americana, it is nice to get the news that two Americans were awarded the Nobel Prize in economics to Paul Milgrom and Robert B. Wilson from Standford University. Their work has re-thought and re-imagined how auctions work. 

2. Los Angeles Lakers & Seattle Storm - Congrats to the Lakers and Storm who wrapped up the year-long basketball season with championships. Even more so to LeBron James and Sue Bird who each earned their fourth championship at the age of 35 years old - remarkable.

2a. No COVID Cases - I've mentioned it several times, but the work of the NBA and NHL should very well be commended for created "bubbles" and environments where they finished their seasons with NO positive COVID cases. They pulled off the impossible, and yes, produced the best on-tv product in sports since the pandemic began. 

3. VP Presidential Debate - Well, it wasn't a disaster. And as we now learned, it pretty much wrapped up the 2020 election debate season. Regardless, we'll be throwing it into the "Up" for actually providing some sort of return to respectability.

3 Down


1. Domestic Terrorism - The story coming out Michigan about kidnapping Governors and angry white-mob militias is absolutely crazy. For years groups and acts like this (see: mass shootings) have gone undeclared for what it is - terrorism. That's always been reserved for brown people. Regardless, the entire plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan is a next-level-sort-of low we have sunk to. 

2. Economic Stimulus Bill - People are hurting. Like, seriously hurting. The idea that our elected officials can't get this done, and that our President is holding the situation as a ransom for re-election is so entirely disheartening. 

3. Voting Suppression Efforts - Why are we always focused on ways to remove ballots, voting ability, and efforts? Why has no one - including our elected officials - fought to improve the ability to vote? 

1 Worry


1. Coronavirus Second Wave - Here in NYC - especially my very own neighborhood in Brooklyn, the virus is once again on the rise. I'm not sure if this is the all-so-talked about-second wave, but if it is, I pray that the projections aren't what we experienced in March, April, and May. 

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