Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 8/8/21

3 Up

1. Allyson Felix - After winning her 11th (!!!) medal at the Olympics, Felix is now the MOST decorated Track and Field athlete in history. That's pretty awesome especially considering that she passed the great Carl Lewis in doing so. So much props to Felix - and here is to hoping that she inspires younger track and field athletes to come. 

2. Olympic Reactions - One of my favorite things about these 2020 (or 2021) Olympics has been the raw emotion from athletes in victory and in defeat. Some of those that have stood out are the United States Men and Women Basketball teams, The French Men's Basketball team, the US Women's Volleyball Team, the Jamaican 4x100 Women's Relay, and the Japanese Baseball team. So much emotion - so much good stuff. 

3. King's Disease II - Maybe this is a personal bias, but eh, whatevs. Nas' latest album, The King's Disease II is an absolute joy, especially for those with a bit of an appetite for that 90s-2000s flavor. Just a good album to bump in the car or bopping around in the summer. 

3 Down

1. Governor Cuomo - Yikes. Things continue to get worse for the Governor of New York. His fall from grace is an example of how times have changed throughout this pandemic. With calls from leadership as high as the President suggesting your resignation, I'm not sure how this ends well for Cuomo. 

And to be honest, from the findings in the investigation - he should step down. 

2. Kindergarten Pandemic Enrollment - I continue to believe it - there are so many issues that are lingering behind the obvious health and economic crisis that is this current pandemic. The education gaps, development, and lack of access are some of them. This story speaks to that. 

3. Climate Crisis - 91 Wildfires rage throughout the United States, including the Dixie WildFire which is the third-largest fire on record in California. This summer has been absolutely worrisome on the climate front. 

2 Wow

1. Messi Leaves Barcelona - Wow. Just wow. 

2. Wasted Vaccines in the United States - And, wow. So sad considering the need for these vaccines across the world. Wow. Smh. Just wow. 

Cover Photo

In Plumas County, California, flames leap from trees as the Dixie Fire jumps Highway 89 north of Greenville on August 3, 2021. Dry and windy conditions have led to increased fire activity as firefighters battle the blaze, which ignited on July 14.

Noah Berger / AP

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Review: "One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended"

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...