Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/30/23


3 Up

1. Harry Belafonte - A legend passed away this week. And it goes to show you how important learning about these icons often disappears following a brief moment of reflection. The stories of Belafonte go well beyond his talents and abilities as a performer. There were so many stories this week of his instrumental guidance during the civil rights era. RIP to an absolute legend. 

1a - Jerry Springer - While at it, Jerry Springer also left Earth this week. Known for his television show that gripped daytime TV and defined the 90s, Springer also had a political career as a Mayor. Culturally defined and influenced by Mr. Springer. 

2. Jimmy Butler - Jimmy Butler absolutely went off this week - this also, unfortunately, carried over into Game 1 against my New York Knicks. Playoff Jimmy is impressive. 

2a. Drew Maggi - Another sub-"UP" is the story of Drew Maggi. Maggi grinded it out for thirteen years in the minor leagues. This week he not only got a call-up, he was able to notch his first hit and RBI. Great story. 

3. Roy Wood Jr. - I'm a big fan of Wood Jr. Dude is hilarious. Love his stand-up. At the White House correspondents dinner, Wood delivered some awesome punch lines in what is traditionally a tough gig. 

3 Down

1. Texas Family Gunned Down - More of these stories - I just can't help but shake my head. What are we doing as a society? 

2. Disney Layoffs - While inflation slows and things still feel, well, "okay", the market continues to see large companies slash jobs. This week, joining big tech was the powerhouse that is Disney. 

3. Bud Light - I find the entire cultural war at hand with Bud Light in the middle of it to be well...stupid. Are people really going to stop drinking Bug Light because of it's affiliation with a member of the Trans community? Can you imagine if we all took stock on the products and the companies we purchased items from (or enjoy)? People boycotting Bud Light, Bars losing business over this - all of it is just stupid.

3 Interesting 

1. Tucker Carlson Leaving FOX - Well, well, well. Everything at FOX News is rather interesting these days. There is a LOT of accountability coming the way of the news channel - mainly a Smartmatic lawsuit. But, to see an audience ultimately siding with Tucker Carlson and sever their affiliation with the news network is VERY interesting. 

2. Boston Bruins - After a record-setting year in the NHL for most wins/points, the Bruins are headed home after a Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers.  Let the meaningful discussion on the regular season begin. Typically I refrain from a prisoner of the moment, talking-head jargon - but for some reason, the Bruin's defeat does make me think about the inventory of the regular season. 

3. Biden Running Again - If we get Biden vs. Trump II for the Presidency, we really need to reassess our political leaders. Can we not do better? 

Cover Photo

Harry Belefonte at 96. 

Roert Deutsch, USA Today
Labels:

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more