Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 8/13/23


3 Up

1. Alix Dorsainvil - An ongoing story that reminded us even the nicest of people who are genuinely trying to do good in this world have to navigate the enormous evil within it. Dorsanvil, an American nurse in Haiti to help, along with her daughter were held captive for almost two weeks. This week, we all received the good news that she was released. 

2. 50 Years of Hip Hop - Ahhhh what a year of buildup to the celebration that has been 50 years of hip hop. Thanks so much to a style of music that evolved into a way of live and culture that has influenced so much within our society. 

3. Eras Tour Impact - Taylor Swift's Eras tour has been assessed has having the same amount of economic impact as the Olympics. Absolutely insane. Swift reaches new heights in her stardom, and the tour isn't over! 

3 Down

1. Hawaii Wildfires - Absolutely heartbreaking to see the images and the fallout from Hawaii regarding these wildfires. So many have lost their homes, livelihood, and loved ones. Absolutely devastating...

1a. Extreme Weather - This topics has been in the "down" spot too often this summer, but we can't ignore it. Beyond the chaos in Hawaii, it feels like wildfires are ALL over the world right now. 

2. Foiled Assasination of Zelensky - In a story that made headlines but quickly slipped through our awareness, Ukraine foiled a plot to assassinate their leader. Everything in the Ukraine and Russia feels like we've become desensitized due to the length of this conflict. Yet, still, so many suffer. 

3. Baltimore Orioles - In a more less-serious "down", The Orioles found a way to embarrass themselves in a successful year by suspending their announcer, Brown, for well...offering facts. SMH. Shame on the Orioles organization. More specifically, their leadership. 

Cover Photo 

Honolulu Fire Department responders work in Lahaina. 

Go Nakamura/The New York Times/Redux

Recent Favorites

WWE Wrestlemania XL Review: "I absolutely loved this Wrestlemania"

It's easy to get caught up and become a prisoner of the moment. Especially in today's world where the latest moment is ostracized, super-analyzed, and hyperbolized - it's very much the clickbait, social media, microwave society we live in.  Yet, even after acknowledging that (as well as my Tribal Chief, of course), I still come to this feeling that Wrestlemania XL is one of the best Wrestlemania's, ever.  Yes, ever!  I don't need Triple H's metrics and benchmarks to influence me. No, no, no! In terms of hype, storylines, payoffs, match quality, and just overall fun - this entire weekend was amazing.  I'm slightly skewed in my preference as well. This was my son's first Wrestlemania as a pro wrestling fan. Having him at my side cheering on his favorites, getting caught up in the drama, and even crying at the end of the night because his Tribal Chief lost to "that no good Cody" added to the overall appreciation of the event.  So yeah, I have some

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

NXT Stand and Deliver 2024 Review: 'For super casual NXT fans like me - no complaints here'

It's become officially a tradition that NXT Stand and Deliver makes Wrestlemania weekend feel like the ultimate wrestling weekend - as if it isn't already. There is just something about a major show being held midday on a Saturday, among the hype for the already dual night of Wrestlemania - that just emanates and screams - wrestling fans, don't go anywhere all weekend.   Nonetheless, NXT Stand and Deliver 2024 for this super causal NXT viewer was entertaining. I was well aware (and followed) the story of Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes (more on that in a bit) more so than the other happenings, but that didn't matter. The show offered many reasons to check out Shawn Michaels' project on Tuesday nights.  With that said, here are some quick thoughts on NXT Stand and Deliver 2024:  - Baron Corbin is amazing on the NXT brand. For many reasons, he just never clicked for me on the major brands - and that very likely might not even be his fault. I didn't think Axiom an